St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the visit of the three wise men who presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the newborn Christ. He explains the symbolic meaning of these gifts and reflects on what offerings we can bring to the Lord today. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that God desires not material gifts but our whole selves, including our possessions, reconciliation with others, prayer, praise, and the things we love most. He discusses the importance of offering gladly and sincerely, without expecting earthly rewards, and encourages a spirit of detachment and generosity.

Fr. Matthias also highlights the need for unity within the body of Christ and trust in God’s protection amid a chaotic world. He challenges believers to examine their hearts and lives to ensure they honor God through their daily actions and heartfelt offerings.#ThreeWiseMen #GoldFrankincenseMyrrh #ChristianSermon #OfferingToGod #FrMatthiasShehad #FaithAndGenerosity #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the message of Christ’s rebuke to the generation that neither rejoiced nor mourned appropriately in response to God’s work. Drawing on Luke 7, he explains how the Pharisees and modern society reject God’s moral order, celebrating sin while condemning holiness. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the Christian call to repentance, adherence to God’s timeless moral standard, reverence for the holiness of God’s name, and love toward enemies amid a culture of hatred.

He discusses the importance of mercy, purity, and submission to God-ordained authority as responses to a world filled with judgment, corruption, and rebellion. Fr. Matthias challenges believers to examine their thoughts and actions according to Scripture, to mourn the world’s moral inversion, and to live distinctively as followers of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. This sermon addresses how Christians should navigate cultural challenges by embracing repentance, holiness, and love grounded in Scripture.#ChristianSermon #Repentance #Holiness #LoveLikeChrist #GodsMoralOrder #FaithInAction #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the parable of the wicked vine dressers from Luke 20, explaining how it represents the rejection of God’s prophets and ultimately His Son, Jesus Christ, by the nation of Israel. He emphasizes that although it may seem like evil prevails in the world, God's plan cannot be defeated and His power remains unshaken.

Fr. Matthias highlights key attributes of God, including His steadfast plan, supreme power, perfect knowledge, true wisdom, boundless love, transcendent beauty, abundant mercy, and deep compassion. He contrasts these divine qualities with the chaos, false knowledge, and broken love found in today’s society.

Drawing on biblical stories and teachings, Fr. Matthias encourages believers to trust in God’s unchanging nature, rely on His protection, and embody His love and mercy amidst a world marked by confusion and despair.#ChristianSermon #FaithInGod #GodsPlan #JesusChrist #BiblicalTeaching #DivineLove #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In his sermon "Why Do We Stumble?" Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the reasons Christians face challenges in their spiritual journey, drawing from Scripture such as John 16 and 1 John 2. He explains how the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life lead believers away from God by focusing on worldly desires for pleasure, wealth, and control. Fr. Matthias also discusses the stumbling caused by hatred and jealousy, which distract from God’s peace.

Fr. Matthias highlights that the world’s rejection of believers stems from their pursuit of God rather than worldly values. He emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ as the vine, keeping His commandments, and relying on the Holy Spirit as a helper to remain steadfast. The message concludes with a call to perseverance and daily commitment to God’s path for ultimate salvation.#ChristianFaith #SpiritualGrowth #OvercomingTemptation #AbideInChrist #HolySpiritGuidance #PersevereInFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the gospel passage where the Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan, illustrating how they reversed moral values by calling good evil and evil good. Fr. Matthias examines how this confusion of moral standards remains relevant today, highlighting key topics such as freedom, love, tolerance, faith, and hypocrisy.

He explains the difference between worldly freedom and Christian freedom from sin, the contrast between conditional emotional love and Christ’s unconditional love, and the responsibility Christians have to love people while rejecting false teachings and sinful behaviors. Fr. Matthias emphasizes walking by faith despite increasing skepticism and societal opposition, urging believers to uphold God’s perfect moral standard rather than fall into hypocrisy.

