Bible Study at Davao del Sur Provincial Jail - 01-12-2017

Christians are those people who are "the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus," having "put on Christ" in being baptized into Him (Gal. 3:26,27). As Romans 6:4 concludes, ". . . even so we also should walk in newness of life." We will not be able to so walk, however, without a knowledge and application of the correct directions. These directions or instructions are furnished to us in their entirety in the Bible, the Word of God.

The Gospel of Christ was once again preached at Davao del Sur Provincial Jail (also known as Provincial Rehabilitation Center) at Matti, Digos City, Davao del Sur. We are always thankful to see the brethren to continue in studying the word of God. This time, brother Julie Divine A. Notarte, preached the Gospel. Brother Feilpe Tula Jr. lead the songs and the preachers who cooperated were brother Ben Dulong, Joseph Notarte, Jonathan Notarte and I (Joshua Notarte).

Baptism at Dapok church of Christ, Dapok, Tulanan, Cotabato & Wedding at Daig Barangay Site church of Christ

January 9, 2017

Baptism is designed to change our relationship to Christ. Baptism changes our relationship by bringing us into Christ. Before baptism we are aliens, outside of the realm of the blessings for the saved (Eph. 1:3), but after baptism we are in Christ where the blessings can be had. "For you are all sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ"
(Gal. 3:26,27).

Two (2) precious souls had submitted to baptism after the bible study at Dapok church of Christ, Dapok, Daig, Tulunan, Cotabato. Brother Jimmy Labuguen and Rogelio Saan are the preachers in this congregations. They requested my father, Julie Divine A. Notarte, to preach the Gospel of Christ before the baptism. Brother Jonathan Notarte also cooperated and help edify our new brethren in Christ. To God be the glory!

But before the baptism, brother Julie Divine A. Notarte was also requested to solemnize the marriage of a couple at Barangay Site church of Christ, Daig, Tulunan, Cotabato. 

Worship Services & Baptism at Sanvali, Digos City, Davao del Sur, Philippines

January 8, 2017

The church of the New Testament is simply the group of baptized believers who have been called by the gospel out of the world of sin and who work and worship together according to the words of its head - Jesus Christ. "And in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

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, Rino Minggong, etc.

After the worship in Digos City church of Christ, One (1) precious soul decided to submit in water baptism at Sanvali, Digos City, Davao del Sur. My father, Julie Divine A. Notarte, baptized him after hearing the Gospel of Christ for many times. The preachers who cooperated were brother Jonathan Notarte and Cebe Arjay A. Notarte. But we give all the glory to God.

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 and brother Felipe Tula Jr. 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.

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

4:00 - 5:00 PM - Brother Joseph A. Notarte preached again on the worship service at Padada church of Christ, Sikatuna St., Padada, Davao del Sur. Brother Jonathan Notarte and Jay Obrero had cooperated.

Gospel Meeting at Bitaug church of Christ, Bitaug, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur (5 Souls Baptized) & Radio Preaching at night

January 7, 2017

We preach in gospel meetings to strengthen all Christians. Paul said, "And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified" (Acts 20:32). The teaching of the word of God's grace is what strengthens one's faith. We preach the gospel to hold what we already have won for Christ.

We give all the glory to God for the five (5) souls who submitted to baptism as a result of the Annual Gospel Meeting at Bitaug church of Christ, Bitaug, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur where I, Joshua A. Notarte, is one of the preachers. Together with me who help in preaching here for many years were brother Advincula Odas, Valente Tumol Sr., Joseph Notarte and Jonathan Notarte. 

Many preachers had attended but only few were able to speak. They are brother Dionisio Tol, Pedro Perez, Cristituto Marquez, Franklin Isla III, Connie Balbin and Frank Isla. Other preachers who cooperated were brother Joseph Notarte, Felipe Tula Jr., Ruel Eloy, Sonnie Balbin, Dominggo Mantilla, etc. We were all edified for hearing the Gospel and were glad that alien sinners obey the truth.

Five (5) precious souls had submitted to baptism and brother Advincula Odas baptized them. Their names are: 1. Jenelyn Tabigas, 2. Elvera M. Ingay, 3. Jeany Veth Cantulan, 4. Rey-ann Jane Adas, and 5. Kimberly Saraum. Please pray for them as they start to live for Christ.

The Gospel of Christ was heard through the Radio Program of the Church of Christ in Radyo Ukay Digos 92.7 FM at 6:00 - 6:30 PM. Brother Julie Divine A. Notarte, I (Joshua Notarte) and my brother is flesh (Joseph and Jonathan) preached here for many years. Through this radio program, many people heard the truth and after several times of listening, they obey. To God be the glory!

Funeral Service of Sister Melina B. Ayag

January 6, 2017

It is truly a wonderful day when one of God's saints is able to cross over the river of death to be in the presence of God. Sorrow in the hearts of those left behind, yes; but certainly not as those who have no hope. (1 Thes. 4:13 - "But we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve like other people who have no hope.")

Our sister in Christ, Melina B. Ayag died on December 25, 2016 due to complicated illness. Her husband is a preacher of the Church of Christ but is also very sickly. Both of them live faithfully to Christ and help building a meeting place for worship. Sister Melina's funeral service was conducted at the meeting place of the Agco church of Christ, Agco, Ilomavis, Kidapawan City. A large gathering was in attendance, including many preachers of the gospel. My father, Julie Divine A. Notarte, was requested to preach the word of God. Other preachers who cooperated were brother Jonathan Notarte, Alejandro Anoling, Noli Caa, Danny Perez, and many more.