St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning of Jesus’ declaration in John 12:36 about walking while we have the light to become sons of light. He explains the three steps involved: recognizing the limited time we have to respond to God’s call, believing in the light through faith and understanding Scripture, and the transformation that results in becoming new creations in Christ. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, embracing spiritual struggle, and renewing the mind to reflect God’s truth. He highlights how Christians are called to live differently from the world by pursuing righteousness and being reconciled with God through Jesus Christ. The message encourages believers to act now in faith to experience spiritual renewal and the eternal inheritance as children of light.#SonsofLight #FaithInChrist #SpiritualRenewal #ChristianSermon #WalkInTheLight #NewCreation #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 true belief through the story of the man born blind, emphasizing faith as full trust and surrender to Christ rather than mere acknowledgment of facts. He connects this to Christ’s call to “let not your heart be troubled,” highlighting that peace comes from trusting God’s eternal promises, not worldly systems.Fr. Matthias discusses how to find stillness in prayer and reliance on God during difficult times, drawing from biblical examples like Moses and teachings of the Desert Fathers. He encourages using this period for healing relationships, cultivating gratitude, and deepening faith in God’s presence here and now, as well as the eternal home He prepares.This message calls believers to embrace trust beyond circumstances, to find comfort in God’s love, and to engage actively in spiritual practices despite external challenges.#FaithInChrist #TrustInGod #ChristianSermon #PeaceThroughFaith #LetNotYourHeartBeTroubled #SpiritualGrowth #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 Lord’s Prayer, explaining its significance and the elements that shape Christian prayer. He begins by emphasizing the need for a personal and private place to pray, encouraging persistence in prayer even when spiritual feelings are absent. Fr. Matthias highlights the meaning behind addressing God as Father in Heaven and stresses reverence for God’s holy name. He discusses the petition for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as in heaven, focusing on personal transformation and submission to God’s authority.The sermon reflects on daily dependence on God for provision, the importance of seeking forgiveness while forgiving others, and the plea for deliverance from temptation and the evil one. Fr. Matthias reminds listeners that prayer is an ongoing spiritual discipline that fosters connection with God. The teaching draws attention to how understanding the Lord’s Prayer shapes Christian life and relationship with God.#LordsPrayer #ChristianPrayer #FrMatthiasShehad #FaithAndPrayer #PrayerSermon #SpiritualDiscipline #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 continues exploring the theme of loving one’s enemies through biblical examples. He reflects on how personal faults—such as envy, insecurity, partiality, and pride—often cause individuals to become their own worst enemies and create enmity with others. Fr. Matthias discusses stories of Cain and Abel, King Ahab and Naboth, Saul and David, and Joseph and his brothers to illustrate how inner struggles can lead to conflict. He emphasizes the need for self-examination, contentment, humility, and discretion in relationships. Fr. Matthias urges believers to practice reconciliation, patience, and unconditional love rooted in God’s example, encouraging reflection on whether the true source of conflict lies within ourselves. This message calls for seeking peace and love in all interactions, fostering unity in the church and beyond.#LoveYourEnemies #ChristianSermon #ForgivenessInChrist #BiblicalTeachings #FrMatthiasShehad #ChristianLiving #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 teaching on loving our enemies from Luke 6. He explains the foundation of this commandment as experiencing God's love and forgiveness first, which then enables us to forgive and love others, including those who oppose us. Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of learning to love those close to us before extending love to enemies, and he distinguishes between disagreements and hatred, emphasizing respectful dialogue.He also addresses how enemies are often created through misunderstandings, assumptions, and unresolved conflicts, highlighting the need for self-examination to recognize our own role in causing enmity. Fr. Matthias encourages openness, humility, and careful communication as key steps toward reconciliation and peace. The sermon concludes by reminding viewers that loving enemies reflects God’s nature and calls us to participate in His character.