St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the call to stay focused on the Christian mission amid life’s many distractions. Drawing from the instructions Jesus gave to the 70 apostles, Fr. Matthias explains the importance of avoiding distractions and staying committed to the path God has set. He highlights biblical examples like the Israelites and Lot’s wife to show the dangers of looking back and remaining attached to past lives or worldly things.Fr. Matthias encourages regular self-reflection on priorities and attachments, stressing the need to love God above all else and to use time wisely. He emphasizes setting aside daily quiet time for prayer and being aware of spiritual challenges and opposition from the enemy. Ultimately, this talk challenges believers to persevere in their spiritual journey with focus, trust, and reliance on God’s strength.#ChristianFocus #SpiritualDiscipline #StayFocusedOnGod #ChristianMission #FaithJourney #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 first part of the series "Diabolic Wars," Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the spiritual battles believers face against the devil, drawing from the teachings of His Holiness Pope Shenouda. Fr. Matthias explains the nature of these wars, emphasizing that temptations are allowed by God for spiritual growth and are experienced by everyone, regardless of their level of faith or vocation. He distinguishes between trials and temptations and highlights the devil's persistence, intelligence, and use of various tactics to deceive and accuse.Fr. Matthias also discusses the importance of relying on God’s strength to overcome these wars, as human effort alone is insufficient. He addresses the devil’s attributes, including his role as the accuser and how he exploits human weaknesses to turn people away from God. This talk lays the foundation for understanding spiritual warfare and invites believers to seek God's help in standing firm against temptation.#SpiritualWarfare #ChristianFaith #OvercomingTemptation #FrMatthiasShehad #DiabolicWars #FaithInGod #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 6 and 7, focusing on the destruction of Jericho and the defeat at Ai. He explains how the Israelites, led by the commander of the Lord’s army, conquered Jericho through faith and obedience, marching around the city as God instructed. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that victory was granted by God, not human warfare, illustrating the power of mystical obedience like prayer and sacraments.He then examines the consequences of Achan’s sin, which led to Israel’s defeat at Ai despite previous successes. Fr. Matthias discusses the seriousness of sin’s impact on the community and the need for repentance to restore God’s presence. He highlights lessons on faith, obedience, and the spiritual battle against sin, encouraging viewers to trust God's guidance in all aspects of life.#JoshuaBibleStudy #DestructionOfJericho #FaithAndObedience #SinAndRepentance #GodsVictory #SpiritualBattle #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 the Bible study on the Book of Joshua by covering chapters 8 and 9, focusing on the renewed victory at Ai and the deception of the Gibeonites. Fr. Matthias explains how repentance restores Israel’s relationship with God, how obedience and human effort work together with God’s grace, and how the strategy at Ai demonstrates the synergy between divine blessing and human action .Fr. Matthias discusses the altar built on Mount Ebal, the public reading of the Law, and the contrast between blessings and curses tied to obedience and disobedience. He then examines the covenant with the Gibeonites, highlighting the danger of making decisions based on emotion without seeking God’s counsel.The study concludes with reflections on superficial faith versus true repentance, the consequences of rash vows, and the importance of discernment, humility, and submission to God’s will in the spiritual life.#BibleStudy #BookOfJoshua #ChristianFaith #BiblicalObedience #GodsGrace #SpiritualDiscernment #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhoustonLike 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 http://stpaulhouston.org

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores different reasons why people seek Christ, using the examples of the shepherds, wise men, and King Herod during the Nativity. He explains how some come to Christ for the wrong motives, such as selfish pleasure, material gain, self-justification, desire for miracles, emotional experiences, destruction of enemies, or social acceptance. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that true seeking involves pursuing union with Christ, obedience to God’s will, and daily commitment to prayer and repentance. He challenges believers to reflect on their own motivations and to celebrate the Incarnation not only on feast days but in their hearts every day. Fr. Matthias invites listeners to find Christ within themselves and live in continuous relationship with Him for spiritual growth and eternal life.