Gospel Meeting at Balite church of Christ, Balite, Marilog District, Davao City (4 SOULS BAPTIZED)

November 29, 2016

Preaching saves, but not just any kind of preaching. It must be gospel preaching (Mark 16:15-16). Paul said the gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). The word "power" is a translation of the Greek word dunamis, from which we get the word "dynamite." The gospel is, therefore, the dynamite of God, powerful enough to blast sin out of man and man out of sin.

We were invited to be the speakers of the Gospel Meeting at Balite church of Christ, Balite, Marilog District, Davao City where brother Roger Sumahay preaches. He continue the work here after their local preacher, Jerry Aguan, died on January 8, 2016. Brother Roger was emotional as he speaks about the trials they faced in order to remain faithful in service to God.

The SPEAKERS who preached the word of God were brother James Ani Sr. (who also lead the songs), brother Jonathan Notarte, I (Joshua Notarte), Julie Divine A. Notarte, Connie Balbin, Gerry Caa, Pepe Ando and Noli Caa.

After preaching the Gospel of Christ, 4 SOULS came forward during the invitation song and submitted to baptism. We glorify God for this addition in His Kingdom which is the Church of Christ.

Worship Services 11-27-2016

As individuals we have examples in the New Testament of private personal worship: prayers, singing and study (1 Thess. 5:17; Jas. 5:13; 2 Tim. 2:15). But we also have obligations collectively as part of the "local congregation." Each "member" of the church must meet his "individual responsibilities" (Rom. 12:4-8) in the work and worship among God's people collectively.

On the Lord's day, we continue to do our responsibilities in preaching the Gospel of Christ that saves men.

9:00 - 11:00 AM - Brother Julie Divine A. Notarte and Jonathan Notarte preached at Digos City church of Christ, Roxas Ext., Zone 3, Digos City, Davao del Sur. The prechers who cooperated were brother Cebe Arjay Notarte, Mencio Mangcal, Romel Cabaña, etc.

At the same time, brother Joseph Notarte and Valente Tumol Sr. preached at Bitaug church of Christ, Bitaug, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

I (Joshua A. Notarte) preached in 2 congregations on the worship services. First, I preached at New Quezon church of Christ, New Quezon, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. Second, I preached at Manga church of Christ, Manga, Matanao, Davao del Sur. Together with me was brother Ruel Eloy.

Brother Advincula Odas preached at Astorga church of Christ, Astorga, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

4:00 - 5:00 PM - Brother Jonathan Notarte preached again on the worship service at Padada church of Christ, Sikatuna St., Padada, Davao del Sur. Brother Ruel Eloy lead the songs. Brother Joseph Notarte also has cooperated.

Wedding at Digos City church of Christ, Roxas Ext., Zone 3, Digos City & Radio Preaching at Night

November 26, 2016

When a man and a woman unite in marriage, they unite their lives. God described it as becoming "one flesh" (Matt. 19:5-6). They become one in mind, purpose, will and direction. If this type of relationship is never formed or developed, the marriage is in serious trouble. A husband and wife have certain obligations toward one another that work for a successful home. 

Sister Marieta Bilang, one of the orphans that my father took care since they were children, get married to brother Jovane Bagot. My father, Julie Divine A. Notarte, was requested to solemnize their marriage at Digos City church of christ, Roxas Ext., Zone 3, Digos City. Many of their relatives and friends who attended heard the truth as my father preached the Gospel since it was part of the wedding ceremony. Please pray for the new couple as they start build their own family.

At 6:00-6:30 PM, I (Joshua Notarte) preached on the Radio Program of the Church of Christ at Radyo Ukay Digos City. It was heard throughout Davao del Sur province and was fruitful especially to the rebel areas. Many of them were converted after they heard the Gospel of Christ through the radio and we give all the glory to God.

Preacher's Training at Ginatilan church of Christ, Ginatilan, Kidapawan City

November 25, 2016

A preacher must know the word of the Lord. The message is more important than the messenger. The gospel is what saves the man, not the gospel preacher (Rom. 1:16). Hence, the preacher must have a good acquaintance with the word of God before he begins to preach. Apostle Paul for example admonished Timothy to study and to handle the word of truth accurately (2 Tim. 2:15) and to give heed to reading the Scriptures (1 Tim. 4:13).

