St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores how people often deceive themselves by distorting truth to fit their own desires, using the example of how John the Baptist and Christ were unfairly judged. Fr. Matthias highlights common signs of self-deception, such as applying double standards, ignoring evidence, blaming others for personal failings, renaming sins to avoid responsibility, and believing one is always the exception.He explains the dangers of prioritizing being right over seeking truth and encourages humility, honest self-examination, and genuine confession. Fr. Matthias offers practical ways to overcome self-deception, including justifying God rather than ourselves, asking questions that challenge our assumptions, separating facts from interpretations, welcoming correction from others, and being willing to admit when we are wrong.The message emphasizes the need to accept God's judgment with humility and pursue truth in our spiritual journey.#SelfDeception #FrMatthiasShehad #ChristianLiving #SpiritualGrowth #HumilityInFaith#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

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Deuteronomy chapters 19 to 22, discussing the importance of cities of refuge as places where those who commit unintentional manslaughter can seek protection. He explains how God’s law emphasizes justice based on intention, the role of witnesses in legal matters, and the principle of proportionate punishment. Fr. Matthias also covers the preparation for battle, including exemptions for certain individuals and the spiritual significance of obedience to God’s commandments for success and protection.Further, he examines societal laws on helping others’ property, maintaining distinctions between sexes, and handling issues related to marriage and purity. The teaching highlights themes of justice, social order, and the spiritual meanings behind Old Testament laws, linking them to Christ’s fulfillment in the New Testament.#DeuteronomyBibleStudy #CitiesOfRefuge #BiblicalJustice #OldTestamentLaw #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

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the role and virtues of the Virgin St. Mary in the Orthodox Church as presented by HH Pope Shenouda III. He discusses her unique faith that endured suffering without complaint, highlighting her acceptance of God's plan despite hardships, including witnessing Christ’s persecution and crucifixion. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the humility and obscurity that defined her life, contrasting her virtues with human desires for recognition. He explains the theological significance behind Marian hymns and icons, illustrating her position as the Theotokos, the Mother of God, always depicted with Christ to honor her role in salvation history. The talk also contrasts anthropocentric and theocentric theology, inviting viewers to focus on God's glory rather than personal struggles. Fr. Matthias concludes by reflecting on the church’s veneration of St. Mary and her intercessory role.#VirginMary #Theotokos #OrthodoxChristianity #FaithAndEndurance #HHPOpeShenoudaIII #MarianVirtues#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

In this episode, Fr. Matthias explains how the Cross transforms suffering and serves as a reminder to always seek the good in trials and hardships.#coptic #orthodox #christian #cross #suffering Subscribe to our channelhttps://youtube.com/stpaulhoustonLike us on Facebookhttps://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagramhttps://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloudhttps://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing listhttps://stpaulhouston.org

In "Take Heed that No One Deceives You," Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Jesus' warning in Matthew 24 about deception in the end times. He explains five common ways people are deceived: by feelings, by following the majority, by partial truths, by impressive but misleading people, and by desires for what they want to be true. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of discernment through testing everything against the word of God, examining the fruit of a person's life, remaining within the faith and tradition of the Church, praying for discernment, and practicing humility by seeking wise counsel. He highlights that truth often requires patience, sober reflection, and openness to correction, especially in confusing times filled with false teachings. This message is grounded in Scripture and the early Church's teachings to help believers navigate conflicting ideas without falling into deception.#ChristianDiscernment #EndTimesTeaching #FalseProphets #BiblicalTruth #FaithAndTradition #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

Fr. James Gendi explores the theme of evil imitating goodness, focusing on biblical warnings about deception in the end times. Drawing from Mark, Revelation, and the teachings of St. Paul, Fr. James explains how Satan and the antichrist will mimic a false trinity to mislead believers. He connects this to modern examples such as AI’s ability to create convincing illusions, emphasizing the danger of deception even among the faithful.Fr. James highlights how evil corrupts what is inherently good, illustrating this with examples like abortion framed as women’s rights or sin disguised as love and tolerance. He discusses the reasons evil imitates good, including vulnerability in security, the unlikelihood of questioning what appears good, and appealing to those undecided in their faith.To guard against deception, Fr. James stresses the importance of knowing the truth through Scripture and Church tradition and exposing falsehoods openly. Confession and spiritual guidance are presented as vital tools to remain vigilant and avoid falling into error.#EndTimesDeception #SpiritualTruth #FalseChrist #ChristianTeachings #GuardAgainstDeception#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

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his study of Deuteronomy chapters 16 to 18, focusing on the observance of key Jewish feasts and the promise of a coming prophet. He explains the significance of the Passover, Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and Feast of Tabernacles, emphasizing their roles in commemorating God’s deliverance of Israel and fostering communal worship in the temple. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of celebrating these feasts with joy and remembrance of God's faithfulness.The talk also covers the appointment of judges to uphold God’s law with justice, the requirements for sacrifices, and the severity with which Israel was to handle idolatry and sin for the purity of the nation. Fr. Matthias discusses the prophecy of a coming prophet “like Moses,” understood as a foreshadowing of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would speak God's words faithfully. The message connects Old Testament laws and feasts to their fulfillment and spiritual meaning in the New Testament and Christian life.#DeuteronomyBibleStudy #PassoverFeast #ProphecyOfTheMessiah #PentecostFeast #OrthodoxChristianTeaching #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

In this episode, Fr. Matthias explains where suffering comes from, why good people are not exempt from it, and how trusting God can make suffering fruitful and give it a purpose. #coptic #orthodox #christian #suffering #evil #salvation #mercy Subscribe to our channelhttps://youtube.com/stpaulhoustonLike us on Facebookhttps://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagramhttps://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloudhttps://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing listhttps://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Deuteronomy chapters 12 to 15, focusing on the designated place of worship, proper sacrificial offerings, and the importance of obedience to God's laws. He discusses God's instructions to completely destroy pagan worship sites, emphasizing the distinct way God desires to be worshiped, contrasting with surrounding nations' customs. Fr. Matthias explains the role of the Levites, the significance of tithes and offerings, and the practice of eating sacred meals before the Lord at the chosen place.The talk highlights the dangers of following false prophets, the seriousness of idolatry even within families, and God's judgment as both merciful and just. The teaching covers dietary laws, care for the poor, debt forgiveness every seventh year, and the freeing of Hebrew servants, connecting these Old Testament principles to Christian faith and life.This study provides insight into God's desire for holiness, proper worship, and community care grounded in His commandments.#DeuteronomyStudy #BiblicalLaw #ChristianDiscipline #OldTestamentTeachings #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

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes his series on the Holy Virgin St. Mary, focusing on her virtues of humility, surrender, and endurance. He explains why St. Mary is highly regarded—not as a co-savior but as a servant of God who gave her entire life for humanity’s salvation. Fr. Matthias explores her life of humility, highlighting her acceptance of God’s will without boasting or seeking glory. He emphasizes her complete surrender to God’s plan, even when it contrasted with her own desires, and her faithful endurance through hardship, including witnessing her son’s crucifixion.Fr. Matthias encourages viewers to learn from St. Mary’s example of obedience to God’s purpose, contentment in life’s challenges, and steadfast faith regardless of emotional experiences. He draws parallels to spiritual endurance and the importance of living a disciplined life beyond initial zeal.#VirginMary #ChristianVirtues #FaithAndEndurance #HumilityInChristianity #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