Remain

Fighting the Good Fight

Mathew Hurst • Associate Pastor
March 13, 2026

5 Minute Read

After Paul greets Timothy, he encourages the young pastor to “remain in Ephesus” (1 Timothy 1:3b), to correct the false teachers there and continue to shepherd the local church. Timothy was dealing with all kinds of issues in the church of Ephesus: false teachers (1:3), petty arguments and discussions (1:6), disorderly church conduct (2:1-16), and even demonic influence (4:1-4). Timothy had his hands full as a young elder! Yet, Paul urges Timothy to remain there in the thick of it, to endure it. Timothy was challenged to face the mire head-on despite his youth (4:12) and illnesses (5:23). He was to feed the sheep that would bite him.

In light of this, my eyes turned inward, and I asked the Lord, “When things get hard, Father, do I remain with You and what you called me to, or do I try to take the easy road?” It is so easy for me, and I believe all of us, to want to avoid conflict or think that when things are hard, that is the time to move on, to get out of a situation, to flee, or even to distract ourselves. The only thing Timothy was called to flee was the greed and love of things of this world (6:9-11). Too often, those are the very things we run to instead.

Life challenges us, so we pursue distractions on social media, numbing our minds. It often is easier to complain or argue about the political or social lives of other people rather than take stock of how we are living ourselves. We pay attention to so many other things, just to find temporary fulfillment rather than resting in eternal hope.

Friends, our flesh longs for comfort, ease, and distraction, but the Christian walk is one with a cross on our backs (Luke 9:23). Each day is a fight to “pursue godliness, faith, hope, endurance, and gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11). Every day, we are to flee that which takes our eyes off of Jesus. We are called to remain in this fight, but not without hope, for though we bear our cross, we follow the Savior who bore our sins. We train and fight in godliness “because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe” (4:10).

You may think yourself weak today. The fight at hand may seem too great. The truth is, you are weak, and the fight is too much for us to bear alone. But just as God strengthened Paul to suffer for the Gospel (1:12), so too does He strengthen us to endure and go on, to remain in Him.

Whatever your age, your health, or whatever the challenge may be, let’s keep fighting the good fight, friends.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Mathew Hurst

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17).

THIS SUNDAY

Growth Group Lesson: Stay Strong • 2 Timothy 3:1-17

Order of Service

Call to Worship • Psalm 115:1-3
The God We Love (Nicene Creed)
Confession & Assurance • Psalm 115:4-8; Romans 8:29-39
The Steadfast Love of Christ
Dedication • Psalm 115:9-13
Psalm 34 (Taste & See)
Prayer
Message • Acts 19:21-41 | Don't Let Greed Control You
I Surrender All
Benediction • Psalm 115:14-18

NEXT STEPS & EVENTS

These are highlights from our Church Center Bulletin. See the full calendar and more at www.fbcwatauga.org.

Provo, Utah Mission Trip Interest Meeting • March 29th

Is God calling you to the mission field this August? Join us immediately after our service on March 29th for a vision meeting about our trip to Provo, Utah, where we'll bring the Gospel of Christ to the Mormon community alongside our partners at Mosaic Church and the Walker family. Whether you feel led to go or to support those who do, come hear the vision and seek the Lord.

Giving Focus of the Month: Annie Armstrong Easter Offering

Each month, we spotlight a different giving focus tied to our Acts 1:8 mission — reaching our community, state, nation, and world. This month, we're giving to the Annie Armstrong Offering, which has supported North American missionaries since 1895. Every dollar goes directly to missionaries spreading the Gospel across North America. If the Lord leads you to give above and beyond your regular offering, you can do so at www.fbcwatauga.org/give.

SAVE THE DATE

National Day of Prayer • May 7th at Keller City Hall
Church Family Meeting • May 17th
Church Family Picnic • May 31st at Northfield Park
Vacation Bible School • June 15th - June 19th
Missions Dinner • June 28th
Student Camp • July 6th - 10th
Kid's Camp • July 20th - 24th
Back2School Rally • July 25th
Student Mission Trip • July 26th - July 30th

