St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Hard Sayings of Christ | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores some of the hard sayings of Christ found in the Gospel of John and other places in Scripture, focusing on key teachings that challenged Jesus' followers. He examines the difficulty many had in understanding Jesus as the bread of life and the call to partake in his body and blood, highlighting the spiritual meaning behind the Eucharist.Fr. Matthias addresses Jesus' teaching on being born again in baptism, explaining the transformation from a spiritual perspective versus a literal one. He also discusses the disciple Peter’s struggle to accept Christ’s prediction of his own crucifixion and the significance of Christ washing the disciples’ feet as an example of humble service.The sermon further explores Jesus' teachings on marriage, divorce, and the challenge of wealth in entering the kingdom of God. Fr. Matthias encourages believers to approach these sayings with faith, spiritual understanding, and patience, trusting God’s plan even when full comprehension is lacking.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

Faith in the Unseen | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning of faith in the unseen, reflecting on the story of Thomas and Christ’s post-resurrection appearances. He emphasizes the blessing of believing without direct evidence, using biblical examples like Abraham, Moses, the centurion, the woman with the flow of blood, and Peter walking on water to illustrate how faith motivates action and perseverance despite challenges.Fr. Matthias explains how faith involves trusting God’s promises even when they are not visible or immediately fulfilled, encouraging believers to live with hope anchored in eternal life and the presence of God. He connects this to the Christian journey of enduring trials while maintaining joy and hope, urging believers to walk by faith, not by sight, and to seek growth in trusting God’s invisible workings in their lives.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 7] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his study of Ecclesiastes, focusing on the challenges of living wisely amid human weakness and temptation. He explores how true wisdom requires humility and dependence on God’s grace, rather than mere willpower or resolution. Drawing on King Solomon’s experiences, Fr. Matthias explains the contrast between folly and wisdom, highlighting the dangers of hidden agendas and sin disguised as righteousness.He also discusses the importance of self-examination, confession, and honesty in personal growth, and addresses the roles of men and women in the context of spiritual pitfalls. Fr. Matthias emphasizes obedience to secular authorities as part of God’s order, while maintaining that spiritual truth must never be compromised.Throughout, the message centers on discerning God’s purpose in suffering and seeking a balanced, Spirit-led life that prioritizes eternal wisdom over temporary worldly gain.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

Not Recognizing Christ | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores why people often fail to recognize Christ’s presence in their lives, using the story of St. Mary Magdalene at the tomb as a starting point. Fr. Matthias discusses how trials, waiting, discipline, temptation, and loneliness can cloud the perception of God’s nearness, drawing examples from biblical figures like Job, Abraham, Jonah, Daniel, and Elijah.He explains that God’s presence is constant, even during hardships or when answers seem delayed, and that these experiences serve spiritual growth and ultimately lead to resurrection and salvation. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that through prayer and faith, believers can open their eyes to see Christ’s hidden presence and find comfort in His continual companionship. This message encourages reflection on recognizing God’s work in everyday life and struggles.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

Genuine Faith | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning of genuine faith by reflecting on the events of Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week. He highlights how faith is more than outward praise—true faith requires embracing the cross, enduring trials, and being faithful beyond initial enthusiasm. Fr. Matthias contrasts superficial faith with a transformative relationship with Christ, emphasizing the need for ongoing repentance and cutting out sources of sin.He discusses the importance of valuing genuine virtue over mere appearances and maintaining trust and gratitude toward God even during unanswered prayers. Through biblical examples, Fr. Matthias calls believers to live a faith that perseveres through suffering, seeks inner change, and praises God in every circumstance, encouraging a steadfast commitment to Christ that lasts until the end.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 Path to Intimacy with God | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the three stages of spiritual growth through the story of the man born blind from John chapter 9. He explains how the man’s progression—from simply knowing Jesus as a man, to recognizing Him as a prophet, and finally to worshiping Him as the Son of God—reflects our own journey toward a deeper relationship with God.Fr. Matthias describes the characteristics of each stage, highlighting how faith evolves from distant awareness to personal experience and active discipleship. He emphasizes the importance of living out faith through deeds, embracing sacrifice, genuine worship, repentance, and love for others as expressions of intimacy with God.This sermon offers a framework for self-reflection on where we are spiritually and encourages growth toward living a faith-centered life grounded in true knowledge and connection with 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

Lessons from the Paralyzed Man | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the paralyzed man in John chapter 5 within the context of the Jewish feast mentioned. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of the Pool of Bethesda, its location by the Sheep Gate, and its symbolic meaning relating to the Jewish people and the Law of Moses. He examines the dialogue between Jesus and the paralyzed man, highlighting the man’s long suffering, Jesus’ healing authority beyond the pool, and the man’s response of faith and gratitude.Fr. Matthias also discusses the controversy surrounding Jesus healing on the Sabbath and clarifies the true purpose of the Sabbath as a day of doing good in alignment with the Father’s ongoing work. A theological discourse follows on the unity between the Father and the Son, focusing on Jesus’ divine authority, the role of faith in Him for eternal life, and the final resurrection and judgment. The study concludes with reflections on rejecting true prophets and the importance of embracing the Messiah promised in the Scriptures.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 6] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Ecclesiastes chapter 7, focusing on King Solomon's reflections about wisdom, wealth, prosperity, and adversity. He explains the relationship between wisdom and money, emphasizing how wisdom provides lasting life while riches can be fleeting. Fr. Matthias discusses the purpose of trials and prosperity as appointed by God for our growth and spiritual maturity, urging believers to find comfort in God’s presence rather than worldly outcomes.He addresses common misunderstandings about suffering, the presence of God during hardships, and the nature of divine justice. Referencing biblical stories like Job and the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, Fr. Matthias highlights that earthly rewards do not always align with righteousness, and ultimate judgment belongs to God alone.The talk encourages a spiritual mindset that embraces faith and eternal hope, warns against seeking human validation, and calls believers to perseverance without expecting earthly compensation. Fr. Matthias concludes with a call to focus on one’s own spiritual journey, trusting God for final justice and reward.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 5] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his study of the book of Ecclesiastes, focusing on the analogy of the fruitful soul as a well-tended field and exploring the theme of wealth and contentment. He explains how the love of riches can lead to dissatisfaction, anxiety, and spiritual emptiness, contrasting the peace found in simple labor with the restlessness of the wealthy. Drawing on biblical examples like the manna in the wilderness, Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of trusting God's provision and working diligently.He also discusses the dangers of hoarding wealth, the necessity of generosity, and the fleeting nature of earthly possessions. The reflection extends to the value of a good name, the role of repentance, and the wisdom gained through patience and humility amid trials. Throughout, Fr. Matthias encourages living a life oriented toward eternal joy and remaining steadfast in faith despite life’s vanity and struggles.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

Acknowledgement of Sin | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the Samaritan woman at the well to illustrate the importance of acknowledging sin honestly. He emphasizes transparency in repentance, showing how calling sin by its true name leads to deeper conversion and spiritual growth. Fr. Matthias explains the difference between Godly sorrow that brings repentance and worldly sorrow that leads to despair, highlighting the role of healthy conviction and fear of God in the Christian life.He discusses how awareness of sin fosters reliance on God’s grace, acceptance of suffering as a means of purification, and prevents judgment of others. Fr. Matthias also addresses common barriers like distraction, self-justification, and avoidance of rebuke that hinder self-examination.Drawing on Scripture and the example of the Samaritan woman, he encourages sincere confession and openness to God’s transformative work during the journey of repentance and fasting.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