St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept of spiritual exile, emphasizing that as Christians, our true citizenship is in heaven while we live temporarily on earth. He connects this idea to the importance of family as the foundational unit called to nurture faith, model Christ-like behavior, and raise godly offspring. Fr. Matthias highlights the challenges believers face in maintaining faithfulness amid worldly distractions and stresses the role of parents in intentionally guiding their children in the faith.Drawing from scripture, including the Gospel of Matthew and the book of Malachi, he explains the consequences of unfaithfulness within family and church life and the necessity of unity and covenant faithfulness. Fr. Matthias calls the church community to support families in living intentionally for God, guarding against the erosion of faith, and embracing their role in spiritual exile with purpose.#SpiritualExile #ChristianFamily #FaithfulParenting #ChristCenteredFamily #SermonWithFrMatthias #LivingForHeaven #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 theme of spiritual exile through examples from the Old Testament, emphasizing that as Christians, we are citizens of heaven living temporarily in a foreign world. He discusses Abraham’s faith in leaving his homeland, Joseph’s perseverance through hardship, and Daniel’s steadfastness in faith despite persecution. Fr. Matthias highlights that earthly rewards differ from the heavenly reward of God’s presence, which is the true source of contentment and hope. Through these biblical figures, he encourages believers to remain faithful amid trials, to live by heavenly values rather than worldly ones, and to recognize that our ultimate home is in God’s kingdom. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace the power of the Holy Spirit for transformation and to maintain a focus on the eternal journey toward heaven.#SpiritualExile #OldTestamentFaith #ChristianSermon #FaithInTrials #HeavenlyCitizenship #HolySpiritPower #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 concept of spiritual exile, comparing believers’ earthly journey to the Israelites’ exile in Babylon. Using the story of Daniel, he illustrates how to remain connected to God through purpose, unwavering faith, consistent prayer, and adherence to God’s word despite living in a world that opposes Christian values.Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of humility by acknowledging sin, remembering God’s warnings and faithfulness, and holding onto hope for redemption. He encourages believers to see life on earth as temporary and to trust in God’s mercy and restoration.This sermon draws on biblical examples and offers guidance for maintaining spiritual discipline, overcoming fear, and living with hope amid cultural pressures and persecution. Fr. Matthias highlights the ongoing call to holiness as God’s presence sustains His people in exile.#SpiritualExile #FaithInExile #ConnectedToGod #ChristianSermon #DanielStory #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

In this Q&A session, Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses questions on Christian faith and practice, focusing on themes such as rejoicing in the Lord as a command beyond mere emotion, the meaning and significance of the Transfiguration with Moses and Elijah, and the history of the Coptic Church amid persecution. He explains the difference between happiness and joy rooted in faith and the work of the Holy Spirit. Fr. Matthias also explores biblical examples of “turning the other cheek” and discusses Christian love as an action rather than a feeling.The talk covers practical topics like anonymous church donations, the symbolism of Moses and Elijah, St. Matthias’s missionary journeys and martyrdom, and the meaning behind church customs including the Great Lent and the presentation of Jesus at the temple. Throughout, Fr. Matthias connects Scripture, church tradition, and lived Christian experience, offering biblical insights and historical context for faith, worship, and service.#ChristianFaith #CopticChurch #FrMatthiasShehad #HolySpirit #Transfiguration #ChristianLove #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. James Gendi explores the theme of humility through the example of Saint Mary during her visit to Elizabeth, as described in the Gospel of Luke. He discusses the contrast between worldly pride and the Christian virtue of humility, emphasizing that true humility involves sincere heart, soul, and mind. Fr. James shares teachings from early Church Fathers like Saint Anthony the Great and Dorotheos of Gaza, highlighting how humility brings spiritual healing, rest, and closeness to God.Fr. James also illustrates humility with biblical stories, such as the Canaanite woman’s faith amid injustice and the tax collector's prayer, showing that humility means recognizing one’s lowly state before God and others. He encourages viewers to embrace humility by valuing others without judgment, enduring injustice patiently, and acknowledging that all gifts come from God. This message invites believers to reflect on humility as essential for spiritual growth and closeness to God.