St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the calling of Levi, the tax collector, illustrating how Jesus sought sinners rather than the self-righteous. Fr. Matthias explains the contrast between those who judge others while considering themselves righteous and those who recognize their need for repentance and salvation. Using Scripture from Luke, Romans, and the parables of the prodigal son and the forgiving creditor, he emphasizes that all people are sinners in need of God's mercy. Fr. Matthias highlights the example of the sinful woman who honored Christ with repentance and love, contrasting her with the judging Pharisee. He calls believers to show compassion to sinners without compromising the truth of repentance. The message invites reflection on humility, mercy, and the universal need for healing through Christ.#ChristianSermon #CallToRepentance #JesusAndSinners #GodsMercy #FaithAndHumility #ChristianTeachings #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the difference between literal and spiritual promises of Christ, focusing on the story of Lazarus’s resurrection. He explains how Jesus’s promises often have a spiritual meaning beyond immediate physical manifestations, using examples like the forgiveness of sins, the sacraments, and enduring trials. Fr. Matthias discusses how Christ’s power is evident in both spiritual renewal and physical miracles, emphasizing that many promises relate to spiritual transformation rather than instant worldly changes.

He highlights that believers still face suffering, temptation, and loss but receive God’s strength and guidance to persevere. Fr. Matthias encourages understanding God’s promises through a spiritual lens, reminding viewers that true resurrection and victory come through faith and the eternal life God offers. This message invites reflection on how the spiritual life shapes the Christian journey beyond literal expectations.#SpiritualPromises #FaithInChrist #ChristianSermon #ResurrectionOfLazarus #GodsPromises #ChristianFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers to illustrate the principle of consequences in the spiritual life. He explains how persistent sin leads to inevitable consequences, even when forgiveness is granted. Fr. Matthias highlights biblical examples showing that every decision carries consequences, some immediate and others long-lasting, affecting not only the individual but also those around them.

He emphasizes the importance of recognizing consequences early, teaching this principle to children, and considering the effects of decisions before acting. Drawing from Scripture, Fr. Matthias discusses how sin can bring sorrow, bondage, and impact communities or nations, especially when committed by those in authority. This message serves as a call for repentance and mindfulness of our spiritual journey and choices.#SpiritualConsequences #ParableOfTheVinedressers #ChristianSermon #FrMatthiasShehad #Repentance #FaithJourney #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the biblical account of Jesus feeding the five thousand, highlighting how Christ fulfills both spiritual and physical needs. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of personal communication with God, illustrating how Jesus listened attentively to His disciples and spent private time with them, showing care and building relationships.

Fr. Matthias explains that Jesus welcomed the uninvited multitudes, healed the sick, and spoke about the kingdom of God, demonstrating God’s concern for eternal salvation above all else. He challenges believers to prioritize the kingdom of God in their lives. The sermon underscores how Jesus involves His disciples in ministry by asking them to feed the crowd, encouraging faith beyond human limitations. Fr. Matthias reminds listeners that Christ meets our needs for relationship, purpose, and care, portraying God’s ongoing mercy and presence in our lives.#FaithInChrist #JesusFeedsTheMultitude #ChristianFulfillment #KingdomOfGod #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianSermon #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning of humility and simplicity in the Christian life by reflecting on Jesus' teaching about becoming like little children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. He explains that while children naturally exhibit trust, humility, forgiveness, and simplicity, adults are called to embrace these qualities with maturity and discernment.

Fr. Matthias highlights the need to balance childlike faith with responsibility, obedience, and the pursuit of spiritual growth. He warns against imitating negative traits of children, such as impatience, self-centeredness, and gullibility, emphasizing the importance of being grounded in truth and accepting accountability.

Through scriptural references, Fr. Matthias encourages viewers to cultivate innocence and trust toward God while growing in understanding and self-control, demonstrating how childlike humility relates to salvation and spiritual maturity.#Humility #ChildlikeFaith #ChristianSermon #SpiritualGrowth #KingdomOfHeaven #FaithAndMaturity #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the importance of examining our motives in spiritual life and service to God. He discusses how God values the reasons behind our actions more than the external spiritual gifts or successes we might receive. Fr. Matthias highlights the difference between good and wrong motives, emphasizing that true joy and reward come from having our names written in heaven rather than seeking earthly recognition, blessings, or authority.

