St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

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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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Jesus’ teaching on divine wisdom, emphasizing how God reveals true understanding to the humble and faithful rather than the worldly wise. He discusses the contrast between worldly knowledge and the wisdom from above, rooted in faith, purity, peace, gentleness, mercy, and humility. Fr. Matthias uses biblical examples to show that worldly success and knowledge ultimately lead nowhere without the knowledge of God. He encourages believers to live a life grounded in God’s truth, resisting worldly influences and embracing selflessness and humility modeled by Christ. Through reflections on scripture, including James and Saint Paul, Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of growing in spiritual maturity, seeking eternal life, and living with a perspective beyond the temporal world. This message calls for a transformation of the mind and heart, encouraging listeners to pursue the wisdom that comes from God for eternal fulfillment.#DivineWisdom #ChristianSermon #FaithAndHumility #WisdomFromAbove #SpiritualGrowth #BiblicalTeaching #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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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 #FrMatthias

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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 #FrMatthias

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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 #FrMatthias

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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 #FrMatthias

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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 #FrMatthias

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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 #FrMatthias

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