St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Humble Yourself as a Little Child | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the biblical teaching that entering the kingdom of heaven requires humility like that of a little child. He explains that true humility means seeing ourselves accurately—not as better or worse than we are—by comparing ourselves to God’s perfect standard rather than to others. Fr. Matthias distinguishes humility from low self-esteem and self-deprecation, emphasizing that humble people rely on God’s strength to cover their weaknesses and accept God’s will without complaint or quarrel.He describes practical signs of humility, such as being non-argumentative, willing to listen, submitting to God’s guidance, and not deflecting praise. Fr. Matthias warns against false humility that seeks approval or competition for who appears most humble. The talk concludes with the call to embrace humility through honest self-reflection and confession, following the example of children who trust and obey without pride.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

Independence from Sin | Homily (His Grace Bishop Gregory)

His Grace Bishop Gregory reflects on the true meaning of independence, moving beyond national celebrations to the spiritual freedom from sin offered through Christ. He discusses the Gospel story of the Rich Young Ruler, emphasizing the one thing that can hold believers back from fully embracing eternal life. Bishop Gregory shares a parable of a monk whose small actions led to becoming entangled in worldly attachments, illustrating how seemingly minor things can obstruct spiritual freedom.Through this homily, Bishop Gregory encourages viewers to examine what might be hindering their own independence from sin and to embrace the freedom God provides. The message highlights the importance of vigilance in the Christian journey toward true liberation in Christ, reminding believers to value and maintain the spiritual freedom they have been given.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 Burden of Sin and the Grace of Healing | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the paralyzed man healed by Jesus, emphasizing the priority of spiritual healing over physical restoration. He reflects on Psalm 38, where King David expresses the deep consequences of sin, including spiritual, physical, mental, and relational suffering. Fr. Matthias discusses how sin’s burden affects health and relationships, leading to feelings of isolation and despair, yet ultimately calls believers to repentance and hope in God’s forgiveness.He explains how God allows suffering to bring people to repentance and deeper reliance on Him, despite the ongoing spiritual battles with doubt and the enemy’s attacks. Fr. Matthias highlights that while physical healing is not always guaranteed, God’s promise of spiritual restoration and forgiveness remains sure. This message encourages trust in God’s mercy and the pursuit of healing beyond the visible, restoring both body and soul.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 Damage of Indulging in Sin | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the spiritual and personal damage caused by indulging in sin. He emphasizes the Gospel teaching to love even our enemies, explaining how hatred and unforgiveness expel God from our hearts and hinder our spiritual growth. Fr. Matthias discusses the consequences of willful sin, including the loss of purity, spiritual habits, and the formation of bad habits that can be difficult to break even after repentance.He also addresses the ongoing battle with guilt, the pain and challenges of true repentance, and the reality that some broken relationships may never fully heal. Using biblical examples like King David and the Prodigal Son, Fr. Matthias reminds viewers that while God forgives sincere repentance, living in sin causes lasting harm and spiritual damage. He encourages daily repentance as a path to healing and freedom from the damage of 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

2nd Kings 17-18 [Assyrian Captivity & Hezekiah’s Reign] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores 2 Kings chapters 17 and 18, detailing the Assyrian captivity and King Hezekiah’s reign. He examines the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel due to idolatry, disobedience, and rejection of God’s commandments, leading to their exile and the birth of the Samaritans through Assyrian resettlement.Fr. Matthias then focuses on Hezekiah’s reforms in Judah, including the removal of idols, high places, and the bronze serpent idol. He discusses Hezekiah’s trust in God amid Assyrian threats, contrasting his faith with Israel’s failure.The talk highlights the spiritual lessons on sin, obedience, and God’s judgment, emphasizing that true deliverance comes from faith in God rather than alliances with worldly powers. Fr. Matthias closes with a prayer for strength to resist temptation and remain steadfast in faith.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

