St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

10-22-2017 Lessons from Christ’s Encouragement Sermon

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Christ’s approach to encouragement, focusing on how Jesus reached out to the lowly and socially marginalized, giving them purpose and involving them in His mission. He highlights Christ’s patience with human faults, His defense of sinners, and the importance of acknowledging the value and potential in everyone, regardless of their background or mistakes.Fr. Matthias also discusses the balance needed in encouragement, cautioning against compromising truth, seeking approval at the expense of conviction, or neglecting the responsibility to lovingly rebuke those under our care. He emphasizes that salvation is only through Christ and encourages a faithful, compassionate approach modeled on Jesus’ example, combining mercy with justice.This message invites reflection on how Christians can support and uplift others while upholding the gospel’s core truths.Subscribe 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

10-15-2017 Worship with Heart in Need Sermon (HG Bishop Paul of Africa)

H.G. Bishop Paul of Africa teaches about worshiping God with a heart in need, drawing from the Gospel account of the paralytic lowered through the roof to meet Christ. H.G. Bishop Paul explains that true worship begins with recognizing spiritual weakness and coming to Jesus with humility, hunger, and faith rather than routine or habit .H.G. Bishop Paul reflects on the role of the Holy Spirit in awakening awareness of need, inspiring repentance, and guiding believers creatively toward salvation. He emphasizes that Christ desires to forgive sins, heal the heart first, and restore a living relationship with God before addressing outward struggles.H.G. Bishop Paul concludes by calling the Church to be a place of healing, forgiveness, and renewal, urging each person to approach worship expecting God’s mercy, transformation, and saving presence.Subscribe 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

10-08-2017 “Her Sins, Which Are Many, Are Forgiven” Sermon

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Gospel story of the sinful woman who anointed Christ’s feet and was forgiven, highlighting the contrast between her humble repentance and the self-righteous judgment of the Pharisee, Simon. He explains how Christ’s mercy is given to those who recognize their sins and come with sincere repentance, while those blinded by pride fail to receive forgiveness. Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of genuine confession, sacrifice, and faith in God’s forgiveness for salvation. He emphasizes that understanding our own sinfulness leads to humility and deeper love for God, whereas ignoring it results in spiritual blindness. The sermon also reflects on how Jesus responds to both the woman’s faith and the Pharisee’s skepticism, showing God's readiness to forgive sincere repentance. This teaching encourages self-examination, sincere repentance, and an appreciation of God’s mercy beyond outward appearances.Subscribe 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

10-01-2017 “To Save That Which Was Lost” Sermon (Fr. Mousa Saleh)

Fr. Mousa Saleh reflects on the story of Zacchaeus from the Gospel of Luke, emphasizing Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost. He explores Zacchaeus’ efforts to see Jesus despite his short stature and social stigma as a chief tax collector, illustrating the importance of the desire to encounter Christ. Fr. Mousa explains how Jesus’ willingness to dwell with sinners demonstrates His power to transform lives, highlighting that change comes through Christ’s presence rather than human effort alone.Drawing parallels with other biblical stories, Fr. Mousa also shares the transformation of Honorable Bishop Gabriela, a former sorcerer who turned to Christ. The sermon reinforces that Jesus seeks to heal even those considered hopeless and invites all to open their hearts to Him, underscoring that salvation is available to every lost soul.Subscribe 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

09-24-2017 ”Blessed Are the Eyes which See the Things You See” Sermon

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning behind Christ’s words, "Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see," emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Jesus’ coming. He discusses how the people of Christ’s time failed to value this moment, drawing parallels to how we often undervalue God's gifts today.Fr. Matthias highlights biblical examples such as Abraham’s choice for peace over land, Esau selling his birthright, and the poor widow’s sacrificial offering to illustrate how true value is measured by intention and sacrifice. He also addresses how hate, lust, and familiarity can distort our values, leading us to prioritize fleeting pleasures over eternal rewards.By examining scripture, including teachings from St. Paul and King David, Fr. Matthias challenges viewers to reflect on their personal values, the importance of peace, and the wise use of time in the journey of faith. This message offers guidance for living a life that aligns with God’s perspective and promises.Subscribe 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

