St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of Zacchaeus and emphasizes the importance of cutting out sin and negative influences from our lives, referencing Christ’s teaching to “cut off” what causes us to sin. He explains that this applies not to literal limbs, but to toxic relationships that hinder spiritual growth.Fr. Matthias outlines key characteristics of true friendship grounded in faith, highlighting friends who lead us closer to God, stand by us in adversity, provide honest counsel, protect our vulnerabilities, respect our boundaries, and demonstrate reverence for the Lord. He discusses the role of friendship in spiritual life and marriage as paths of salvation, stressing the need for relationships that encourage holiness.Using biblical examples like King Rehoboam and the paralytic’s friends, Fr. Matthias shows how wise counsel and steadfast love are vital in forming godly friendships that support our journey towards salvation.#ChristianSermon #CuttingOffSin #GodlyFriendship #SpiritualGrowth #FaithJourney #HolyRelationships #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 titled "My Soul Magnifies the Lord and My Spirit Has Rejoiced in God My Savior," Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the Annunciation and the example of St. Mary, who rejoiced in God's salvation despite her own suffering. Fr. Matthias explores the sources of sorrow—regret of the past, struggles in the present, and worries about the future—and explains how these can trap us in a cycle of misery.He identifies common but unstable sources of joy such as material blessings, pleasure, and achievements, showing why these fail to bring lasting fulfillment. Instead, Fr. Matthias emphasizes that God alone is the true source of joy, constant and unchanging regardless of circumstances.The sermon also addresses healing from past sins through confession, trusting God's purpose in present trials, and releasing anxiety about the future by relying on God’s faithfulness. Fr. Matthias encourages cultivating joy rooted in God's promises and presence, following the example of St. Mary’s trust and hope amid hardship.#ChristianSermon #JoyInGod #AnnunciationReflection #FaithAndHope #StMary #GodsFaithfulness #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. Barnaba Melek explores the theme of understanding God's will in our lives through the lens of Scripture, focusing on the Gospel message that those who do God’s will are family to Christ. He explains that God has a perfect plan for each person, illustrated by Joseph’s life, where faithfulness and patience reveal God’s purpose despite hardships.Fr. Barnaba discusses the biblical concept of the "fullness of time," emphasizing that God answers prayers at the perfect moment to test faith, teach humility, and inspire gratitude. He advises embracing thankfulness, remembering God’s goodness, patiently waiting during unanswered prayers, and accepting God’s plan as the best for our lives.The talk concludes with prayers from Scripture to seek God’s guidance, learn His will, and rely on the Holy Spirit to stay on the right path, encouraging believers to trust and follow God’s timing and design.#GodsWill #ChristianFaith #TrustInGod #FaithAndPatience #BiblicalTeachings #HolySpiritGuide #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 "What Shall I Do that I May Inherit Eternal Life?" by examining Christ’s interaction with the rich young ruler and the disciples’ questions about the end times. He emphasizes that salvation is not achieved through works alone, but through a sincere relationship with God, centered on faith and love rather than external obedience to commandments.Fr. Matthias highlights the difference between outward actions and inward devotion, explaining how attachment to worldly possessions can hinder true discipleship. He stresses the importance of the first four commandments which focus on our relationship with God as foundational for living out the others.The sermon challenges viewers to reflect on their hearts, priorities, and commitment to Christ, encouraging continuous spiritual growth and reliance on God’s grace to inherit eternal life.#EternalLife #ChristianFaith #Discipleship #SalvationThroughFaith #FaithAndLove #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

Fr. Younan William explores the spiritual assets given by the Lord to support His disciples in their mission, emphasizing lessons applicable to supporting and guiding children today. He highlights seven key assets: purpose beyond self, the importance of companionship and mutual support, clear instructions for life’s challenges, the splendor that comes from fearing God, authority over evil and oneself, a divine promise of protection from true harm, and the enduring joy that comes from having one’s name written in the book of life.Fr. Younan underscores how these assets equip believers to live with meaning, overcome trials, and fulfill their mission. He encourages parents and caregivers to focus not only on financial security but on imparting these foundational spiritual gifts to help children thrive in faith and purpose. This message connects biblical teaching with practical guidance for nurturing faith and resilience in the next generation.