Passive Evangelism | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses the concept of passive evangelism during the Apostles’ Fast, focusing on how the identity and practices of the church itself can attract people without active preaching. He contrasts passive evangelism with active evangelism, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity, language accessibility, and embodying biblical teachings in everyday life.Fr. Matthias explores challenges such as differing worldviews on relationships, marriage, divorce, sexuality, individualism, and authority. He addresses how the church can respond to post-modernism, secularization, and societal shifts while maintaining Orthodox theology. Emphasizing healing, transparency, organization, and leveraging media, he outlines how these elements support evangelism.This talk encourages believers to reflect on how the life and structure of the church serve as a witness to God’s truth, helping to bring others into the faith.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

2nd Kings 14-16 [Israel vs Judah Civil War] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores chapters 14 to 16 of Second Kings, focusing on the turbulent relationship and civil war between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. He examines the reigns of key kings such as Joash, Amziah, Jeroboam II, Aariah (Uzziah), and Ahaz, highlighting their actions, battles, and alliances, including conflicts involving Syria and Assyria.Fr. Matthias clarifies the overlapping timelines and parallel histories of the northern kingdom (Israel) and southern kingdom (Judah), explaining notable events like the capture of Jerusalem’s walls, the Assyrian captivity of Israel, and the prophetic message of Isaiah to King Ahaz. The discussion includes the significance of the prophecy about the virgin birth of Emmanuel as both a historical sign and its future messianic fulfillment.He also addresses the consequences of idolatry, the destruction and restoration efforts of the temple, and the spiritual lessons drawn from the kings' obedience or rebellion against God, emphasizing the continuing prophetic role during this era.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

2nd Kings 12-13 [Repairing the Temple & Elisha’s Death] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores 2 Kings chapters 12 and 13, focusing on King Joash’s repair of the temple and the death of the prophet Elisha. Fr. Matthias explains the political and spiritual conditions of Judah and Israel during Joash’s reign, highlighting Joash’s early faithfulness under the guidance of Priest Jehoiada and his later turning to idolatry after Jehoiada’s death.The study examines the collection of funds for temple repairs, the failure of temple priests to use the money properly, and the significance of the temple restoration project. Fr. Matthias also discusses the northern kingdom’s kings, their sinfulness, and God’s response to their oppression by Syria.Finally, he recounts Elisha’s final miracle and how God demonstrated power even through Elisha’s bones, illustrating the connection between Old Testament figures and Christ’s work. The study reflects on faith, repentance, and the role of God’s servants in the life of the nation.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

2nd Kings 9-11 [Jehu the Furious Rider & Joash the 7Yr-Old King] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores 2 Kings chapters 9 through 11, focusing on the anointing of Jehu as king and his mission to eliminate the house of Ahab as commanded by God. He details Jehu’s fervent actions against Ahab’s family and Baal worshippers, highlighting the fulfillment of Elijah’s prophecy. Fr. Matthias then examines the rise of Joash, the young king of Judah, who was hidden from Athaliah’s deadly purge and later restored with the support of the priest Jehoiada.The talk addresses the complexities of divine justice in the Old Testament, explaining the physical consequences of sin and the difference between Old Testament and New Testament understanding of God’s judgment. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of seeing progress in faith rather than expecting perfection and discusses the historical and spiritual context behind the violent episodes and prophetic fulfillments in these chapters.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

”All Things Have Become New” | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of spiritual renewal through the resurrection, emphasizing that in Christ, all things have become new. He discusses the struggle of letting go of past sins, mistakes, and traumatic experiences, using biblical examples such as St. Paul, the prodigal son, King David, St. Augustine, St. Moses the Strong, Joseph the righteous, and the man born blind.Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of accepting God’s forgiveness and trusting in His purpose, even amid suffering and hardships. He shows how faith enables believers to view pain and trials as opportunities for growth and glory, encouraging viewers to embrace daily renewal through the Holy Spirit.This message invites reflection on forgiveness, healing from past burdens, and living with hope in God’s transformative grace.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