Bible Study at Davao del Sur Provincial Jail (Male & Female)

December 15, 2016

Have the proper attitude toward the Bible and how it teaches. Produce the scripture for ALL you do in religion, and don't appeal to the SILENCE of the Bible for authority for anything. The Bible furnishes us completely (2 Tim. 2:16-17). We must not pervert it (Gal. 1:6-9). We must not go beyond that which is written (I Cor. 4:6). We must not add to or subtract from its teaching (Rev. 22:18-19).

God continues to open doors for the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ here at Davao del Sur Provincial Jail (also known as "Provincial Rehabilitation Center") in Matti, Digos City, Davao del Sur. Many more prisoners are interested to obey after hearing the truth being preached every Thursday. Our co-preacher, brother Ben Dulong, did a good job in requesting the Jail Warden to conduct a baptism next week and was approved even by our Provincial Governor.

This time, I (Joshua A. Notarte), preached in Female quarters. Together with me was brother Felipe Tula Jr. who lead the songs. Brother Ben Dulong gave some announcement and invitation to the female if ever there are already decided to submit in water baptism. We only spent little time preaching to the female and so many of them are still observing. But please help us pray they will also be converted into Christ.

At the same time, my father, Julie Divine A. Notarte, also preached at Male quarter. Brother Joey Bilang also lead the songs and brother Joseph Notarte has cooperated. We always use sound system so that the prisoners inside the cell could hear. As a result, more than 500 prisoners heard and many of them are very interested in learning the truth.

Worship Services 12-11-2016

All that we do must be done "as unto the Lord" (Col. 3:23). Indeed, it must be done "in the name of the Lord" (Col. 3:17), which simply means that we must conduct all of our worship by the authority of Christ (Jn. 14:6). He has fully revealed His will to us in the written Word (2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 2 Pet. 1:3, etc.). We must determine to be content with what is written - with the revealed pattern.

9:00 - 11:00 AM - Brother Julie Divine A. Notarte and Joseph Notarte preached at Digos City church of Christ, Roxas Ext., Zone 3, Digos City, Davao del Sur. The preachers who cooperated were brother Renato Bogoy (who lead the songs), Mencio Mangcal, Ruel Eloy, Cebe Arjay Notarte, Romel Cabaña, etc.

At the same time, I (Joshua A. Notarte), preached at Bitaug church of Christ, Bitaug, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Together with me who preached was brother Valente Tumol Sr.

Brother Jonathan Notarte also preached in 2 congregations on the worship services. First, he preached at New Quezon church of Christ, New Quezon, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. Second, he preached at Manga church of Christ, Manga, Matanao, Davao del Sur. 

Brother Advincula Odas preached at Astorga church of Christ, Astorga, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. He is also a preacher in this congregation.

4:00 - 5:00 PM - Brother Joseph Notarte preached on the worship service at Padada church of Christ, Sikatuna St., Padada, Davao del Sur. Brother Renato Taborada lead the songs. Other preachers who cooperated were brother Jonathan Notarte, Felipe Tula Jr. and Ruel Eloy.

74 Souls Baptized at Bonguyan, Matina Aplaya, Davao City

December 8, 2016

There is no religious act in the New Testament which is described with so rich and varied symbols than BAPTISM. Baptism is a birth into the new life (John 3:5). Baptism is God's way of washing away sins (Acts 22:16). Baptism is the exodus out of bondage to sin into Christ (Rom. 6:3-4). Baptism is the act through which one enters the church and begins his journey toward heaven (1 Peter 3:21).

By God's grace, 74 SOULS had submitted to baptism in just one day! After several times of bible studies and Gospel meetings in their area, they finally obey the Gospel of Christ through water baptism. We cannot do this without the help of our co-preachers like brother Henry Embac, Quinones Macla and Moca Marapan. They sacrificed much in walking and travelling in rebel areas just to preach the truth. But thanks to God, for He continue to bless us that we can still able to spread the Gospel that saves men even in the rebel areas.

Before we went to the water, my father, Julie Divine A. Notarte, preached more about the Beauty and Importance of Baptism as what Jesus commanded in the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). Although, most of them are already decided but we make sure that they will obey it with understanding. Other preachers who cooperated in this work were brother Joseph Notarte, Jonathan Notarte and I (Joshua Notarte).

After preaching the whole truth, 59 precious souls went to the water and submitted to baptism. Brother Julie Divine A. Notarte baptized them all. After that, brother Jonathan Notarte read some scriptures in the bible to edify them how to live worthy Christians.