#ChristianParenting #FaithForChildren #SpiritualAssets #FrYounanWilliam #ChristianSermon #SupportingChildrenInFaith #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. James Gendi explores the teaching of Jesus about becoming like children to enter the kingdom of heaven. He explains the disciples' question about greatness in the kingdom and how Christ uses a child as an example to illustrate trust, humility, forgiveness, and a desire for peace. Fr. James emphasizes the child's complete trust in God’s guidance, the importance of humbling oneself, and the ability to forgive and seek reconciliation swiftly.He highlights the danger of envy, lust, and curiosity that lead to sin, contrasting these with the innocence and purity of children’s thoughts. Drawing from biblical stories and scriptures, Fr. James encourages believers to embody these childlike qualities in faith and daily life to walk closer with God and experience His kingdom.#BecomeLikeChildren #KingdomOfHeaven #ChildlikeFaith #TrustInGod #ChristianSermon #FrJamesGendi #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 blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, emphasizing its connection to persistent refusal to repent despite clear evidence of God's work. He contrasts false repentance, exemplified by King Saul, who delayed, justified, and avoided true responsibility for his sins, with true repentance shown by King David, who admitted his sins quickly, accepted consequences, and maintained faith in God's mercy.Fr. Matthias highlights that the unforgivable sin is not about the severity of the sin itself but about the rejection of the Holy Spirit’s conviction and the refusal to repent throughout life. True repentance involves sincere acknowledgment of sin, acceptance of consequences, hope in God's mercy, and a transformed life. He encourages viewers to find reassurance in God’s forgiveness when they repent genuinely and to avoid fear of having committed an unforgivable sin.#BlasphemyAgainstTheHolySpirit #TrueRepentance #FaithAndForgiveness #GodsMercy #HolySpiritConviction #UnforgivableSin #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 Christian standard of living based on Christ’s teachings from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 6. He contrasts worldly love with the higher standard of loving one’s enemies, forgiving those who wrong us, and giving generously without expecting anything in return. Fr. Matthias explains that living this way requires the work of the Holy Spirit, distinguishing the spiritual person from the natural man who cannot embody true Christian love. He addresses the challenges of forgiveness, turning the other cheek, and overcoming hatred to experience spiritual freedom and closeness to God. The talk highlights practical applications of Christ’s commandment to love beyond personal boundaries, including how to respond to enemies and those in need. Fr. Matthias also discusses behaviors that oppose the Christian standard, such as impurity, gossip, dishonesty, and uncontrolled anger, encouraging believers to pursue spiritual growth and holiness as children of God.#ChristianLiving #GospelOfLuke #Forgiveness #HolySpirit #LoveYourEnemies #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 relationship between God and humanity as fellow workers in the divine plan. He reflects on the feeding of the five thousand, emphasizing how Christ involved the Apostles in the miracle, showing that faith and human effort cooperate with God's work. Fr. Matthias highlights biblical examples like Noah building the ark, Moses carrying the Ten Commandments, and Abraham’s intercessory prayer to illustrate that God calls people to participate actively in His work.He explains six ways believers partner with God: serving others, preaching the Gospel, praying, rebuking sin, stewarding God’s creation, and practicing repentance. Each involves human participation combined with divine power, underscoring that believers are called not only to trust God but also to act faithfully. Fr. Matthias encourages cultivating a close relationship with God to fulfill these roles and allowing God to work through our efforts in daily life.#FellowWorkersWithGod #ChristianSermon #FaithAndWork #ServingGod #BiblicalFaith #GodsPlan #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 six lies of Satan based on the biblical account of Christ’s temptation in the wilderness. He explains how Satan’s deception often involves mixing partial truths with falsehoods to mislead us. Fr. Matthias discusses the lies that Satan does not exist, that God's Word cannot be trusted, and that sin carries no consequences. He also addresses the misconception that God is withholding good things from us and the temptation to believe we can be like God.Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of recognizing these lies to guard against them effectively and highlights that resisting temptation is possible through God’s help. Drawing on Scripture, he encourages a lifestyle rooted in prayer and vigilance to overcome spiritual challenges and grow in faith.#LiesOfSatan #ChristianSermon #TemptationInTheWilderness #FaithAndTruth #SpiritualWarfare #ResistTemptation #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