St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the signs and events associated with the end of the world as described in Matthew 24. He explains how Jesus warned the disciples about deception, wars, natural disasters, persecution, divisions, lawlessness, and the coming of the Antichrist. Fr. Matthias emphasizes both the physical and spiritual dimensions of these prophecies, highlighting the importance of vigilance, repentance, and maintaining faith amid societal and moral challenges.He discusses the spirit of the Antichrist, the erosion of truth and unity, and the coming tribulations. Fr. Matthias explains the abomination of desolation and the need for believers to separate themselves from worldly temptations. The sermon culminates with a call to watchfulness and perseverance, encouraging believers to remain steadfast and prepared for Christ’s return while trusting in God’s protection.#EndTimes #Matthew24 #ChristianSermon #Antichrist #FaithAndVigilance #TribulationPreparation #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 significance of Jesus Christ’s first public act of ministry, as recorded in the synagogue when He read the prophecy from Isaiah. Fr. Matthias explains how Christ fulfills this prophecy by being anointed to preach the gospel to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to captives, and bring recovery of sight to the blind. He emphasizes the spiritual and physical dimensions of Christ’s healing and liberation, highlighting the freedom from sin and bondage offered through Him.Fr. Matthias also discusses the meaning of the "acceptable year of the Lord," connecting it to the Old Testament year of jubilee as a symbol of restoration, forgiveness, and reconciliation. The sermon reflects on the purpose of Christ’s coming as salvation for all and encourages believers to embrace the grace and renewal brought through His ministry.#SpiritOfTheLord #JesusMinistry #ChristianSermon #HealingInChrist #YearOfTheLord #FaithAndFreedom #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 background and significance of the Epistle to the Ephesians, written by St. Paul during his imprisonment in Rome. He explains the historical context of Ephesus as a major commercial city and its connection to early Christian evangelism. Fr. Matthias outlines the epistle’s main themes, focusing on the relationship between Christ and the Church as the body and head, the unity of Jews and Gentiles in salvation, and the role of grace and faith in Christian life.He also addresses theological concepts such as predestination, adoption through baptism, and the sealing of the Holy Spirit. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that salvation is a free gift from God, received through faith that leads to good works. The teaching includes an explanation of the spiritual transformation believers experience and practical guidance on living as members of the body of Christ. This study offers theological insights into early Christian doctrine and the spiritual blessings available in Christ.#EphesiansStudy #ChristianDoctrine #BodyOfChrist #GraceAndFaith #HolySpiritSeal #Predestination #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 Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Joshua chapters 23 and 24, focusing on Joshua’s final counsels to the Israelites before his death. He explains how Joshua reminds the people of God’s faithfulness in driving out their enemies and apportioning the Promised Land, emphasizing that the land division was an act of faith in God’s continued help.Fr. Matthias highlights Joshua’s call for courage and obedience to God’s commandments as the key to ongoing success and protection. He addresses the challenges of living a faithful life amid societal pressures and the importance of choosing whom to serve. The study also covers the covenant renewal at Shechem and the consequences of turning from God, drawing parallels to challenges faced by believers today.This teaching underscores God’s providence throughout history, the necessity of courage in faith, and the call to wholehearted devotion.#JoshuaBibleStudy #FaithfulnessOfGod #CourageInFaith #BiblicalCovenant #ChristianObedience #PromisedLandFaith #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 series on "Diabolic Wars," exploring spiritual warfare against the attacks of the devil. Drawing from the teachings of Pope Shenouda III and biblical examples, Fr. Matthias explains that overcoming these battles is possible through the power of God, faith, humility, wisdom, and watchfulness. He emphasizes the cooperation between human effort and divine aid, highlighting the importance of resisting temptation through prayer and disciplined action. Fr. Matthias also addresses common struggles such as fear, doubt, and irrational emotions, urging believers to seek godly counsel and maintain spiritual vigilance. The talk illustrates how faith empowers victory, humility repels demonic forces, and discernment guards the heart. Throughout, Fr. Matthias reminds listeners that God’s presence is the greatest comfort and reward amid life’s challenges and spiritual warfare.