Using biblical examples, including the apostles, the Pharisees, and the story of the prodigal son, Fr. Matthias explains how right motives sustain perseverance in faith and service, even without human praise. He outlines good motives for serving God such as gratitude, the pursuit of eternal life, the value of souls, and responsibility as stewards of God’s work. This message encourages a sincere and faithful approach to our spiritual journey and calling.#ChristianSermon #FaithAndMotives #ServeGod #SpiritualGrowth #EternalLife #ChristianFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Christ’s teaching on being known by one’s fruit, emphasizing the importance of inner goodness reflected in outward actions. He addresses how believers can maintain their spiritual integrity and bear good fruit while living in a world filled with opposing values and practices.

Fr. Matthias highlights the mission of Christians to engage with the world through evangelism, moral example, teaching truth, service, and prayer, without conforming to worldly standards. Drawing on Scripture and St. Athanasius of Alexandria’s guidance, he explains how Christians should live purposeful lives anchored in God’s Word to remain unblemished by worldly influences.

This message offers practical insight into balancing spiritual purity with active participation in the world, encouraging believers to shine as salt and light while guarding against spiritual compromise.#ChristianLiving #FruitOfTheSpirit #SpiritualIntegrity #FaithInAction #BearingGoodFruit #ChristCenteredLife #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of forgiveness based on the parable of the unforgiving servant, emphasizing the importance of forgiving others to receive God’s forgiveness. He explains the immense spiritual debt humanity owes to God, which no good works can repay, and highlights God’s mercy in forgiving that debt completely. Fr. Matthias contrasts this divine forgiveness with the servant’s refusal to forgive a much smaller debt owed to him, illustrating the call to extend mercy to others as we have received from God.

He also addresses the challenge of forgiving those who harm us without apology or remorse, urging believers to forgive even when reconciliation is not possible. Fr. Matthias reminds viewers that judgment belongs to God and encourages seeking God’s grace to develop a heart capable of forgiving enemies, following Christ’s example on the cross where He prayed for His persecutors.#Forgiveness #ChristianSermon #DivineMercy #GodsGrace #FaithInChrist #ForgiveAsChristForgave #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the significance of the Holy Spirit’s arrival on Pentecost, marking the foundation of the Church and the apostles’ ministry. He explains the Holy Spirit’s role as a helper who supports believers in living according to God’s commandments, enabling them to experience true peace and hope.

Fr. Matthias discusses how the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, prompting repentance and guiding believers toward forgiveness. He highlights the Spirit’s guidance into all truth, revealing God’s plan and future prophecies while providing authority in decision-making. The Holy Spirit also glorifies Christ by revealing His works and teachings, allowing believers to recognize God’s presence.

Finally, Fr. Matthias emphasizes the Holy Spirit as the source of spiritual renewal, transforming believers into Christ’s likeness through ongoing sanctification. This teaching underlines the necessity of the Holy Spirit for faithful Christian living and ministry.#HolySpirit #Pentecost #ChristianFaith #SpiritualRenewal #Sanctification #FrMatthiasShehad #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Polycarpus Shoukry explores the meaning of the phrase "out of sight, out of mind" in relation to faith and the presence of Christ. He reflects on how the disciples struggled when Jesus was physically absent after the resurrection and ascension, emphasizing the challenge of believing without physical evidence.

Fr. Polycarpus highlights the gift of the Holy Spirit as a way to carry Christ within us beyond physical presence. He encourages nurturing a daily relationship with God through prayer, singing Psalms and hymns, and feeding the Spirit to avoid quenching it. Drawing from scripture, he calls believers to hold fast to what is good and test everything that impacts their faith.

The message challenges viewers to examine whether their belief depends on what they see or rests firmly within their hearts, even when Christ feels "out of sight."#FaithBeyondSight #HolySpirit #ChristianFaith #TrustInGod #DailyPrayer #SpiritualGrowth #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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