Drawing from Scripture, he calls Christians to remain bold in proclaiming God’s truth and to be a light in a world filled with moral confusion.#ChristianSermon #MoralTruth #FaithOverFear #ChristianFreedom #LoveAndTruth #WalkInFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses Jesus' prediction that the apostles would be scattered and left alone after His departure. He explains how the apostles returned to their former lives, emphasizing the human tendencies toward doubt, fear, and distraction from their mission. Fr. Matthias explores the reasons why believers today may be "scattered" due to attachments to possessions, careers, and family, drawing insights from the parable of the great supper.

He highlights the importance of unity in the church as God’s place for gathering His people, where accountability, peace, encouragement, protection, and fellowship are found. Fr. Matthias encourages the faithful to maintain their connection to Christ and the church to avoid isolation and remain steadfast in faith. The talk concludes with reflections on remaining united in God’s love and the call to worship and serve together as one body.#ChristianUnity #ApostlesFaith #ChurchFellowship #FrMatthiasShehad #StayConnectedInChrist #FaithInCommunity #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses the calling of Levi (Matthew) and the invitation Christ extends to sinners to repent and follow Him. He explains that Jesus’s invitation is for a complete transformation of life, not merely adding Christian practices to an old lifestyle. Fr. Matthias highlights key themes such as repentance, healing, and the intimate relationship Christians are called to have with Christ, illustrated by the banquet Levi hosted. He emphasizes that believers are called to leave behind old attachments, host Christ in their daily lives, renew their hearts, and resist returning to past behaviors. Fr. Matthias encourages viewers to embrace the ongoing process of spiritual growth through repentance and communion with God. This message offers guidance on responding to Christ’s invitation to a new life grounded in faith and holiness.#ChristianSermon #Repentance #FollowJesus #FaithTransformation #SpiritualGrowth #InvitationToChrist #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Jesus’ declaration as the Bread of Life, emphasizing the promise that “the one who comes to me I will by no means cast out.” He reflects on biblical examples of sinners accepted by Christ, including the adulterous woman, the repentant thief on the cross, and St. Peter’s restoration after denial. Fr. Matthias contrasts sincere repentance with insincere or self-centered repentance, citing King Saul and Esau as examples of rejection. He also discusses the rejection of those who twist God’s commandments, refuse to forgive others, or do not submit to God despite outwardly performing miracles, referencing the Pharisees and teachings on forgiveness. The message encourages embracing genuine repentance and forgiveness to remain in God’s mercy and grace, underscoring the importance of humility and continual return to God despite struggles with sin. The talk concludes with practical announcements related to church schedule and ministries.#BreadOfLife #ForgivenessInChrist #Repentance #GodsMercy #ChristianSermon #FaithAndHumility #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the unchanging nature of truth in the Christian faith, grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ as "the way, the truth, and the life." He explains that the faith was delivered once and for all through Scripture and Holy Tradition, emphasizing that the core message of salvation does not evolve over time, regardless of cultural shifts.

Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of preserving sound doctrine as received by the apostles, highlighting how even St. Paul confirmed his teachings with the church leadership. He warns against introducing new doctrines that contradict established faith and stresses that Christ is the one true teacher guiding the church. The sermon concludes by encouraging believers to follow the example of the church's collective faith and to resist personal or cultural reinterpretations of the gospel message.#ChristianTruth #UnchangingFaith #SermonOnTruth #OrthodoxChristianity #FaithfulnessInChrist #ApostolicTeaching #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Gospel story of the paralyzed man brought to Jesus by his four friends who went up on the housetop to lower him through the roof. He highlights the key lessons from their faith and perseverance, emphasizing love that seeks the good of others without seeking personal gain.

Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of teamwork, creativity, and the balance between human effort and reliance on God's grace in service. He encourages believers to actively serve within the church community, using their unique gifts while focusing on loving others and interceding in prayer.

The message calls for selfless service, unity among believers, and the power of intercessory prayer, reminding that God honors the labor of love shown in ministering to others. This teaching offers practical insights on faith, service, and the role of the church in fostering healing and spiritual growth.#FaithInAction #ChristianService #IntercessoryPrayer #GospelStory #ChristianUnity #LoveAndPerseverance #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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