St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of Christ’s temptation in the wilderness, focusing on the three specific temptations that reflect the lust of the flesh, the pride of life, and the lust of the eyes. Fr. Matthias explains how understanding the devil’s motives helps believers resist temptation during spiritual struggles, especially throughout the Great Fast. He emphasizes the importance of spiritual practices such as prayer, fasting, confession, and fellowship to invite God’s protection in the battle against temptation.Fr. Matthias also discusses how God limits Satan’s power and uses trials for spiritual growth. He highlights the necessity of faith, alertness, and accountability in overcoming sin and encourages perseverance in repentance. The sermon reminds viewers that salvation is a journey that involves daily commitment and reliance on God’s grace to resist the devil’s attacks.#ResistingTemptation #ChristianSermon #SpiritualGrowth #FaithOverSin #PrayerAndFasting #OvercomingTemptation #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 story of the paralytic man healed by Christ at the Pool of Bethesda, emphasizing different ways people respond to God's mercy. He explains how some respond with unforgiveness, jealousy, or anger, while others embrace humility, worship, thankfulness, service, and mercy toward others.Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of recognizing our own need for mercy and extending that same mercy to others. He reflects on biblical examples like the unforgiving servant, the prodigal son, Jonah, and King David to illustrate these responses. The talk stresses that salvation is by God’s grace and calls believers to consistent worship and gratitude regardless of life’s circumstances.This sermon encourages viewers to examine their reactions to God’s mercy and to live out their faith through mercy, humility, and service, ultimately experiencing God’s presence in their lives.#GodsMercy #ChristianSermon #FaithInAction #MercyAndGrace #ChristianFaith #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. Maximus Abba Moses explores the connection between the Resurrection of Christ and the encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. He explains how this gospel passage highlights themes of baptism, repentance, and the living water that brings eternal life. Fr. Maximus emphasizes the significance of Christ meeting the woman at the sixth hour, linking it to the cross and the new life given through baptism.He discusses the transformative power of repentance as a renewal of baptism, encouraging believers to struggle against sin with the hope found in the Resurrection. Drawing on the example of the Samaritan woman, Fr. Maximus calls for personal reflection and continuous repentance to experience the light of Christ and share the joy of salvation.This teaching offers insight into living a life shaped by the power of the Resurrection and the spiritual lessons found in the Gospel of John.#Resurrection #SamaritanWoman #Baptism #LivingWater #Repentance #GospelOfJohn #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 discusses the meaning and significance of doing the will of God, emphasizing Christ’s example as the Bread of Life who came not to do His own will but the will of the Father. He explores how God’s will centers on the salvation of humanity and highlights key aspects of God’s will, including being thankful, pursuing purity, teaching others through actions, practicing justice, showing mercy, and walking humbly with God.Fr. Matthias explains the importance of sanctification and renewal in aligning our lives with God’s plan. He points out that discernment of God’s will becomes clearer as believers grow in holiness and continually renew their minds. This message encourages Christians to surrender personal will, embrace God’s purpose, and reflect His love and truth in daily life for salvation and spiritual growth.#WillOfGod #ChristianSermon #FaithInAction #Sanctification #SpiritualGrowth #GodsPurpose #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 theme of unmet expectations in this sermon, focusing on the ways expectations from God and people often lead to disappointment. Drawing on scriptural examples such as the parable of the prodigal son, the workers in the vineyard, and the responses of the apostles, he emphasizes the importance of aligning our expectations with God’s revealed plan rather than our own desires.Fr. Matthias discusses how unrealistic expectations can affect relationships with family, friends, and the church community, highlighting the need for communication, forgiveness, and a proper understanding of human limitations. He encourages believers to seek God’s presence as the greatest reward and to trust in God’s timing and purpose, even when it differs from personal hopes.The sermon concludes with practical advice on cultivating realistic, loving expectations and relying on God as the ultimate source of fulfillment.#UnmetExpectations #FaithAndTrust #GodsPlan #ChristianSermon #ProdigalSon #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