#SpiritualWarfare #FaithOverFear #ChristianTeaching #DiabolicWars #FrMatthiasShehad #BiblicalWisdom #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 Bible study on the Book of Joshua, focusing on chapters 18 to 22, which detail the continued division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. He explains the establishment of the tabernacle at Shiloh as a central place for worship and the call for the remaining tribes to possess their inheritance. Fr. Matthias draws spiritual parallels about vigilance in faith and warns against complacency after success.He further explores the specific land boundaries allocated to each tribe, including Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, and others, and discusses the significance of Joshua receiving his inheritance last as a symbol of humility in leadership. The session covers the appointment of cities of refuge for accidental killers, their symbolic connection to Christ as the high priest, and the distribution of cities to the Levites for pastoral ministry.The study highlights God’s faithfulness in fulfilling the land promise to Israel and addresses the controversy over the altar built by the tribes east of the Jordan, clarifying its purpose as a memorial to maintain unity among the tribes. Fr. Matthias closes by emphasizing obedience to God’s command and the importance of communal faithfulness for receiving God’s blessing.#BookOfJoshua #BibleStudy #PromisedLand #ChristianFaith #TribesOfIsrael #FaithfulnessToGod #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 talk, Eric Tadros explores the concept of holy zeal as presented by Pope Shenouda, focusing on its definition and how it applies to the Christian spiritual life. He breaks down zeal into three core components: desire (the inner fire), labor (persistent action), and purpose (saving others and building God’s kingdom). Eric emphasizes that holy zeal is not based on feelings but on consistent effort and love for God and others.Drawing from scripture and examples such as Moses, Saint Paul, and Elijah, Eric discusses wrestling with God in prayer, encouraging the weak without judgment, and walking patiently with others on their spiritual journey. He highlights the need for patience, partnership with God, and sadness over those far from the faith as essential elements of holy zeal.This message calls believers to cultivate a fervent heart aimed at loving and saving others with persistent, purposeful action anchored in God’s love.#HolyZeal #ChristianFaith #SpiritualGrowth #GodsKingdom #ChristianEncouragement #EricTadros #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 Joshua chapters 14-17, focusing on the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. He reviews Joshua’s leadership after Moses, highlighting key battles such as Jericho and Ai, and how God's involvement varies between miraculous intervention and guidance through human strategy. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of the land distribution by lot and the challenges faced by the tribes, particularly the incomplete conquest of Canaanite territories.The discussion emphasizes Caleb’s faithfulness and inheritance, reflecting on his role as one of the faithful spies and his ongoing strength in battle despite his age. The lecture addresses the consequences of Israel’s partial obedience, including the integration of pagan peoples. Fr. Matthias also touches on the historical and spiritual meanings behind biblical names and places, reinforcing the authenticity and lasting impact of these scriptures.#JoshuaBibleStudy #PromisedLand #CalebFaithfulness #BiblicalLeadership #TribesOfIsrael #GodsGuidance #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. Tobia Manoli discusses the spiritual significance of preparing for the end of times as emphasized in the Coptic Orthodox Church. He explains that the end of the year serves as a call to readiness rather than speculation about the timing of the end. Fr. Tobia highlights the importance of self-accountability, repentance, and maintaining the right priorities in one's spiritual life.Using the example of St. Augustine, he illustrates how even those raised in the church can face challenges when exposed to new environments. Fr. Tobia stresses the need for sincere repentance, true accountability, and consistent service as essential components of being ready for Christ’s return.He encourages believers to live authentically Christian lives, resist compromising their values, and approach the new year by seeking solutions to spiritual weaknesses. The sermon connects biblical teachings with practical steps to foster spiritual preparedness and renewal.#EndTimesPreparation #CopticOrthodox #ChristianRepentance #SpiritualReadiness #FrTobiaManoli #FaithAndAccountability #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 biblical principle that "a house divided cannot stand," emphasizing the importance of unity in families and the church. He explains how Satan’s kingdom is united in purpose, while human divisions cause conflict and destruction.Fr. Matthias outlines key principles for achieving unity: having shared goals rooted in salvation, cultivating unity of mind through adherence to Scripture, and maintaining unity of faith by submitting to God's will and the church. He stresses the importance of love, forgiveness, respect within relationships, and living consistently according to biblical principles.He highlights the need for a pursuit of holiness as a cornerstone for unity, noting that differing values or goals in families or marriages often lead to division. Fr. Matthias encourages believers to seek these principles to foster peace and resilience against spiritual challenges.#ChristianUnity #FaithAndFamily #BiblicalPrinciples #HouseUnited #SpiritualUnity #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