St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of spiritual warfare based on the sending of the 70 apostles in the Gospel of Luke. He explains how preaching the Gospel initiates a battle against the devil and spiritual forces, emphasizing that this struggle continues throughout the Christian life. Fr. Matthias highlights the reality of the devil as a powerful, invisible enemy and the necessity of vigilance, prayer, and spiritual discipline like fasting and detachment to resist temptation.

He stresses that believers do not fight demons by their own strength but must rely on God's authority and grace. The talk also discusses the dangers of small sins and temptations, encouraging ongoing training and perseverance in faith. Fr. Matthias calls for constant reliance on God in daily struggles, urging listeners to resist the devil steadfastly without losing hope, knowing victory comes through God's power.#SpiritualWarfare #ChristianFaith #JesusSaves #FaithOverFear #PrayerAndFasting #VictoryInChrist #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of surrendering to God's will by examining key biblical figures and their examples of obedience. He reflects on St. Mary’s acceptance of the Annunciation, emphasizing faith in God's plan even without full understanding. Fr. Matthias discusses Abraham’s call to leave his homeland and his willingness to sacrifice Isaac, showing trust beyond logic.

The sermon covers Moses’ reluctant obedience to lead the Israelites, Caleb’s faith in overcoming giants despite the odds, and King David’s unexpected rise from shepherd to king. The disciples’ simple backgrounds and immediate response to Jesus’ call highlight surrender despite uncertainty.

Fr. Matthias contrasts these with the rich young man who struggled to let go, urging viewers to reflect on what hinders their own obedience and how to trust God’s direction over their senses or desires. The message centers on faithful submission to God’s purpose as the path to fulfillment.#FaithAndObedience #TrustInGodsPlan #ChristianSermon #LetItBeToMe #SurrenderToGod #BiblicalFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad examines the various reasons people seek God, using the reaction of King Herod to the birth of Christ as a starting point. He explores wrong motives such as seeking God to attack or destroy, for selfish pleasure, material gain, to justify personal actions, to harm enemies, for emotional satisfaction, signs and wonders, or to fit in socially.

Fr. Matthias emphasizes that true seekers come with a desire for union with God, forgiveness, and transformation into His likeness. He challenges viewers to reflect on their own motivations and encourages seeking God with humility and sincere faith, focusing on spiritual growth rather than temporary or superficial benefits.

The message highlights the importance of approaching God with genuine intent, especially during the Nativity season, reminding believers that Christ’s coming invites us to heartfelt repentance and a lasting relationship with Him.#SeekingGod #ChristianSermon #FaithJourney #SpiritualGrowth #NativitySeason #TrueRepentance #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of unity in the Church, emphasizing Christ’s call for one flock under one Shepherd as a foundation against division. He explains how the devil uses division to weaken believers and contrasts this with the devil’s own unity and purpose in seeking humanity’s destruction. Fr. Matthias outlines five qualities that contribute to the devil’s effectiveness: unity, patience, discipline, knowledge, and awareness of God. He highlights how these traits give the devil an advantage in temptation and attack, while encouraging believers to cultivate these same qualities through patience, discipline, knowledge of Scripture, and faith. The talk also addresses how divisions within churches, families, and even within ourselves undermine spiritual strength. Fr. Matthias concludes by urging reliance on God’s mercy, acknowledging that spiritual victory comes only through God’s power, not our own.#ChristianUnity #FaithOverDivision #SpiritualVictory #GodsMercy #ChurchUnity #ChristianFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the warnings God gives through Scripture, divine judgments, human reason, and chastisement. He explains how these warnings are meant to guide believers away from sin and false teachings, emphasizing the example of Christ as the Good Shepherd who guards the true path to salvation.

The talk explores common human responses to God’s warnings, such as doubt, ignoring the message, false appearances of righteousness, pride, indifference, mocking, and direct challenge to God’s authority. Fr. Matthias highlights examples from biblical figures like Adam and Eve, Cain, Eli, and St. Peter to illustrate these reactions.

He concludes by encouraging a wise response through heeding God’s instructions and immediate repentance, drawing on the story of Nineveh’s prompt conversion. This sermon offers spiritual guidance on recognizing and responding to God’s warnings in daily life.#GodsWarnings #ChristianSermon #DivineJudgment #Repentance #GoodShepherd #FaithGuidance #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the nature of anger and outlines four progressive stages for managing it spiritually. He begins by explaining how to control actions during anger to avoid sinful responses, drawing on scripture and teachings from St. John Climacus and the Desert Fathers. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of managing not only our external reactions but also our internal thoughts and feelings, encouraging forgiveness and understanding of others' weaknesses.

