St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

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.#MarketingOfEvil #FrMatthiasShehad #ChristianTruth #SexualRevolution #BiblicalMorality #CulturalCritique #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 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.#GraceTurningPoints #SpiritualTransformation #GodsGrace #ChristianSermon #FaithJourney #HolySpiritGuidance #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 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.#ChristianMarriage #BiblicalMarriage #FaithAndFamily #MarriageInChrist #SacredUnion #GodlyOffspring #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 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.#ChristianSermon #FaithInAction #HealingInChrist #SpiritualGrowth #OvercomingSin #RiseAndWalk #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 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.#Forgiveness #ChristianLove #SermonOnForgiveness #FaithAndRepentance #GodsMercy #ChristianFaith #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 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.#ChristianFaith #CulturalIssues #FaithAndTruth #MarketingOfEvil #ChristianValues #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 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.#ChristianSermon #ForgivenessInChrist #ConflictResolution #BiblicalTeaching #FaithAndJustice #RepentanceAndPeace #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 begins a series on "The Marketing of Evil," exploring how society has been systematically influenced to accept as virtuous what previous generations regarded as immoral. Drawing from the book *Marketing of Evil*, he outlines a deliberate strategy used to reshape public perception, especially focusing on the normalization and celebration of homosexuality.Fr. Matthias explains the organized campaign by activists starting in the 1980s, including a psychological marketing plan designed to desensitize, emotionally confuse, and ultimately convert public opinion. He discusses how media and propaganda manipulate emotions rather than appeal to logic, presenting homosexuality as natural and worthy of acceptance while silencing opposition with shame.He emphasizes the distinction between loving individuals and accepting lifestyles he views as harmful, framing this change as part of a broader moral decline influenced by deliberate manipulation rather than natural societal progression. This talk sets the foundation for understanding ongoing cultural shifts related to sexuality and morality.#ChristianTeaching #FaithAndMorality #CulturalIssues #MarketingOfEvil #FrMatthiasShehad #ChristianPerspective #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 concluding part of the "Life of Faith" series, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the test of faith as described by H.H. Pope Shenouda. He discusses how true faith is revealed through love, especially loving those who are difficult to love or who oppose us, reflecting Christ’s example on the cross. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that faith is shown not just through belief but through works, obedience, purity, contentment, and generosity.He highlights the importance of trusting God’s will during trials and maintaining faith even when prayers seem unanswered. The discussion includes how faith influences our actions, shapes our view on eternity, and calls for firm, practical, and growing commitment. Fr. Matthias also addresses how to defend the faith thoughtfully, focusing on love and relationship rather than argument.This message encourages spiritual growth through perseverance, humility, and active love as the true measure of faith.#LifeOfFaith #PopeShenouda #ChristianFaith #FaithAndLove #SpiritualGrowth #PerseveranceInFaith #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 the question of “What Will Be the Sign of Your Coming” in this sermon delivered on the last Sunday of the Coptic year. He discusses how Jesus revealed to His disciples about the end times but kept details hidden, emphasizing that only God the Father knows the exact timing. Fr. Matthias explains that God withholds full knowledge to protect us from fear and to develop our faith gradually, using biblical examples like Joseph, Moses, and Gideon.He highlights that God’s daily provision and preparation help believers face future trials with trust and discernment. Fr. Matthias also stresses the importance of seeking comfort in God alone rather than worldly things, encouraging a faithful, watchful life focused on today. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to grow in faith, peace, and readiness for Christ’s return without anxiety about the unknown future.#ChristianSermon #EndTimesTeaching #FaithInGod #JesusComing #CopticChristianity #HolySpiritGuidance #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