St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the paralytic man healed by Christ, emphasizing the spiritual meaning behind the command to "Rise, take up your bed, and walk." He explains that the bed symbolizes the sins and struggles that paralyze our spiritual growth, and how Christ calls us to a transformative new life beyond mere belief. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of leaving behind old habits and relationships that lead back to sin, while carrying the testimony of our past as a sign of victory over it.

He also reflects on the role of faith and human effort in receiving God's healing and the call to live as witnesses to God's power within our communities. The sermon concludes with an encouragement to embrace a life of obedience that glorifies God, empowered by His grace to overcome spiritual paralysis and sin.#ChristianSermon #FaithInAction #HealingInChrist #SpiritualGrowth #OvercomingSin #RiseAndWalk #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Gospel story of the sinful woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and hair in the house of Simon the Pharisee. He highlights how true love for God springs from a deep awareness of sin and gratitude for forgiveness. Fr. Matthias contrasts the woman’s humble repentance and love with the Pharisee’s self-righteousness and lack of mercy.

He explains that many struggle to feel God’s presence because they do not fully acknowledge their need for forgiveness or the weight of their sins. Drawing from Scripture, Fr. Matthias emphasizes that recognizing the debt of sin we cannot repay leads to a genuine love for God, which should inspire gratitude, sacrifice, and obedience.

Fr. Matthias urges believers to see spiritual disciplines not as mere obligations but as ways to deepen their relationship with Christ. He invites reflection on how forgiveness brings peace and empowers us to follow God’s commandments faithfully, even when it is difficult.#Forgiveness #ChristianLove #SermonOnForgiveness #FaithAndRepentance #GodsMercy #ChristianFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this continuation of his series on "The Marketing of Evil," Fr. Matthias Shehad explores how societal shifts away from godly principles are intentionally engineered. Drawing from the book *After the Ball*, Fr. Matthias explains the three-stage process used to normalize homosexuality in culture: desensitization, jamming, and conversion. He discusses how media representation, legal battles, and emotional appeals have played a role in promoting acceptance while challenging traditional Christian values.

Fr. Matthias also addresses the rise of transgender ideology as an extension of similar tactics, highlighting concerns over its impact on society and the church. He critiques the concept of multiculturalism when it equates all belief systems, leading to dilution of Christian truth in public life. Throughout the talk, Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of upholding faith and truth with boldness, encouraging believers to engage actively in sharing the gospel amid cultural challenges.#ChristianFaith #CulturalIssues #FaithAndTruth #MarketingOfEvil #ChristianValues #FrMatthiasShehad #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the story of Zakayas, the chief tax collector who repented after Christ visited his house. Fr. Matthias explores the biblical teaching on how to respond when wronged, drawing from St. Paul’s counsel to sometimes accept wrong for the sake of peace and unity. He distinguishes between tolerating wrong and accepting abuse, emphasizing the importance of discernment in addressing injustice.

Fr. Matthias outlines biblical steps for conflict resolution, including speaking directly to the offender, involving witnesses, and bringing issues before the church before seeking civil intervention. He discusses when silence can be beneficial, such as preventing further conflict, and when speaking up is necessary to defend truth and relationships.

The sermon highlights God’s role as the ultimate judge and calls believers to entrust justice to Him while praying for those who harm them, drawing lessons from scripture and the example of Christ and the saints.#ChristianSermon #ForgivenessInChrist #ConflictResolution #BiblicalTeaching #FaithAndJustice #RepentanceAndPeace #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad begins a series on "The Marketing of Evil," exploring how society has been systematically influenced to accept as virtuous what previous generations regarded as immoral. Drawing from the book *Marketing of Evil*, he outlines a deliberate strategy used to reshape public perception, especially focusing on the normalization and celebration of homosexuality.

Fr. Matthias explains the organized campaign by activists starting in the 1980s, including a psychological marketing plan designed to desensitize, emotionally confuse, and ultimately convert public opinion. He discusses how media and propaganda manipulate emotions rather than appeal to logic, presenting homosexuality as natural and worthy of acceptance while silencing opposition with shame.