#SeekingGod #TrueFaith #ChristianSermon #SpiritualGrowth #Incarnation #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 Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Book of 2nd John, delving into its authorship by Saint John the Beloved and its focus on truth versus error. Fr. Matthias explains the epistle’s address to the “elect lady” and her children, discussing interpretations that see this as a metaphor for the church. He highlights the historical context of false teachings such as Gnosticism and Docetism, emphasizing Saint John's warning against denying Christ’s incarnation.Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of abiding in the truth and the commandment to love one another, explaining how these are essential for the unity and resilience of the church. He also addresses practical advice on dealing with false teachers, urging discernment in fellowship to protect the faith. The study concludes with reflections on the eternal nature of truth and the need for living faith through obedience, not just knowledge.This session is valuable for those interested in early church writings, Christian doctrine, and spiritual discernment.#2ndJohn #BibleStudy #ChristianDoctrine #TruthVsError #FrMatthiasShehad #SpiritualDiscernment #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 Epistle of 3rd John, focusing on Saint John’s letter to Gaius about conflicts within the early church. He examines the challenges posed by Diotrephes, a leader who rejected visiting ministers and caused division by excluding members who welcomed them. Fr. Matthias highlights the dangers of internal discord compared to external persecution, emphasizing the importance of unity and walking in truth as foundational to the Christian faith.He explains the role of hospitality to traveling teachers and the significance of supporting church ministries beyond personal gain or recognition. Fr. Matthias discusses the motivations and character traits necessary for effective leadership in the church, contrasting them with those who seek power and control. The message encourages believers to uphold truth, practice love through obedience, and serve faithfully despite criticism or hardship, drawing lessons on spiritual growth, humility, and community life from this brief but instructive biblical letter.#3rdJohn #ChristianHospitality #BibleStudy #ChurchUnity #SpiritualLeadership #FaithInAction #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, Gerges Gad explores the Apostolic Age, focusing on the birth of the Church through the events of Jesus Christ’s ascension and the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, as recorded in the Book of Acts. Gerges discusses how the apostles received teachings on establishing the Church and their commission to evangelize Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. He outlines the early spread of Christianity, the role of the apostles in preaching, and notable apostolic churches including Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, and Rome.Gerges also covers the development of early Christian traditions, the significance of oral teachings alongside scripture, and the challenges faced during persecutions and theological controversies. The study highlights the impact of the Holy Spirit on the apostles’ ministry and the growth of the early Church within cultural and historical contexts.#ApostolicAge #BirthOfTheChurch #HolySpirit #Pentecost #EarlyChurch #BibleStudy #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 three-part series on asceticism, exploring its vital role in the Christian spiritual journey. He explains asceticism as the labor for the "food which endures to everlasting life," emphasizing that it is a necessary response to God’s offer of salvation and spiritual gifts. Fr. Matthias contrasts asceticism with secular culture’s pursuit of pleasure and addresses common misunderstandings that equate asceticism with legalism or deprivation.He highlights asceticism as a positive and therapeutic practice that helps overcome the corrupted nature of humanity by putting to death the deeds of the body. Drawing on biblical references and the lives of saints, Fr. Matthias underscores the spiritual battle between flesh and spirit and calls all Christians, not just monastics, to embrace ascetic disciplines as a path to sanctification and deeper union with God.The talk connects asceticism with repentance, fasting, and self-sacrifice, preparing listeners for the spiritual discipline of the Great Fast.#Asceticism #ChristianSpirituality #SpiritualDisciplines #GreatFast #Repentance #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

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his sermon on asceticism, explaining its purpose in the spiritual life. He emphasizes the ongoing battle between the spirit and the flesh, highlighting how passions like gluttony, pride, and anger obstruct our relationship with God. Fr. Matthias describes asceticism not as mere self-denial but as a healing process that helps control desires and draw nearer to God.He discusses practical ascetic practices such as fasting, prayer, almsgiving, confession, and obedience to a spiritual father, outlining how these help regain spiritual freedom and focus. Fr. Matthias contrasts worldly satisfaction with the true joy found in God and encourages viewers to approach the season of fasting as a time of deeper spiritual transformation, culminating in the joy of the Resurrection feast.#Asceticism #ChristianSermon #SpiritualLife #FastingAndPrayer #OvercomingSin #SpiritualFreedom #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