St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

”Because the Lord Has Need of It” | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on Hosana Sunday, focusing on the significance of Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem and the deeper meaning behind the phrase, "The Lord has need of it." Fr. Matthias explains how Jesus’ request for the colt symbolizes God's authority over all things and calls believers to surrender their possessions, minds, hearts, wills, bodies, and burdens to God.He discusses how this surrender involves renewing the mind through God’s word, aligning the heart with God’s love and mercy, submitting one’s will in trust, honoring the body as God’s temple, practicing stewardship with material possessions, and casting anxieties and burdens on the Lord. Fr. Matthias highlights the Christian journey of faith as one of offering everything to God and trusting in His guidance and care.This message invites reflection on discipleship, obedience, and living a life fully devoted to God’s will and kingdom.#HosanaSunday #ChristianDiscipleship #FaithAndSurrender #BiblicalTeaching #SpiritualGrowth#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Living in God’s Presence Always

Fr. Matthias Shehad explains the importance of living in God's presence throughout all aspects of daily life, challenging the common separation between secular and religious activities. He emphasizes that God is omnipresent and can be remembered and connected with anytime, whether at work or in church. Drawing from the spiritual book "Way of the Pilgrim" and its continuation, "The Pilgrim Continues His Way," Fr. Matthias highlights how one can actively engage in daily tasks while still maintaining awareness of God's presence. Using the analogy of being in the king’s throne room, he encourages cultivating a mindset that constantly acknowledges God's nearness regardless of the setting.#LivingInGodsPresence #ChristianSpirituality #WayOfThePilgrim #FaithInDailyLife #GodsOmnipresence#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Harmony of the Gospels [Jesus’ Departure and the Comforter] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Jesus’ promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit, referred to as the Comforter or Paraclete, and its significance for believers. He traces the progression of God’s relationship with humanity from the fall, through the sending of prophets, to Christ’s incarnation, and finally to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Fr. Matthias explains how the Holy Spirit enables a deeper, spiritual connection with God beyond physical presence, guiding believers in truth and empowering them to bear spiritual fruit.The teaching further unpacks Jesus’ metaphor of the true vine and the role of the Father as the vine dresser, emphasizing the necessity of abiding in Christ for spiritual growth and fruitfulness. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of obedience to God’s commandments as evidence of love and spiritual communion, and the spiritual preparation necessary for understanding and receiving divine truth.This study also addresses the nature of faith, the reality of spiritual warfare, and how Christ’s death and resurrection open the way to eternal life and union with God. The message calls believers to trust God’s plan, embrace the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and live by the truth amid a world full of deception.#HolySpirit #TrueVine #JesusTeaching#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Bringing Every Thought Captive [Part 4] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes his series on "Bringing Every Thought Captive" by explaining the CAPTURE framework, a practical method for identifying and responding to tempting thoughts before they lead to sin. He emphasizes the importance of catching and analyzing thoughts to recognize temptation, placing them before Christ, testing them against scripture, undoing cognitive distortions, responding with biblical truth, and entrusting God with the process of spiritual growth.Fr. Matthias draws on biblical examples, such as Joseph and Christ’s temptation, and highlights the role of awareness, prayer, and changing one’s environment to avoid sin. He also discusses how trusting God’s ongoing work in our lives is essential, even when struggles persist. This teaching provides guidance for overcoming temptation through faith, reflection, and action grounded in scripture.#ChristianLiving #SpiritualGrowth #OvercomingTemptation #PrayerAndFaith #BiblicalWisdom #FrMatthiasShehad#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Conflict & Oneness: Apology Languages | SA&SP Couple’s Meeting (Missy Abouelkheir)

Missy Abouelkheir explores key aspects of marriage, focusing on holiness as the ultimate goal rather than happiness. She discusses how oneness in relationships is a manifestation of grace and how ego, selfishness, pride, and poor priorities can oppose this unity. Missy emphasizes that conflict is a normal part of marriage, and how couples respond to conflict impacts their connection.She introduces the concept of having a “plan to fight” to protect the relationship and prevent destructive communication patterns, including the "four horsemen" of criticism, defensiveness, stonewalling, and contempt. The talk also highlights the importance of vulnerability, owning emotions, and distinguishing between expressing feelings and blaming a partner.Missy explains the five apology languages as a framework to understand how apologies can help repair relationships and foster reconciliation through expressing regret, accepting responsibility, making restitution, planning for change, and requesting forgiveness. The discussion addresses challenges in communication, forgiveness versus reconciliation, and how sincere apologies build security and trust in marriage.#MarriageConflict #ApologyLanguages #ChristianMarriage #ConflictResolution #ForgivenessInMarriage #RelationshipCommunication#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Trusting God Over Riches