#LoveYourEnemies #ChristianSermon #ForgivenessInChrist #GospelTeaching #ChristianLove #PeaceAndReconciliation #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 discusses Jesus’ promise that no one can snatch His followers from the Father’s hand, highlighting the security of salvation through God’s mercy. He explains that neither the devil, the law, other people, difficult circumstances, nor personal sin can separate believers from God as long as they repent and remain faithful. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the ongoing spiritual struggle, the role of repentance, and the assurance found in Christ’s advocacy before the Father. He also clarifies that salvation is by God’s grace, not human perfection, and encourages believers to trust in God’s faithfulness amid weakness and trials.Additionally, Fr. Matthias outlines upcoming changes in church services, including phased restoration of in-person liturgies, bible studies, and hymns classes, while continuing health protocols. He provides information on new schedules and participation methods for the congregation.#NoOneCanSnatch #GodsProtection #SalvationInChrist #FaithfulToGod #GraceAndMercy #ChristianAssurance #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 obstacles that prevent many from overcoming adversity, drawing on the biblical story of the man paralyzed for 38 years by the pool of Bethesda. Fr. Matthias highlights key barriers such as lack of motivation, absence of a plan, making excuses, fear of change, not seeking help, passive hope things will improve on their own, and withholding forgiveness. He emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility, planning, and actively seeking healing through faith and community support. Fr. Matthias encourages viewers to reflect on their own journeys of suffering and the role they play in their healing process, stressing that true freedom from pain requires forgiveness and cooperation with God’s grace. He concludes by urging practical steps like prayer, confession, and forgiveness as essential to overcoming life's challenges.#OvercomingAdversity #FaithAndHealing #ChristianSermon #Forgiveness #HealingThroughFaith #GodsGrace #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 key teachings of Christ about the end times, based on Mark 13. He examines common pitfalls believers face when interpreting signs of the end, such as being deceived by false teachers, misreading every event as a sign, forgetting the mission to preach the gospel, and tolerating growing evil in society. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the reality of suffering during the tribulation and warns against substituting personal philosophies for God’s word or seeking secret knowledge about the timing of the end. He underscores that the world will not last forever and encourages vigilance, repentance, and living in readiness for Christ’s return. Fr. Matthias calls for a balanced approach—being aware but not fearful or obsessed—so believers can live faithfully and joyfully, confident in the promise of eternal life with God.#EndTimes #ChristianSermon #FrMatthiasShehad #Mark13 #FaithfulLiving #ChristReturn #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 spiritual principle of living in the present moment, drawing from the life of Saint Anthony and biblical teachings. He explains how dwelling on the past—whether through regret, pride, or loss of confidence—can hinder spiritual growth and miss current opportunities. Fr. Matthias also addresses the dangers of boasting about or fearing the future, emphasizing trust in God's plan rather than relying on personal control or anxieties. He highlights the importance of using present time wisely, avoiding procrastination and distractions, and focusing on what truly benefits the soul. Through reflections on scripture, including passages from Saint Paul, Isaiah, and Saint James, Fr. Matthias encourages embracing each day as a fresh start for spiritual advancement, following Saint Anthony’s example of daily renewal and reliance on God’s will.#LivingInTheMoment #ChristianSermon #FaithInGod #SpiritualGrowth #SaintAnthony #TrustGod #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 prophecy of St. John the Baptist as recorded in Luke chapter 1, focusing on the significance of John’s birth and his prophetic message about the coming of Christ. He explains how this moment marks a profound shift from the Old Testament era of fear and death to New Testament salvation through Christ’s incarnation and sacrifice. Fr. Matthias discusses the symbolism of the “horn of salvation” and its connection to forgiveness through Christ’s blood. He highlights the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, the spiritual nature of the true enemy—sin and Satan—and the mercy God shows by redeeming humanity. Emphasizing the call to live a holy and righteous life, he stresses the peace and joy believers can experience by embracing God’s salvation. This sermon encourages believers to understand Christ’s mission to save from spiritual death and to live with hope and fearlessness in God's eternal promises.#StJohnTheBaptist #ProphecyOfChrist #ChristianSermon #ForgivenessThroughChrist #NewTestamentSalvation #FaithAndHope #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