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the spiritual meaning behind the parable of the prodigal son, focusing on what it truly means to serve God. He examines the attitudes of both sons and challenges common misconceptions about expecting material rewards or comfort from God. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that serving God means receiving God's presence, peace, humility, protection, and life.He discusses how true fulfillment comes from being with God, not from worldly possessions, and highlights biblical examples such as Abraham, Moses, and St. Paul to illustrate the challenges and blessings of faithful service. Fr. Matthias also explains how trials can produce joy and patience, and how serving God gives purpose to life beyond earthly concerns.This sermon encourages reflection on the meaning of faith, the expectations we hold, and the value of humility and perseverance in the Christian journey.#ServingGod #ChristianSermon #FaithJourney #SpiritualGrowth #ProdigalSon #GodsPresence #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 dialogue between Christ and His disciples before the crucifixion, focusing on knowing God the Father through Jesus Christ. He explains how relationship with God is prioritized over mere knowledge, highlighting the importance of living faith rather than intellectual understanding alone. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that God values actions over words, eternal perspective over temporal concerns, innocence over sophistication, obedience over self-defined service, and mercy over judgment. Drawing from scripture, he challenges viewers to reflect on their own faith practices and urges a deeper trust in God’s plan. The sermon addresses the struggle to live according to God’s will amid worldly conditioning and invites believers to cultivate an authentic relationship with God rooted in faith, action, and forgiveness.#KnowingGod #FaithInAction #ChristianLiving #TrustInGod #RelationshipWithGod #SermonOnFaith #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 importance of self-awareness in recognizing sin and the path to eternal life. Drawing from Scripture, he explains how true repentance begins with honestly naming and accepting one’s sins without minimizing or justifying them. Fr. Matthias highlights key traits of those aware of their sin, including godly sorrow that leads to repentance, a reverent fear of judgment, prayerful humility, reliance on God’s grace, and the willingness to accept suffering.He addresses common obstacles to spiritual self-examination such as distraction, busyness, denial, and avoiding correction. Emphasizing the need to measure ourselves against Christ’s perfect standard rather than others, Fr. Matthias encourages embracing introspection and confession as means to grow in holiness and relationship with God. The talk underscores how awareness of sin fosters compassion, humility, and transformation through God’s mercy.#AwarenessOfSin #Repentance #ChristianSermon #GodsGrace #SpiritualGrowth #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

Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses the role of St. John the Baptist as the forerunner of Christ, emphasizing his unique ministry in preparing the way for Jesus. He explores what it means to be an ambassador of Christ, drawing from Scripture to highlight key qualities such as teaching the truth courageously, living with integrity, humility, and faith. Fr. Matthias explains that ambassadors must model their doctrine through good works, maintain a close relationship with God through prayer, and practice repentance and forgiveness.He underscores the importance of representing Christ authentically, not diluting the message for popularity, and trusting God even amidst suffering. By embodying these characteristics, Christians can prepare the way for others to be reconciled to God, following the example set by St. John the Baptist.#StJohnTheBaptist #AmbassadorOfChrist #ChristianMinistry #FaithAndIntegrity #PrepareTheWay #ChristianRepentance #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 question of the end times and the signs of Christ’s coming as recorded in Scripture. He explains why Christ does not reveal the exact timing of the end or all the trials believers will face, emphasizing that God reveals His plan gradually because we cannot bear the full truth all at once.Fr. Matthias highlights biblical examples such as Moses, Joseph, and Gideon to illustrate how God prepares His people step by step through trials and challenges, strengthening their faith along the way. He discusses how spiritual growth often involves difficult experiences that deepen reliance on God rather than on human understanding.The message encourages viewers to trust in God’s timing, discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and prepare continually for the inevitable end by embracing faith and perseverance, knowing that God’s ultimate goal is to lead us into His presence.#EndTimes #FaithInGod #ChristianPerseverance #ChristSecondComing #SpiritualGrowth #TrustGodsTiming #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