But just after we baptized them, another group of people arrived and were willing to be baptized. They already heard the truth even in the Radio Program of the Church of Christ. My father briefly preached again about the Gospel of Christ and having decided, 15 precious souls then were baptized. With a total of 74 souls who were baptized this day! We give all the glory to God for this addition in His kingdom. I (Joshua Notarte), give some admonishment to them from the bible. 

Please pray for our new brethren as they start to live in Christ. These brethren lived in war areas and they are always the victims. They could not go to their little gardens and were forced to evacuate when chaos occur. They don't have enough food, medicines and clothes. For many times, they invited us to preach in their area but most of the time, it was postponed due to the military operations. PLEASE PRAY FOR THEM AND HELP THEM.

Bible Lectures with Brother Rody Gumpad at Lanton church of Christ, Lanton, Apopong, General Santos City

December 6, 2016

The Church and Kingdom are distinct terms, but they are used synonymously in the New Testament to refer to the spiritual realm, relationship, or fellowship created by God in Christ, into which sinners enter by obedience to the gospel of Christ. Christ proclaimed the good news that his kingdom would soon be established, and he urged men to prepare to enter into it (Matt. 4:17). We have the privilege and duty TODAY to proclaim the good news that the kingdom has come, and to invite and urge all men to enter into it by obeying the gospel of Christ (Mark 16:15-16). 

We are glad and thankful to receive an invitation of the BIBLE LECTURES with our good friends and brothers in Christ, Rody Gumpad and his son, Rody Gumpad Jr. at Lanton church of Christ, Purok 11, Lanton Overview, Apopong, General Santos City. We were able to attend the whole day bible lectures together with my father, Julie Divine A. Notarte and brother Joseph Notarte. On April 2007, we were fortunate to be part of their students on The Preacher Training Program at Metro Tuguegarao church of Christ for one month. And we are thankful that they did not forget our close relationship and experience from that time. By God's help, we are looking forward to have another Bible Lectures with them in the near future.

This schedule was made through the help of their local preachers like brother Salvador Parbo and Jolly Julom and also with the help of brother Carlito Abella. Many preachers from different places had attended and were blessed with the lessons preached. May God help us become more equipped in preaching the truth so that many more souls will be saved.

Worship Services 12-04-2016 & Funeral Service at Night

As the Bible unveils the nature and will of God to man, one of the great themes of the Scriptures is WORSHIP. Yet, amazingly, although the Word of God tells us Whom to worship and how to worship Him, it never commands us simply to worship. Man, in each age, civilization and location, with a spirit in the image of his Creator and with a yearn for fellowship with his Maker, naturally worships something (Acts 17:22, 23). Therefore, make sure to whom do you worship!

9:00 - 11:00 AM - I (Joshua A. Notarte) and my father, Julie Divine A. Notarte, preached on the worship service at Digos City church of Christ, Roxas Ext., Zone 3, Digos City, Davao del Sur. Brother Joey Bilang lead the songs and brother Cebe Arjay Notarte, Renato Taborada, Ruel Eloy, Mencio Mangcal, Romel Cabaña, etc. had cooperated.

At the same time, brother Jonathan Notarte, was sent to preach at Astorga church of Christ, Astorga, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

Brother Joseph Notarte was also sent to preach at Mahayahay church of Christ, Mahayahay, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur together with brother Rodulfo Saludar Sr.

Brother Advincula Odas and Valente Tumol Sr. preached at Bitaug church of Christ, Bitaug, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

Brother Pedro Perez also preached in 2 congregations on the worship services. First, he preached at New Quezon church of Christ, New Quezon, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. Second, he preached at Manga church of Christ, Manga, Matanao, Davao del Sur. 

4:00 - 5:00 PM - I (Joshua Notarte) preached on the worship service at Padada church of Christ, Sikatuna St., Padada, Davao del Sur. Brother Felipe Tula Jr. lead the songs. Other preachers who cooperated were brother Joseph Notarte, Renato Taborada, Joey Bilang and Jonathan Notarte.

In the evening, the brethren at Astorga church of Christ, Astorga, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur had invited us to have a FUNERAL SERVICE on the wake of Lucrisio C. Batucan Sr. who died on December 1, 2016. His wife was a member of the Church of Christ and one of the daughters of our late brother, Dionisio Cantulan. They also asked for our prayer and help especially that their siblings were still young and they are very poor. My father, Julie Divine A. Notarte preached the word of God and brother Joseph Notarte lead the songs. The brethren at Bitaug church of Christ, Bitaug, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur had also cooperated and attended to extend their condolences.