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Up Next

From this Author: Mathew Hurst

May 8, 2026 • 4 Minute Read

It Is Done

I have been rereading C.S. Lewis’ allegorical works, The Chronicles of Narnia. As I have read, my appreciation for these stories has been renewed, with little snippets piercing my heart and mind in ways they had not before. There is a particular moment in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe that I wish to briefly share and reflect on, for in it, I think we can find an encouragement that we can so easily forget. “You have a traitor there, Aslan,” said the Witch. Of course everyone present knew that she meant Edmund. But Edmund had got past thinking about himself after all he’d been through and after the talk he’d had that morning. He just went on looking at Aslan. It didn’t seem to matter what the Witch said. You see, Edmund was a traitor. He sold out his own blood and kin to the White Witch, who wished to imprison them forever in stone. He thought the Witch would make him a king, one with pleasures eternal at his fingertips. What he discovered instead was slavery, a trench in the endless cold at the behest of a harsh and cruel master. What’s worse is that Edmund chose this journey. He could have ventured on with his brothers and sisters to the place where Aslan, the great Lion, was—a place of warmth, safety, and assurance. Yet, he decided a way in the cold and darkness. But Alan rescued Him regardless. Edmund was free. Once enchained and forced to toil in the snow, now he gets to walk freely beside Aslan. After reconciling with his family, there was nothing more to be said. It was done. Not even the Witch’s taunts could cause Edmund to lose heart. Do you know, Christian, that when Christ saves you, it is done? You need not rehash, relive, and dwell on what used to be anymore. The old is gone, the new has come (2 Cor. 5:17). Heed not the temptations from the enemy to think, “I am still a traitor, a sinner, condemned.” In Christ, you are free! What the enemy throws at us matters no more. What we used to be is gone. When Christ says, “It is done,” there is nothing more to be said. Because of this, we can lay aside every sin and hindrance that ensnares us and confidently look to our King who saves us (Heb. 12:1-2). Completely saved, the work is done The curse, the grave is overcome For with that dawn, there rose a King Now heaven's smile shines over me In Christ, Mathew Hurst THIS SUNDAY Growth Group Lesson: The Futility of Human Wisdom • Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 Order of Service Call to Worship • 1 Peter 1:13-16 Prayer of Adoration Only A Holy God Prayer of Confession Assurance • 1 Peter 1:17-19 Completely Known, Completely Loved Revelation • 1 Peter 1:20-21 Jesus Strong And Kind Prayer Message • In Him, We Have Purpose • Ephesians 1:4-6 His Mercy Is More Benediction NEXT STEPS & EVENTS These are highlights from our Church Center Bulletin. See the full calendar and more at www.fbcwatauga.org. VBS Workday • May 16th at 9:00 AM VBS is coming soon, which means you have an opportunity to help out even now! Join us at 9:00 AM in the Chapel to make crafts, assemble decorations, and more as we prepare for Vacation Bible School this summer. Church Family Meeting • May 17th at 6:00 PM Our quarterly family meeting will be at 6:00 PM in the Sanctuary. This is a great time to hear reports on how we are doing as a church missionally, financially, and more. All church members are encouraged to take part. How do I submit a prayer request? Want to pray for others in our church? Visit www.fbcwatauga.org, click Next Steps, and select “Pray With Us” to view requests, submit your own, or sign up for email notifications. SAVE THE DATE May 16 — VBS Workday May 17 — Church Family Meeting May 31 — Church Family Picnic Jun 15–19 — Vacation Bible School Jun 28 — Missions Dinner Jul 6–10 — Student Camp Jul 20–24 — Kid's Camp Jul 25 — Back2School Rally Jul 26–30 — Student Mission Trip

Mathew Hurst

Associate Pastor

April 3, 2026 • 3 Minute Read

A Blessed Friday

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.” Blessed is He who not only became poor in spirit, but gave up His spirit on account of us. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Blessed is He who mourned for us lost sheep so that we might be forever comforted in Him. “Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth.” Blessed is He who humbled Himself to the point of death, even death on a cross, so that every knee on the earth will bow to His name. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Blessed is He who filled Himself with our sin, the sour wine, so that we might be filled with His righteousness. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Blessed is He, the all-merciful One, who instead of scorn, cried out, 'Father, forgive them, they know not what they do!' “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Blessed is He who was the purest in heart, so that those with hearts defiled may be made clean and stand before God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Blessed is He who made peace between us and God so that we might be adopted in His family. “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.” Blessed is He who was despised and rejected by men so that we may be with Him in paradise. “You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Blessed is He who has earned the due reward for His suffering - power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing! Oh, glorify Him crucified! It is finished. Amen. Today is Good Friday, and we will remember, mourn, and rejoice in the cross of Christ with Northside Church at 6:30 PM at their place of worship (6750 Denton Hwy, Watauga, TX 76148). Today is Good Friday, but Sunday is coming. Let us rejoice and be glad for this saying is trustworthy: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again! Blessings to you all, Mathew Hurst

