March 29, 2015

10130 Rosedale Hwy. Bakersfield, CA 93312 | 661.589.9017 | www.highlandcoc.net

To Our Guests
We want your visit to be uplifting.
We know that visiting a new
church or coming to church for
the first time can be intimidating.
Let us know how we can add to
your visit and to your faith.

Leadership
Shepherded by our Elders
Steve Jensen | Eric Mullen |
Joe Smith
Served by our Deacons
Rod Blair | Mike Collier |
Jeremy Grimes | Randy
Rawlins | Bennie Springer |
Tom Wilson
Ministered by our Evangelist
Jovan Payes
ASL/Deaf Ministry
Steve Jensen

Ministries
Clothing | Deaf | Men | Missions:
Outreach Africa Women |
Missions: Village of Hope
(Ghana) | Quilting | Young Adult |
Youth

A Matter of Public Record

Moreover, he [the guardian/overseer (3:1)] must be well
thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into
disgrace, into a snare of the devil. (1 Timothy 3:7 ESV)
One of the qualifications for the guardians (overseers) in
Ephesus listed above concerns the Christian mans reputation
among non-Christians. In 1 Tim 3:7, the church is called to
evaluate this testimony as a preventive measure in the selection
process of a guardian.
It has been asked, what will happen to a leader who is not so
regarded by those outside the church (Knight, Pastorals Epistles,
165)? The answer is clear: it becomes a trap set by the Devil to
bring about disgrace in the church. The mans public record must
weigh in as to whether or not he should have the responsibility of
a guardian. Let us explore this verse in some greater detail by
looking at three aspects of the text.
(1) This virtue list ends with a final necessity. After exploring
thirteen qualifications designed to add details to the broad
concept of being above reproach (1 Tim 3:2), the final detail is
the measure of his character as reflected by outsiders.
The nature of his public record must be morally excellent.
The ESV has well thought of, but the text literally reads, have
a good testimony. It covers the positive moral ideas of good,
noble, praiseworthy (Bauer, et al., Greek-English Lexicon, 504), a
quality that is favorably valued (Louw and Nida, Greek-English
Lexicon, 88.4). His character and standing in the community (3:7)
must be equal to the good work as a guardian (3:2).
The source of information which is suppose to help the
church examine a guardians candidacy comes from non-

March 29, 2015

Notes and Requests

[Please send Notes and Requests to
cpayes318@gmail.com by Thursday]

On Going Problems: Kay Acosta

(pain; kidney failure), Joni Aldrich
(cancer), Doyle and Brenda Anders,
May Lou Blair (Rods mother;
recovery), Jim and Gayle Cabral, Fern
Claunch, Glenna Gamble
(encouragement), Pat Hamlin, Dillon
Herring (encouragement), Jay Hale,
Bill and Mary (cancer) Hanes, Jacob
Johnson (encouragement), Margaret
Lee (strength), Susie Livers, Pam
Martin, Kathy Morris, Bille Roberts,
Bennie and Judy Springer, Leona
Sturgeon, Jeff and Pam White
(assisted living; health). Prayers,
Calls, Visits, and Cards are always
appreciated.
Campout Update. When. Friday to
Saturday (May 15-17). Where.
Campground Montana De Oro Sp.
Prison Ministry Opportunities. Gary
Mills (#2102890) and Robert
Vanderhyde (#2096377). Both are
currently at 17695 Industrial Farm
Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93308. More
information, see Rod Blair.
Dan Asiamah. In town April 8; departs
April 13. Needs. Is raising funds for
various needs including a van, power
generator, preaching school needs,
and the general work; see Rod Blair.
Ladies Class. From Cherry Jensen:
The ladies class will be starting a
new series of lessons on worship. We
expect this to be a challenging and
interesting study. Please join us at 10
am every Tuesday morning.

Christians (literally, from those on the outside). At first glance,

this may appear to be strange.Why would public opinion matter
when addressing the leadership role of a church guardian? The
short answer is his public reputation either brings glory to God or
it brings disgrace to His Kingdom.
(2) The reason for the requirement is found in the middle of
the verse so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the
devil. The emphasis is placed upon protecting the church from
those who have a bad reputation in the community; such a
scenario would play into the devils trap.
Are there any longstanding frictions with the community
which are detrimental not only to the guardians service but also
to the mission of the church? Is he known for having improper
relationships, or do rumors circulate about him which would be
reproachable to him?
These questions must be asked and answered. However,
despite the importance of public record, the community is not
the final say. It is an important part of the appraisal process
designed to prevent disgraceful men from entering the eldership.
It is much easier to get a man in, than it is to get an unqualified
elder out.
(3) The ever present danger of the Devil. There are no
sinless guardians; however, pretense and hypocrisy are subject to
slander and accusations. Such is the main objectives of the
Slanderer (i.e., the Devil). The mans public record should not be
a prized trophy captured by the Devil. Consequently, Christian
men who bring widespread scandal upon the church of God have
a heavy burden to bear (Jackson, Before I Die, 94).
If character is something which has been built brick by brick,
then so is one's reputation. This, then, is not a role where one
develops their good reputation; quite to the contrary, the role is
for the person who already possesses an excellent reputation. JP

Todays Lessons
Bible Class:

Studies in the Letters of John (1-3 John)

AM Sermon: Dreamers, Forgivers, Mentors Fulfill Your

Ministry
PM Sermon: Mark 7:31-37: The Kingdom Upon Deaf Ears