#ChristianHumility #SaintMary #SpiritualGrowth #FrJamesGendi #ChristianSermon #FaithAndHumility #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 battle between believers and Satan, emphasizing the importance of binding the “strong man” rather than being bound by sin. He explains that sin is a form of slavery that limits true freedom, highlighting how addiction, obsession, and tolerance of sin lead to loss of control, anxiety, and separation from God.Fr. Matthias identifies common negative responses to spiritual bondage, including ignorance, denial, apathy, and fear. He then offers practical steps for believers: taking swift action against sin, confessing, engaging in prayer and fasting, seeking God’s power, and living in hopeful perseverance. Throughout, he stresses that true freedom comes from Christ's power and mercy, not human efforts alone.This teaching encourages self-reflection on spiritual bondage and invites believers to respond with faith and reliance on God’s grace to overcome sin and experience true liberty.#SpiritualFreedom #BindOrBeBound #OvercomingSin #FaithInChrist #ChristianSermon #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

Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the significance of the Resurrection and the transformative power of God in moments of despair. He explores biblical examples including the disciples after Christ’s resurrection, the Israelites at the Red Sea, Daniel in the lions’ den, the three youths in the fiery furnace, Jonah in the belly of the fish, Susanna’s trial, and St. Peter’s restoration after denial. Fr. Matthias explains how God uses low points in life—not only external trials but also personal failures—to bring about victory, renewal, and strengthened faith.He emphasizes that these stories reveal God’s ability to turn darkness into light and death into life, reinforcing the hope of resurrection for all believers. The message invites listeners to trust God’s power to raise them from their lowest moments and to embrace their renewed purpose in Him.#ResurrectionHope #FaithInTrials #GodsPower #FromDarknessToLight #ChristianFaith #SpiritualRenewal #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 transformative encounters individuals in the New Testament had with Christ, beginning with the Samaritan woman at the well who discovers her deeper spiritual thirst. Fr. Matthias examines how meeting Christ reveals personal needs, misunderstandings, and calls to repentance and service, referencing figures such as Nicodemus, Nathanael, the rich young ruler, Levi, Zacchaeus, and the ten lepers.He highlights the shift from worldly pursuits to spiritual fulfillment, the importance of humility, repentance, and the call to follow Christ. The message emphasizes that true Christianity centers on communion with God and spiritual growth, not merely external deeds. Fr. Matthias also invites believers to reflect on their own encounters with Christ and the changes these bring.The sermon concludes with practical announcements about upcoming online church activities and encourages supporting the church through online donations.#EncounterWithChrist #ChristianSermon #FrMatthiasShehad #SpiritualGrowth #Repentance #FaithJourney #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 at the well, highlighting themes of misunderstanding and the profound gift God offers through Christ. He reflects on how people often underestimate God’s power and love, emphasizing seven key insights: God's original plan for life in the Garden of Eden, the separation caused by sin, God’s relentless pursuit of humanity, the sacrifice of Christ, the reality of heaven, the brevity of life, and the power of repentance for restoration.Fr. Matthias encourages viewers to reconsider their perspective on God’s invitation to receive “living water,” inspiring a deeper understanding of salvation and the eternal relationship God desires with each person. He also addresses how repentance opens the way back to God, underscoring the accessibility of His mercy through Christ’s sacrifice. The message invites believers to live with renewed awareness of God’s presence, grace, and purpose for their lives.#GiftOfGod #LivingWater #ChristianSermon #Repentance #GodsLove #SalvationInChrist #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 Jesus Christ and how it is shared with believers. He examines Christ’s authority over nature, sin, sickness, evil, death, and the mission to convert the world. Drawing from scripture, Fr. Matthias highlights how Jesus models obedience to the Father’s will and grants authority to His followers to forgive sins, heal, resist temptation, and participate in resurrection life.The sermon emphasizes the responsibility of Christians to exercise this authority boldly, reflecting Christ’s power in every aspect of life. Fr. Matthias explains how the Great Commission entrusts believers with the task of making disciples and proclaiming the Gospel. This teaching encourages spiritual confidence and stewardship rooted in the life and resurrection of Christ.#AuthorityOfJesus #GreatCommission #ChristianSermon #FaithAndObedience #JesusPower #SpiritualAuthority #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