Mathew Hurst

Associate Pastor

Currently Reading

March 13, 2026 • 5 Minute Read

Remain

Sometimes when we read God’s Word, we have to actively look for things that stand out to us. And other times, by the Spirit of God, things just seem to leap off the page and straight into our hearts. That was the case for me earlier this week as I studied 1 Timothy. After Paul greets Timothy, he encourages the young pastor to “remain in Ephesus” (1 Timothy 1:3b), to correct the false teachers there and continue to shepherd the local church. Timothy was dealing with all kinds of issues in the church of Ephesus: false teachers (1:3), petty arguments and discussions (1:6), disorderly church conduct (2:1-16), and even demonic influence (4:1-4). Timothy had his hands full as a young elder! Yet, Paul urges Timothy to remain there in the thick of it, to endure it. Timothy was challenged to face the mire head-on despite his youth (4:12) and illnesses (5:23). He was to feed the sheep that would bite him. In light of this, my eyes turned inward, and I asked the Lord, “When things get hard, Father, do I remain with You and what you called me to, or do I try to take the easy road?” It is so easy for me, and I believe all of us, to want to avoid conflict or think that when things are hard, that is the time to move on, to get out of a situation, to flee, or even to distract ourselves. The only thing Timothy was called to flee was the greed and love of things of this world (6:9-11). Too often, those are the very things we run to instead. Life challenges us, so we pursue distractions on social media, numbing our minds. It often is easier to complain or argue about the political or social lives of other people rather than take stock of how we are living ourselves. We pay attention to so many other things, just to find temporary fulfillment rather than resting in eternal hope. Friends, our flesh longs for comfort, ease, and distraction, but the Christian walk is one with a cross on our backs (Luke 9:23). Each day is a fight to “pursue godliness, faith, hope, endurance, and gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11). Every day, we are to flee that which takes our eyes off of Jesus. We are called to remain in this fight, but not without hope, for though we bear our cross, we follow the Savior who bore our sins. We train and fight in godliness “because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe” (4:10). You may think yourself weak today. The fight at hand may seem too great. The truth is, you are weak, and the fight is too much for us to bear alone. But just as God strengthened Paul to suffer for the Gospel (1:12), so too does He strengthen us to endure and go on, to remain in Him. Whatever your age, your health, or whatever the challenge may be, let’s keep fighting the good fight, friends. Soli Deo Gloria, Mathew Hurst Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17). THIS SUNDAY Growth Group Lesson: Stay Strong • 2 Timothy 3:1-17 Order of Service Call to Worship • Psalm 115:1-3 The God We Love (Nicene Creed) Confession & Assurance • Psalm 115:4-8; Romans 8:29-39 The Steadfast Love of Christ Dedication • Psalm 115:9-13 Psalm 34 (Taste & See) Prayer Message • Acts 19:21-41 | Don't Let Greed Control You I Surrender All Benediction • Psalm 115:14-18 NEXT STEPS & EVENTS These are highlights from our Church Center Bulletin. See the full calendar and more at www.fbcwatauga.org. Provo, Utah Mission Trip Interest Meeting • March 29th Is God calling you to the mission field this August? Join us immediately after our service on March 29th for a vision meeting about our trip to Provo, Utah, where we'll bring the Gospel of Christ to the Mormon community alongside our partners at Mosaic Church and the Walker family. Whether you feel led to go or to support those who do, come hear the vision and seek the Lord. Giving Focus of the Month: Annie Armstrong Easter Offering Each month, we spotlight a different giving focus tied to our Acts 1:8 mission — reaching our community, state, nation, and world. This month, we're giving to the Annie Armstrong Offering, which has supported North American missionaries since 1895. Every dollar goes directly to missionaries spreading the Gospel across North America. If the Lord leads you to give above and beyond your regular offering, you can do so at www.fbcwatauga.org/give. SAVE THE DATE National Day of Prayer • May 7th at Keller City Hall Church Family Meeting • May 17th Church Family Picnic • May 31st at Northfield Park Vacation Bible School • June 15th - June 19th Missions Dinner • June 28th Student Camp • July 6th - 10th Kid's Camp • July 20th - 24th Back2School Rally • July 25th Student Mission Trip • July 26th - July 30th

Mathew Hurst

Associate Pastor

December 20, 2025 • 2 Minute Read

A Care-Full God

“God doesn’t care.” This is a phrase I have been pruning from my vernacular. It has grown to be a common phrase amongst even the most mature of Christians. “God doesn’t care what church you attend. He cares about your faithfulness.” “God doesn’t care what job you have; He just cares how you work.” I myself said in a sermon earlier this year on Acts 2: “God doesn’t care about your age, but will freely pour out His Spirit on the young and old alike.” While all these statements touch on the truth, when we look at the Scriptures, I don’t believe we could ever characterize the Triune God as care-less in any form. We serve the God who pays attention to our cries. (Psalm 5:1-3) We serve the Lord who remembers and looks after us. (Psalm 8:4) We serve the supplicating Savior who prays for and advocates for us before God the Father. (John 17:20-26; Hebrews 8:1-6) How could we ever say that the God who feeds the birds, clothes the wildflowers, and fixed the boundaries of the earth does not care? (Matthew 6:26-30; Job 38:5) How could we speak of the God who, before the foundation of the world, loved us to the point of death on a cross as reckless or careless in any of His attributes or ways? (Ephesians 1:4; Philippians 2:8) Perhaps I am being dogmatic on what some view as semantics. Yet, as believers who should be truth-tellers of the God of truth, shouldn’t we be all the more careful how we speak of the counsel of God? God cares about what job you have. He cares about what music you listen to. He cares about the choices you make in life. He cares about YOU! What better comfort is there than that in our ever-increasingly careless world? God cares.

Mathew Hurst

Associate Pastor