He emphasizes the distinction between loving individuals and accepting lifestyles he views as harmful, framing this change as part of a broader moral decline influenced by deliberate manipulation rather than natural societal progression. This talk sets the foundation for understanding ongoing cultural shifts related to sexuality and morality.#ChristianTeaching #FaithAndMorality #CulturalIssues #MarketingOfEvil #FrMatthiasShehad #ChristianPerspective #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this concluding part of the "Life of Faith" series, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the test of faith as described by H.H. Pope Shenouda. He discusses how true faith is revealed through love, especially loving those who are difficult to love or who oppose us, reflecting Christ’s example on the cross. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that faith is shown not just through belief but through works, obedience, purity, contentment, and generosity.

He highlights the importance of trusting God’s will during trials and maintaining faith even when prayers seem unanswered. The discussion includes how faith influences our actions, shapes our view on eternity, and calls for firm, practical, and growing commitment. Fr. Matthias also addresses how to defend the faith thoughtfully, focusing on love and relationship rather than argument.

This message encourages spiritual growth through perseverance, humility, and active love as the true measure of faith.#LifeOfFaith #PopeShenouda #ChristianFaith #FaithAndLove #SpiritualGrowth #PerseveranceInFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the question of “What Will Be the Sign of Your Coming” in this sermon delivered on the last Sunday of the Coptic year. He discusses how Jesus revealed to His disciples about the end times but kept details hidden, emphasizing that only God the Father knows the exact timing. Fr. Matthias explains that God withholds full knowledge to protect us from fear and to develop our faith gradually, using biblical examples like Joseph, Moses, and Gideon.

He highlights that God’s daily provision and preparation help believers face future trials with trust and discernment. Fr. Matthias also stresses the importance of seeking comfort in God alone rather than worldly things, encouraging a faithful, watchful life focused on today. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to grow in faith, peace, and readiness for Christ’s return without anxiety about the unknown future.#ChristianSermon #EndTimesTeaching #FaithInGod #JesusComing #CopticChristianity #HolySpiritGuidance #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the biblical warning that "the love of many will grow cold," focusing on its causes, manifestations, and remedies. He outlines factors such as lawlessness, distraction by worldly concerns, isolation from God and others, and stinginess as key contributors to spiritual coldness. Fr. Matthias discusses how coldness affects relationships, prayer life, and empathy, leading to instability and brokenness both personally and communally.

He emphasizes the importance of cultivating a stable environment grounded in worship, fellowship, and intentional love. Through consistent church participation, strong family bonds, forgiveness, gratitude, and intentional affection, believers can revive warmth in their hearts. Drawing from scripture and everyday examples, Fr. Matthias calls listeners to self-examination and practical steps to rekindle their love for God and others amid a world marked by increasing hostility and spiritual indifference.#LoveOfManyWillGrowCold #ChristianSermon #FrMatthiasShehad #SpiritualGrowth #FaithAndLove #BiblicalTeaching #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the calling of Levi (Matthew) and the criticism Jesus faced from Pharisees for associating with tax collectors and sinners. He examines how Christ responded to attacks with silence, patience, and restraint, offering a model for dealing with false accusations and criticism.

Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of resisting retaliation, recognizing honorable suffering for righteousness, and honoring even harsh authorities as part of Christian obedience. He encourages trusting in God’s perfect justice rather than taking vengeance into our own hands. Drawing from scripture examples like King David and Joseph the righteous, he highlights the value of self-examination, humility, and responding objectively with love and truth.

This sermon addresses how Christians can maintain peace and integrity amid conflict, relying on God’s guidance and justice.#ChristianSermon #RespondingToAttacks #FaithInGod #ChristianObedience #EnduringPersecution #TrustGodsJustice #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this lecture, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues exploring "Life of Faith" by H.H. Pope Shenouda, focusing on factors that weaken faith. He discusses the limits of human reason in comprehending the divine, emphasizing the need for humility and trust in God's mysteries beyond intellectual grasp.

Fr. Matthias addresses the dangers of mixing faith with human logic, associating with doubters, fear, and love of worldly things as challenges that can erode belief. He highlights how external trials, Satan’s deceptions, and doubt test believers, urging vigilance and reliance on prayer and scripture to maintain faith.

Using biblical examples and personal stories, Fr. Matthias explains the delicate balance between reason and faith, providing guidance on guarding against spiritual pitfalls, and preparing for ongoing struggles in the Christian walk. This teaching offers a framework for understanding and strengthening faith amid daily challenges.#LifeOfFaith #PopeShenouda #ChristianFaith #SpiritualGrowth #FaithAndReason #TrustInGod #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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