St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

The Conviction of the Holy Spirit | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning of the conviction of the Holy Spirit, as described in John 16, explaining how the Spirit convicts believers by awakening their conscience to sin and guiding them toward righteousness. He discusses the importance of maintaining a sensitive conscience and avoiding a hardened heart that ignores this conviction.Fr. Matthias highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in revealing sin, righteousness, and judgment, and warns against grieving the Spirit by rejecting God’s work in our lives. He emphasizes the influence of righteous examples, spiritual leaders, and the law of God in shaping and strengthening believers’ faith.He concludes by encouraging practical steps to respond to conviction with knowledge, sustainable change, and perseverance, reminding believers that the Holy Spirit continues to work actively within them for growth and salvation.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

”Life of Faith” by H.H. Pope Shenouda [Part 2] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues exploring the "Life of Faith" based on the teachings of H.H. Pope Shenouda III. He clarifies what faith truly means, emphasizing that faith goes beyond mere belief in God’s existence—it requires living according to God's will and obeying His commandments. Fr. Matthias discusses the difference between intellectual faith and a faith that results in action and sacrifice, highlighting examples from scripture such as Abraham, Noah, and the apostles.He explains how faith involves trusting God’s promises beyond what can be seen or proven and reflects on the importance of obedience, trust, and perseverance despite trials. Fr. Matthias addresses common misconceptions about faith and illustrates how faith is foundational for experiencing God’s presence, miracles, and spiritual growth. The talk encourages believers to cultivate a living faith that shapes their whole life and relationship with God.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

How Do We Leave God? | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on John 16, where Jesus predicts that His disciples will abandon Him during His crucifixion. Fr. Matthias explores the different ways people leave God, drawing from biblical parables such as the prodigal son and the story of the rich young ruler. He discusses how chasing false freedom, rejecting love for others, being too busy for God, growing spiritually lazy, clinging to sin, refusing to believe in God’s teachings, and avoiding the cross lead to distancing ourselves from God.Fr. Matthias invites listeners to examine their priorities, recognize spiritual struggles, and embrace God’s presence even amidst trials. The message emphasizes the necessity of faith, self-control, and love to maintain a close relationship with God.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

”Life of Faith” by H.H. Pope Shenouda [Part 1] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad introduces a series based on H.H. Pope Shenouda’s "Life of Faith," exploring faith as a foundational aspect of Christian belief. He examines the nature of faith, contrasting it with worldly demands for proof and evidence, and highlights how faith requires trust in God’s promises beyond what can be physically verified. Fr. Matthias discusses biblical examples such as Gideon, Noah, Abraham, and Elijah, illustrating how faith leads to righteous living, bold actions, and spiritual reward. He explains that faith is necessary to please God and is the starting point of salvation, emphasizing that belief in God’s forgiveness enables perseverance despite human weaknesses. The relationship between faith and miracles, prayer, and Christian perseverance is also highlighted, alongside the importance of cultivating faith through scripture and spiritual growth. This teaching underscores faith’s role in courage, hope, and the transformative power of trusting in God’s 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

05-20-2017 Why Do Christians Stumble Sermon

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the authority of Christ as given by the Father and how this authority extends to Christians in multiple dimensions. He examines Christ’s authority over nature, sin, sickness, evil, and death, illustrating how believers share in these powers through their faith and the priesthood. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the Christian calling to exercise authority responsibly—subduing nature, forgiving others, healing emotionally, resisting evil, and participating in resurrection through unity with Christ. He also highlights the importance of remaining connected to Christ to maintain this authority and effectively carry out the mission of the Church. This teaching underscores the role of Christians in continuing Christ’s work of salvation in the world, encouraging faithful engagement in spiritual growth and evangelism.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

Ecclesiastes [Part 10] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this final part of his series on Ecclesiastes, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the closing chapter of Solomon’s wisdom, emphasizing the importance of remembering God during youth while one still has strength and vitality. He explains the symbolic language describing old age and declining health as a reminder that spiritual growth is harder to achieve later in life.Fr. Matthias highlights the transient nature of earthly pleasures and the fading of physical abilities, urging listeners to prioritize a relationship with God early. He discusses the meaning of true repentance, the role of confession, and the balance between God’s grace and human effort in salvation. The message concludes with the call to fear God and keep His commandments as the essence of a faithful life, preparing for the final judgment when every deed is accounted for, both secret and public.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

Walk in the Light | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning of walking in the light according to biblical teachings, focusing on Christ as the light of the world. He discusses how praising God invites His light into our lives, and how meditating on Scripture provides guidance and clarity in daily decisions. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of fellowship with God and fellow believers to remain in the light, highlighting authentic Christian relationships based on love and service.He also addresses the call to confront and expose darkness by rejecting sin and practicing repentance. Guarding what we allow our eyes to see is presented as essential for filling the soul with light, avoiding exposure to harmful influences. Lastly, Fr. Matthias stresses choosing godly companionship to maintain a life aligned with righteousness. This teaching encourages believers to reflect Christ's light in all aspects of life.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

Ecclesiastes [Part 9] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his detailed study of the book of Ecclesiastes, focusing on themes of wisdom, folly, and authentic righteousness. He explores King Solomon’s reflections on the dangers of superficiality, the impact of leadership on society, and the challenges of pursuing goodness in an unjust world. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of humility, vigilance against temptation, and the spiritual meaning behind scriptural metaphors.The talk emphasizes the value of wise speech, the consequences of laziness, and the proper use of wealth. Fr. Matthias also discusses trusting God’s providence when facing uncertainty and the spiritual necessity of cultivating a relationship with God early in life. He underscores the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the eternal significance of faith, encouraging listeners to prioritize spiritual growth over earthly success.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

Entering into His Eternal Work | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the Samaritan woman and its significance in understanding God's eternal work of salvation. He explains how God’s plan spans generations, from Old Testament prophecies to the disciples’ ministry, showing that salvation is a continuous process involving many laborers across time.Fr. Matthias highlights that God prepares and unfolds His work gradually, revealing only what is necessary for each step. He emphasizes that individuals are called to be faithful stewards in their unique roles, regardless of the visible results. The sermon encourages viewers to trust in God’s timing and to focus on faithful service, drawing on scriptural examples such as Abraham, the apostles, and the parable of the talents.Through this message, Fr. Matthias invites reflection on our participation in God’s plan and the importance of faithfulness in everyday life.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

Ecclesiastes [Part 8] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this continuation of his series on Ecclesiastes, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores themes of death, spiritual warfare, and the nature of justice in the world. He reflects on the limits of human control over life and death, emphasizing that earthly power cannot influence the moment of death or the state of the spirit. Fr. Matthias discusses the ongoing battle against evil and the importance of vigilance and reliance on God’s help.He addresses the apparent unfairness of life, where the wicked may prosper while the righteous suffer, explaining that ultimate justice is reserved for the afterlife. Fr. Matthias encourages embracing the blessings God grants in this life with gratitude, while maintaining detachment, as earthly success and possessions are temporary.Drawing on biblical wisdom and stories of saints, he highlights the value of spiritual insight over worldly status and reminds believers to prepare for eternal life through faith and righteous living.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