St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the obstacles that prevent many from overcoming adversity, drawing on the biblical story of the man paralyzed for 38 years by the pool of Bethesda. Fr. Matthias highlights key barriers such as lack of motivation, absence of a plan, making excuses, fear of change, not seeking help, passive hope things will improve on their own, and withholding forgiveness. He emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility, planning, and actively seeking healing through faith and community support. Fr. Matthias encourages viewers to reflect on their own journeys of suffering and the role they play in their healing process, stressing that true freedom from pain requires forgiveness and cooperation with God’s grace. He concludes by urging practical steps like prayer, confession, and forgiveness as essential to overcoming life's challenges.#OvercomingAdversity #FaithAndHealing #ChristianSermon #Forgiveness #HealingThroughFaith #GodsGrace #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the key teachings of Christ about the end times, based on Mark 13. He examines common pitfalls believers face when interpreting signs of the end, such as being deceived by false teachers, misreading every event as a sign, forgetting the mission to preach the gospel, and tolerating growing evil in society. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the reality of suffering during the tribulation and warns against substituting personal philosophies for God’s word or seeking secret knowledge about the timing of the end. He underscores that the world will not last forever and encourages vigilance, repentance, and living in readiness for Christ’s return. Fr. Matthias calls for a balanced approach—being aware but not fearful or obsessed—so believers can live faithfully and joyfully, confident in the promise of eternal life with God.#EndTimes #ChristianSermon #FrMatthiasShehad #Mark13 #FaithfulLiving #ChristReturn #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the spiritual principle of living in the present moment, drawing from the life of Saint Anthony and biblical teachings. He explains how dwelling on the past—whether through regret, pride, or loss of confidence—can hinder spiritual growth and miss current opportunities. Fr. Matthias also addresses the dangers of boasting about or fearing the future, emphasizing trust in God's plan rather than relying on personal control or anxieties. He highlights the importance of using present time wisely, avoiding procrastination and distractions, and focusing on what truly benefits the soul. Through reflections on scripture, including passages from Saint Paul, Isaiah, and Saint James, Fr. Matthias encourages embracing each day as a fresh start for spiritual advancement, following Saint Anthony’s example of daily renewal and reliance on God’s will.#LivingInTheMoment #ChristianSermon #FaithInGod #SpiritualGrowth #SaintAnthony #TrustGod #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the prophecy of St. John the Baptist as recorded in Luke chapter 1, focusing on the significance of John’s birth and his prophetic message about the coming of Christ. He explains how this moment marks a profound shift from the Old Testament era of fear and death to New Testament salvation through Christ’s incarnation and sacrifice. Fr. Matthias discusses the symbolism of the “horn of salvation” and its connection to forgiveness through Christ’s blood. He highlights the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, the spiritual nature of the true enemy—sin and Satan—and the mercy God shows by redeeming humanity. Emphasizing the call to live a holy and righteous life, he stresses the peace and joy believers can experience by embracing God’s salvation. This sermon encourages believers to understand Christ’s mission to save from spiritual death and to live with hope and fearlessness in God's eternal promises.#StJohnTheBaptist #ProphecyOfChrist #ChristianSermon #ForgivenessThroughChrist #NewTestamentSalvation #FaithAndHope #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

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 #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit 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 #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit 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 #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit 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 #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit 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 #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit 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 #FrMatthias

Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston

Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston

Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston

Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston

Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org