He discusses practical approaches such as maintaining silence during anger, avoiding gossip, and the value of honest communication within relationships. Fr. Matthias then presents the deeper spiritual goal of dispassion—achieving calmness even in adversity—and ultimately seeking humility by embracing suffering for Christ’s sake.

Throughout, he emphasizes that true freedom is victory over one’s passions, not external circumstances, and calls for reliance on God’s grace to attain this spiritual growth.#ChristianFaith #SpiritualGrowth #OvercomingAnger #ForgivenessInChrist #DiscipleshipJourney #GodsGrace #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias explores the nature of anger, distinguishing between righteous anger that stems from a desire for justice and sinful anger driven by personal offense. He discusses biblical examples, including Nehemiah’s confrontation of usury, Christ’s healing on the Sabbath, and the clearing of the temple, illustrating how anger can motivate constructive action against evil and injustice.

Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of directing anger appropriately—toward evil and sin, not toward others—and highlights the difference between righteous anger and judgmental attitudes. He also addresses practical applications, particularly in parenting, advising that discipline should be administered calmly and with love rather than out of anger to effectively guide children toward godliness.

The talk encourages viewers to reflect on how they express anger and challenges them to cultivate a response rooted in care for righteousness and compassion for others.#RighteousAnger #ChristianLiving #FaithAndJustice #BiblicalTeaching #AngerManagement #ChristianParenting #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the nature of anger, its sources, and how it affects relationships and personal well-being. He begins by discussing common misconceptions about anger, emphasizing that the root of anger is often internal rather than external. Through biblical examples including Cain, Jonah, Nebuchadnezzar, Haman, and Herod, Fr. Matthias illustrates various sinful responses to anger, highlighting the destructive consequences of uncontrolled emotions.

He then shifts to positive examples from scripture, such as King David and King Saul, showing how patience and self-control in the face of provocation can lead to true strength. Fr. Matthias also explains that anger itself is not sinful but a natural feeling tied to our sense of justice and zeal against evil. He distinguishes between sinful anger and righteous anger, which motivates spiritual growth and the pursuit of righteousness.

This teaching invites viewers to reflect on their responses to anger and consider ways to cultivate peace and self-mastery through faith.#ChristianTeaching #DealingWithAnger #FaithAndEmotions #BiblicalWisdom #SpiritualGrowth #SelfControlInChrist #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the purpose and practice of spiritual exercise during fasting periods, emphasizing the transformation from mere knowledge of God to active love and obedience. He explains how fasting and other disciplines help overcome bodily desires, reveal personal weaknesses, and foster humility, preparing believers for genuine spiritual growth.

Fr. Matthias highlights the need to put faith into action by engaging in prayer, self-examination, sacramental life, service, and imitation of the saints. He addresses common challenges such as inconsistency, failure, and the temptation to focus on external forms rather than inner transformation. Using scripture and teachings from church fathers, he encourages gradual, specific, and consistent spiritual efforts that lead to deeper union with God and sincere love.

This teaching offers guidance on how fasting and spiritual practices are tools for developing virtues, receiving mercy, forgiving others, and renewing one’s heart toward God.#SpiritualExercise #ChristianFasting #FaithInAction #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianDiscipline #SaintPaulHouston #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his detailed exploration of the Coptic Liturgy, focusing on the Liturgy of the Faithful. He reviews key components, including the Matins service, the offering of the Lamb, and the Liturgy of the Word, which highlights scriptural readings such as Pauline and Catholic epistles, Acts, and daily commemorations from the Coptic calendar.

Fr. Matthias explains the structure and symbolism of the Liturgy of the Believers, describing the prayer of reconciliation, the sanctification of the bread and wine, and the role of the Holy Spirit during the epiclesis. He also delves into the seven litanies, prayers for clergy ranks, and the significance of the fraction, or breaking of the bread, linking it to Christ’s sacrifice.

The talk includes an overview of the Coptic Church’s clergy hierarchy and the theological understanding of the communion prayers, emphasizing the spiritual connection between heaven and earth. Fr. Matthias concludes by touching on the different liturgies used in the Coptic Church and their historical context.#CopticLiturgy #LiturgyOfTheFaithful #CopticOrthodox #ChristianLiturgicalPrayer #FrMatthiasShehad #SacredLiturgy #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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