St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

The Crisis of the Mind | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the varied human responses to Christ’s miracles, focusing on the feeding of the multitude. He examines how external and internal influences—such as cultural values, media addiction, upbringing, emotions, insecurities, pride, and beloved sins—shape our perception of God, ourselves, and the world. Fr. Matthias discusses how these factors create altered realities, suffering, loss of control, and spiritual confusion.He offers practical guidance on overcoming these influences by avoiding harmful exposures, regularly examining reality with trusted support, living according to God’s commandments, renewing the mind through prayer and repentance, and embracing humility. Emphasizing the need for spiritual renewal, he calls for a deep trust in God’s protection and transformative power, encouraging believers to seek freedom through faith and discipleship.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

The Marketing of Evil [Part 5] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this final part of "The Marketing of Evil" series, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the origins and modern interpretation of the separation of church and state in the United States. He examines key legal cases that removed Christian symbols and prayer from public institutions, explaining how the establishment clause of the First Amendment has been applied over time. Fr. Matthias traces the historical context of this principle from the founding era, highlighting the Christian roots of early American government and contrasting them with today's secular approach.He discusses the implications of this shift for religious freedom, societal morals, and public life. The talk concludes with practical advice on remaining informed, actively living out Christian faith, engaging in community and politics, and nurturing children's spiritual growth amid cultural challenges. Fr. Matthias emphasizes hope in God’s sovereignty and the call to evangelize with truth and love in a complex 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

The Hand of God | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the biblical theme of the "Hand of God" and its various roles in the lives of believers. He begins by recounting the story of Christ raising the widow’s son, illustrating God's power to create, sustain, and resurrect.Fr. Matthias highlights how the hand of God works through creation, spiritual transformation, teaching, healing, exposing sin, executing judgment, protecting believers, and empowering them in times of weakness. He emphasizes the ongoing presence of God’s hand—not only in miraculous events but also in everyday guidance and discipline through the Holy Spirit.Examining scripture, Fr. Matthias explains that God’s judgment is motivated by love and serves to guide and protect, while His protection offers security against evil. The sermon encourages believers to recognize and trust in God’s active involvement in their lives, even in trials and challenges, fostering faith and resilience.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

The Marketing of Evil [Part 4] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his examination of "The Marketing of Evil," focusing on how the sexual revolution drastically transformed American society’s view on sexuality. He explores the widespread influence of Alfred Kinsey's controversial research, revealing how Kinsey's flawed and unethical methods shaped attitudes toward sex, homosexuality, and even child sexuality. Fr. Matthias discusses the connection between Kinsey’s work and the rise of pornography, changes in sexual norms, and the redefinition of laws and morals relating to sexuality in the U.S.Fr. Matthias highlights the dangers of accepting biased research without scrutiny and emphasizes the importance of aligning beliefs with scriptural truths. This talk provides historical context and critical insights into how cultural shifts were engineered through distorted science and media influence.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

Turning Points of Grace | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the turning points of grace in our spiritual journey through biblical examples. He discusses how moments such as experiencing unexpected blessings, receiving God’s grace, and confronting personal faults lead to transformation and renewal. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of meditating on Scripture, accepting rebuke, and recognizing the connection between sin and suffering as catalysts for change.He also reflects on the healing power of God and how humbling experiences shape our faith and submission to God’s will. Using stories of St. Peter, Zacchaeus, St. Paul, King David, the prodigal son, and Job, Fr. Matthias illustrates how God guides believers through challenges to deepen their relationship with Him. This sermon encourages openness to God’s work and the Holy Spirit’s guidance in moments of trial and blessing, leading to spiritual growth and renewed purpose.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

The Marketing of Evil [Part 3] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this lecture, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his exploration of the book *The Marketing of Evil*, focusing on the institution of marriage and its changing role in society. He examines how cultural shifts and government policies, such as no-fault divorce laws, have altered the understanding and stability of marriage, emphasizing the negative impact on families and children. Fr. Matthias discusses the biblical foundation of marriage as a sacred union designed for raising godly offspring and highlights the church’s role in supporting the family.He addresses societal influences that promote divorce as an easy solution, contrasting them with the spiritual challenges and growth involved in a lifelong commitment. Fr. Matthias compares marriage to monasticism as a path of salvation requiring forgiveness, sacrifice, and love modeled after Christ's relationship with the church. The talk also considers feminist critiques of marriage and stresses the necessity of God’s presence in making marriage viable and fruitful.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

”Rise, Take Up Your Bed, and Walk” | Sermon (Fr Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the paralytic man healed by Christ, emphasizing the spiritual meaning behind the command to "Rise, take up your bed, and walk." He explains that the bed symbolizes the sins and struggles that paralyze our spiritual growth, and how Christ calls us to a transformative new life beyond mere belief. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of leaving behind old habits and relationships that lead back to sin, while carrying the testimony of our past as a sign of victory over it.He also reflects on the role of faith and human effort in receiving God's healing and the call to live as witnesses to God's power within our communities. The sermon concludes with an encouragement to embrace a life of obedience that glorifies God, empowered by His grace to overcome spiritual paralysis and sin.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

Love Springs from Forgiveness | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Gospel story of the sinful woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and hair in the house of Simon the Pharisee. He highlights how true love for God springs from a deep awareness of sin and gratitude for forgiveness. Fr. Matthias contrasts the woman’s humble repentance and love with the Pharisee’s self-righteousness and lack of mercy.He explains that many struggle to feel God’s presence because they do not fully acknowledge their need for forgiveness or the weight of their sins. Drawing from Scripture, Fr. Matthias emphasizes that recognizing the debt of sin we cannot repay leads to a genuine love for God, which should inspire gratitude, sacrifice, and obedience.Fr. Matthias urges believers to see spiritual disciplines not as mere obligations but as ways to deepen their relationship with Christ. He invites reflection on how forgiveness brings peace and empowers us to follow God’s commandments faithfully, even when it is difficult.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

The Marketing of Evil [Part 2] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this continuation of his series on "The Marketing of Evil," Fr. Matthias Shehad explores how societal shifts away from godly principles are intentionally engineered. Drawing from the book *After the Ball*, Fr. Matthias explains the three-stage process used to normalize homosexuality in culture: desensitization, jamming, and conversion. He discusses how media representation, legal battles, and emotional appeals have played a role in promoting acceptance while challenging traditional Christian values.Fr. Matthias also addresses the rise of transgender ideology as an extension of similar tactics, highlighting concerns over its impact on society and the church. He critiques the concept of multiculturalism when it equates all belief systems, leading to dilution of Christian truth in public life. Throughout the talk, Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of upholding faith and truth with boldness, encouraging believers to engage actively in sharing the gospel amid cultural challenges.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

The Guest of a Sinner | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the story of Zakayas, the chief tax collector who repented after Christ visited his house. Fr. Matthias explores the biblical teaching on how to respond when wronged, drawing from St. Paul’s counsel to sometimes accept wrong for the sake of peace and unity. He distinguishes between tolerating wrong and accepting abuse, emphasizing the importance of discernment in addressing injustice.Fr. Matthias outlines biblical steps for conflict resolution, including speaking directly to the offender, involving witnesses, and bringing issues before the church before seeking civil intervention. He discusses when silence can be beneficial, such as preventing further conflict, and when speaking up is necessary to defend truth and relationships.The sermon highlights God’s role as the ultimate judge and calls believers to entrust justice to Him while praying for those who harm them, drawing lessons from scripture and the example of Christ and the saints.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