St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

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.#FaithJourney #LeavingGod #ChristianSermon #SpiritualReflection #ProdigalSon #StayCloseToGod #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 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.#LifeOfFaith #ChristianFaith #PopeShenouda #FaithInGod #ChristianPerseverance #TrustInGod #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 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.#ChristianAuthority #FaithInChrist #SpiritualGrowth #PowerOverSin #ChristiansInAction #ChristianMission #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 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.#Ecclesiastes #ChristianWisdom #FearGod #SpiritualGrowth #FrMatthiasShehad #FaithfulLiving #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 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.#WalkInTheLight #ChristTheLight #ChristianLiving #FaithAndFellowship #BiblicalTeaching #RepentanceAndLight #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 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.#Ecclesiastes #ChristianWisdom #FrMatthiasShehad #FaithAndRighteousness #SpiritualGrowth #BiblicalTeaching #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 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.#EternalWork #GodsPlan #FaithfulStewardship #ChristianSermon #SalvationJourney #BiblicalTeachings #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 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.#Ecclesiastes #SpiritualWarfare #ChristianFaith #EternalJustice #FaithAndRighteousness #GodsWisdom #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 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.#HardSayingsOfChrist #BreadOfLife #EucharistTeaching #SpiritualTransformation #ChristianSermon #FaithInChrist #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 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.#FaithInTheUnseen #ChristianFaith #TrustGod #WalkByFaith #BiblicalSermon #HopeInChrist #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