Fr. Matthias Shehad explains how God works through people and the church by encouraging generosity and support for those in need. He highlights the dual blessing received in giving: both the giver and the receiver benefit through God’s provision. Fr. Matthias clarifies the purpose of donations within the church, emphasizing that contributions help maintain church facilities and services to serve the community rather than accumulate wealth.He discusses the concept of stewardship versus ownership in faith, showing that individuals do not truly own their possessions but manage them on God’s behalf. This perspective deepens understanding of giving as a way to participate in God’s love and care for the world.#ChristianStewardship #GenerosityInFaith #ChurchSupport #FaithAndGiving #GodsProvision#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Faith, Peace, and the Battle Within

Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses how the approach to a spiritual canon varies depending on each person's life circumstances. He explains that people with heavy responsibilities, such as working multiple jobs or raising children alone, may need to tailor their spiritual practices to fit the time they have available. Conversely, individuals like students or singles, who have more flexibility and fewer responsibilities, can invest more deeply in their spiritual life.Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of dedicating time to spirituality in youth, referencing Ecclesiastes 12, where remembering the Creator in one's youth builds a foundation that supports spiritual growth throughout life. He emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a consistent daily spiritual routine, regardless of how much time one can dedicate.#SpiritualGrowth #DailyPrayer #FaithJourney #ChristianLife #YouthAndFaith#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

The Cost of Evangelism in History

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the historical cost of evangelism, highlighting the immense sacrifices early Christians made, including persecution and even death for their faith. He contrasts this with the modern context, sharing a story of a Chinese Christian who risked his life in underground churches but was disillusioned by the casual approach to faith in the West. Fr. Matthias discusses how contemporary evangelism often seeks to avoid offense rather than proclaiming the full truth, noting changes in Catholic liturgical readings that omit references to sin and hell to be less confrontational. This talk challenges viewers to reconsider the courage and commitment involved in spreading the Christian faith.#EvangelismHistory #ChristianPersecution #FaithAndSacrifice #ChurchLiturgicalChanges #EarlyChristianity#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

[E7.2] Christian Joy in an Era of Sadness | Living Incense

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of Christian joy amidst sadness by reflecting on biblical passages from the New Testament, focusing on the parables of the lost coin, lost sheep, and prodigal son to highlight the value God places on individual repentance and restoration. He connects joy to abiding in Christ, emphasizing faith, baptism, confession, and the Eucharist as vital steps to maintain union with God.Drawing from scriptures in John, Romans, Philippians, Galatians, James, and 1 Peter, Fr. Matthias explains the relationship between joy, hope, and peace as fruits of the Holy Spirit that sustain believers through trials and suffering. He discusses how faith and spiritual disciplines enable Christians to experience an abiding joy that transcends circumstances, grounded in God’s unchanging nature and salvation promise.Fr. Matthias also addresses the role of pastoral care in supporting believers facing hardships, encouraging perseverance in spiritual growth to encounter the fullness of joy connected to the salvation of the soul.#ChristianJoy #FaithAndHope #FruitOfTheSpirit #AbidingInChrist #BiblicalTeachings #CopticOrthodox#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Having a Teachable Spirit | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the man born blind healed by Jesus, highlighting the contrast between the blind man's faith and the Pharisees' rejection of the miracle. He discusses the importance of having a teachable spirit—being open to new understanding, willing to learn from any source, yielding to reason, and applying truth honestly in one’s life. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the value of humility, accountability, and the readiness to change as key traits of those with a teachable heart. Using biblical examples like Pope Demetrius and St. Peter, he shows how openness to learning fosters spiritual growth, strengthens relationships, and sustains hope for transformation. The sermon calls believers to embrace a disciple’s mindset, continuously seeking wisdom and correction to deepen their faith journey.#TeachableSpirit #FaithGrowth #ChristianDiscipleship #SpiritualGrowth #BiblicalLessons #HumilityInChrist#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org