A Preacher's Training Class was held at Ginatilan church of Christ, Ginatilan, Kidapawan City where brother Hope Itdang preaches. It was attended by 80-100 preachers came from different places. Brother Jonathan Cariño is the main speaker with a theme, "Preachers And Preaching." My father, Julie Divine A. Notarte, was also requested by the host to preach and he taught about, "The Five Keys of Converting Souls." 

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

November 24, 2016

The Bible will help one become prepared to stand before God on judgment. Hebrews 9:27 says, “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this, the judgment.” There will be a day of reckoning for mankind. All men will stand before God and give an account of their actions on earth (2 Cor. 5:9-10). We can be prepared for this great day if we apply the things we studied in the Bible.

We are thankful to the Jail Warden in allowing us to preach the truth to the prisoners here at Davao del Sur Provincial Jail (also known as Provincial Rehabilitation Center) in Matti, Digos City, Davao del Sur. This time, he allowed us to preach not only to the Male but also to the Female quarter. The work became greater and challenging but by God's grace, we believe it will be more fruitful in the future. My father, Julie Divine A. Notarte, preached in the Male with the help of brother Ben Dulong, Joseph Notarte and Joey Bilang (who lead the songs).

At the same time, brother Jonathan Notarte preached in the Female. Brother Felipe Tula Jr. lead the songs and brother Ruel Eloy and I (Joshua A. Notarte) had cooperated.

Worship Services 11-20-2016

The New Testament worship has to do with the inward part of man, his spiritual makeup. All Christians are priests who offer up spiritual sacrifices (1 Pet. 2:5). Our prayers are as sweet incense rising up to God (Rev. 5:8). Our music is making melody in our hearts (Eph. 5:19).

On this day, we were sent to preach in different congregations of the churches of Christ to edify the brethren during the worship services.

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 Joey Bilang (who lead the songs), Mencio Mangcal, Renato Taborada, Romel Cabaña, etc.

At the same time, I (Joshua Notarte), with our youngest brother in flesh, Cebe Arjay A. Notarte, preached at Taclobo church of Christ, Taclobo, Libertad, Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal. Brother Bobby Enotivas is the preacher in this congregation and he also preached during the bible study.

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, was sent to preach at Astorga church of Christ, Astorga, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. He is also a preacher in this congregation.

Brother Felipe Tula Jr. and Valente Tumol Sr. preached at Bitaug church of Christ, Bitaug, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

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 Felipe Tula Jr. lead the songs. Other preachers who cooperated were brother Jonathan Notarte, Renato Bogoy and Renato Taborada.

Preacher Training & Gospel Meeting at J.P. Laurel church of Christ, J.P. Laurel, Malungon, Sarangani Province (7 SOULS BAPTIZED)

November 19, 2016

It is God's will that those who hear and obey the gospel learn how to teach it to others. Before ascending into heaven, Jesus commanded, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen" (Matt 28:19-20). It is written, "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also" (2 Tim. 2:2).

By God's grace and providence, the Preacher Training Class at J.P. Laurel church of Christ, J.P. Laurel, Malungon, Sarangani Province bear more fruits as more people heard the truth and obey the Gospel of Christ. And so the Preacher Training became a Gospel Meeting because it was attended not only by preachers but also several visitors observing the teaching of the word of God. Brother Pedrito Matampole is the preacher in this congregation and with the help also of his wife, many of their neighbors were encouraged to attend.

The program was started on training the preachers in leading the songs of the Church. One by one, they participated to stand in front.

After that, we started to study the bible from 10:00 AM to 12 noon. I (Joshua Notarte) was one of the speakers who preached the word of God together with brother Jonathan Notarte and Julie Divine A. Notarte. Brother Joseph Notarte needs to go home early because he was not feeling well. The preachers were very attentive during the whole time. We also gave Cebuano sermon outlines to help them in their study.

After preaching the truth, 7 SOULS came forward during the invitation song and were baptized at Sulop, Davao del Sur. My father, Julie Divine A. Notarte, baptized them. Their names are: 1. May Joy Guintolon, 2  Jonalyn Guintolon, 3. Ernan Guintolon, 4. Arjie Guintolon, 5. Delia Intan, 6  Tano Intan, and 7. Ritche Olaman. Please pray for our new brethren in Christ.