09-19-2017 Living the Renewed Life Sermon

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of living a renewed Christian life, emphasizing that spiritual renewal is an ongoing process empowered by the Holy Spirit, not a one-time event. He reflects on the responses to Christ and John the Baptist, highlighting the importance of embracing both joy and asceticism in the Christian journey.Fr. Matthias identifies six reasons why believers might experience spiritual stagnation: expecting different outcomes from the same practices, incomplete or inconsistent effort, low expectations of spiritual growth, obeying the letter but not the spirit of God’s commands, acquiring knowledge without practical application, and holding onto beloved sins. He stresses the need to draw close to God, employ all spiritual tools such as prayer, fasting, and confession, and live consistently in faith.This message challenges Christians to examine their spiritual lives, overcome obstacles to renewal, and cultivate a vision of heaven that fuels continual growth and joy in Christ.Subscribe 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

09-10-2017 ”Many Will Come in My Name” Sermon

Fr. Matthias Shehad examines the warnings about false prophets and teachings described in Matthew 24, emphasizing the end times' challenges for believers. He explains how false prophets use signs and wonders to deceive many, including the elect, and highlights the importance of discernment grounded in Scripture.Fr. Matthias outlines key characteristics of a true prophet: their words come to pass, their teachings promote righteousness, their lives reflect godliness, and they uphold the divinity of Jesus Christ. He discusses various motivations behind false prophecy, such as personal gain, popular appeal, deception, and even influence by evil spirits.Rooted in biblical passages and church tradition, this talk calls believers to be vigilant in understanding true doctrine and guarding against deception, especially as false teachings increase in the modern world.Subscribe 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

09-03-2017 Finding the Good Sermon

Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses the theme of finding good in the midst of disasters, emphasizing reflections on the end of the world and the shortness of life. He explains that such trials serve as reminders to be thankful for God's mercy and to recognize human fragility despite modern advances. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of focusing on what truly matters—fearing God and keeping His commandments.The talk explores how disasters break down social barriers, encouraging unity and compassion as everyone shares similar struggles. Fr. Matthias reminds listeners that God is in control, urging continuous prayer and faith in God's goodness even when circumstances are difficult. Drawing from Scripture, he underscores the need to trust God’s plan and find benefit in life's challenges, reinforcing that God is a redeemer who sustains and protects His people throughout all trials.Subscribe 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

08-13-2017 Self Denial Sermon

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the parable of the evil vine dressers, emphasizing that we are stewards of God’s gifts rather than owners of our lives. He discusses the biblical call to self-denial as essential for following Christ, highlighting how denying ungodly relationships, personal comfort, sinful pleasures, and selfish rights aligns us more closely with God’s will. Fr. Matthias explains that self-denial is not about loss, but about gaining a greater treasure—eternal life and spiritual fulfillment.He addresses the dangers of pursuing wealth and our own will instead of God’s, urging believers to seek humility and discipline in their spiritual journey. Drawing from scripture, Fr. Matthias stresses that spirituality is a conscious choice to follow God’s guidance through prayer, fasting, and self-control. This message offers practical ways to carry one’s cross and grow in faith by prioritizing God above all else.Subscribe 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

07-30-2017 Lord, Behold, He Whom You Love Is Sick Sermon

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of Christ raising Lazarus, focusing on the phrase "He whom you love is sick" to reveal how Christ’s love is manifested in our lives. He explains the true meaning of love through four key aspects: sacrifice, unworthiness, magnitude, and freedom. Fr. Matthias discusses how Christ’s love is shown in His willing sacrifice despite our unworthiness, the great gift of salvation, and His choice to love us freely, not by compulsion.He emphasizes the need to imitate this divine love in our relationships, explaining that real love involves sacrifice, loving the unworthy, giving beyond convenience, and choosing freely to love. Fr. Matthias also contrasts genuine love with mere liking and highlights love's role in sustaining marriages and friendships.This sermon offers a biblical foundation for understanding and practicing sacrificial love as Christ demonstrated.Subscribe 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