Text Box:    God’s Perfect Plan May not be “Merry”    Text:    Matthew 1:18-25 Thesis: Not everything was “Merry” for Joseph and Mary’s Christmas but                it was God’s perfect plan for them.    I. God’s plan for Joseph’s life was not an ______________plan to follow.              A. The account of Christ birth reveals both the miraculous and the                  _________________________. “This is how the birth of Jesus came about” (vs1)              1. Joseph’s __________________ plans were greatly disrupted                               when he discovers his fiancée (Mary) is expecting a child and                              he knows he is not the father.               2. Joseph’s _____________ human response was to divorce her.                     3. Even though Joseph had believed his trust had been violated                        “did not want to expose Mary to public disgrace”   II. Joseph in the ______________ of his crisis found God’s “grace to be                  sufficient” A. God gave Joseph ____________________ that this was His spiritual                       plan for Joseph’s life.                 1. God ________________to Joseph in a dream.                 2. God ____________________ Joseph by letting him know                                he was with him.                 3. God gave _____________________ to Joseph in his Word. B. Joseph _________________________ that God’s plan for his life                      superseded his own.    III. Joseph was __________________ to God and took Mary to be his wife.    A. Joseph _____________ the righteous path even though it would not                     be easy. B. Joseph was ___________that God’s awesome plan would not be  visible to the general  public. C. Joseph was _____________the privilege of naming his first born. D. Joseph’s obedience to God required him to ______________ from                     having union with his virgin wife until months after their wedding    night.    IV. Joseph willingly ______________ worldly success for great spiritual   gain. A. God’s plan may not be classified as FUN or “Merry” by the  world’s definition but it is always rewarding, full of joy and  produces _________________dividends.                                                                           Text Box: Sermon Notes Text Box: Praise & Worship Text Box:     Visitors    Please take a moment to fill out the yellow “First-time Visitor” slip in front of you.  Bring it                  to the welcome center in the foyer after the service where you’ll receive a free gift! Nursery    Nursery care is available for newborns thru 3 years old. Children’s Church                  4, 5 & 6 yr. olds not yet in 1st grade meet in the kindergarten room.                  1st thru 6th grades meet in the fellowship hall. Sermon Tapes/CDs                  Tapes & CDs of sermons are available for a suggested donation of $2 per tape                  Sermons can also be heard on the church website—www.mvcnaz.org. See Steve, or                  Larry in the sound booth.   Text Box: Things You Should Know! Text Box:   OPENING MUSIC....................................................”Go Tell It on the Mountain”   The Lighting of BETHLEHEM’S CANDLE OF JOY..........................Stan & Sandy Hoaglun                                                                                                                                                                              INVOCATION   WELCOME   GREETING...................................................................”Bless His Holy Name”   WORSHIP IN SONG.................................................  “O, Come All Ye Faithful”                                                                                   “We Three Kings”                                                                                                      FAMILY ALTAR.........................................................”I Worship You, Almighty God”      Special prayer - Karen Storms upcoming surgery          “Isn’t He”                                                                                   “Sovereign Lord”                                                                                       TITHES & OFFERINGS     SPECIAL MUSIC.........................................................John Neil              TODAY’S MESSAGE.................................................. Pastor Chuck Ryan     CLOSING......................................................................”I Just Keep Trusting My Lord”                BENEDICTION ef   Christmas Cantata Practice 4:45 pm. Join us for the exciting testimony of Betty Holton As she shares how God blessed during her recent mission trip to Russia 6:00 pm.                               Text Box: Welcome to... Text Box: Church of the Nazarene Text Box: Our Staff:         Senior Pastor..................  Chuck Ryan                    NMI President........  Eula Dunn         Assoc/Youth Pastor.......   Jeff Edmiston                 Youth Intern............ Jayson Martindale          Visitation Pastor.............  Bill Watson                    Secretary..................  Sherry Sheets                                                      Receptionist............       Audrey Morten office: 208-337-3151  *  fax: 208-337-6176  *  www.mvcnaz.org   Text Box: December 9, 2007

WelcomePraise & WorshipSermonAnnouncementsEventsThis WeekHomeBulletins