St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores factors that weaken faith in the Christian life, emphasizing that faith involves daily decisions and commitment rather than mere knowledge. He discusses how satanic deception, sinful desires, self-exaltation, and misplaced attachments challenge believers’ perseverance. Using biblical examples like Judas, the prodigal son, and the Pharisees, Fr. Matthias explains how subtle temptations and pride lead people away from God. He highlights the necessity of self-denial and spiritual discipline, comparing the spiritual journey to a battle requiring watchfulness, sacrifice, and consistent prayer despite difficulty or lack of immediate feeling. Fr. Matthias encourages identifying personal weaknesses, pursuing humility, and valuing the spiritual treasure above worldly comforts to strengthen faith and maintain a relationship with God.#LifeOfFaith #ChristianFaith #SpiritualDiscipline #FaithJourney #OvercomingTemptation #WatchfulnessInFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his "Life of Faith" series, exploring Chapter 7, which focuses on the life of submission and trusting God through trials and uncertainty. Drawing from scripture and the teachings of H.H. Pope Shenouda III, Fr. Matthias discusses the role of faith in suffering, emphasizing joy in trials as a reflection of believing in God's purpose and provision.

He examines biblical examples such as the Israelites in the desert, Abraham’s obedience, and the disciples’ reliance on God rather than material security. Fr. Matthias highlights the cost of discipleship, the importance of trusting God beyond our senses, and how faith grows through confidence in God’s promises, timing, and fatherly care.

The talk challenges viewers to embrace faith like children, trusting God completely even amid unanswered questions and hardship while recognizing that ultimate healing and fulfillment come from God alone.#LifeOfFaith #TrustInGod #ChristianFaith #FaithInTrials #PopeShenouda #Discipleship #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the parable of the wicked vine dressers, illustrating Israel’s history of rebellion against God’s persistent calls through prophets and ultimately His Son. He emphasizes that God entrusts us with His vineyard—our lives, talents, and relationships—to bear spiritual fruit for His kingdom, not for selfish gain.

Fr. Matthias highlights God's repeated patience despite human rejection, the consequences of rebellion, and the necessity of repentance. He underscores the ongoing relevance of Christ as the chief cornerstone and the call for believers to actively participate in producing the fruits of the Spirit, such as kindness, gentleness, and self-control.

This sermon challenges viewers to examine their stewardship, embrace humility, and respond to God’s persistent invitation to live a life of service, obedience, and sincere repentance. It reminds us that our ultimate purpose is to offer ourselves and our fruit back to God as living sacrifices.#ChristianSermon #ParableOfTheVine #Repentance #FruitOfTheSpirit #FaithAndObedience #GodsVineyard #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of Lazarus’ resurrection to explain the Christian understanding of death and eternal life. He distinguishes between two kinds of death: the death to avoid, which includes the carnal mind, worldly sorrow, sin, and hatred; and the death to embrace, consisting of baptismal death, spiritual renewal by the Holy Spirit, and mortification of sinful desires.

Fr. Matthias emphasizes that true resurrection comes through dying to one’s old sinful nature and living a new life led by God’s grace. He discusses the daily spiritual battle to crucify the deeds of the flesh, the necessity of humility, and the rejection of self-pity for growth in faith. The message calls for a committed transformation, leading to eternal life through union with Christ’s death and resurrection.#LazarusResurrection #ChristianSermon #SpiritualRenewal #EternalLifeInChrist #BaptismalDeath #FaithTransformation #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the study of H.H. Pope Shenouda III’s book "Life of Faith," exploring the chapter on simplicity of faith. He explains how faith involves accepting God’s truth without relying solely on worldly logic, which can lead to skepticism. Fr. Matthias discusses the nature of miracles, angels, and the need to trust God’s workings beyond human understanding. He highlights the importance of experiencing faith through a personal relationship with God, noting that faith grows through trials, patience, and submission to God’s will.

Fr. Matthias also addresses the challenge of submitting to God’s plan without full understanding, illustrating this with biblical examples like Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, and the apostles. He emphasizes how faithful submission involves trust, perseverance in prayer, and enduring suffering without grumbling, trusting God’s providence and love. This message encourages believers to cultivate humble and active faith centered on relationship and trust in God’s guidance.#LifeOfFaith #FaithAndSimplicity #TrustInGod #ChristianFaithJourney #PopeShenoudaTeachings #FaithThroughTrials #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept of the "Divine Equation," illustrating how God's perspective and power differ from human limitations. He reflects on biblical examples such as the feeding of the five thousand, David and Goliath, Nehemiah rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, and Elisha's prophecy during famine, emphasizing how faith in God's ability changes outcomes.

Fr. Matthias challenges listeners to trust God's provision in facing personal struggles, whether in marriage, parenting, church service, or battling temptation. He highlights the importance of faith, prayer, and perseverance when human efforts fall short. Using stories from scripture and church history, including the dedication of Archdeacon Habib Gurgus, Fr. Matthias encourages believers to rely on God's unlimited resources rather than their own.

The sermon calls for a shift from fear and self-reliance to hope and confidence in God's power to transform the impossible into reality.#DivineEquation #FaithInGod #GodsPower #BiblicalFaith #ChristianSermon #TrustInGod #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the biblical teaching on offenses, focusing on the responsibility believers have to protect the innocence of children and others seeking purity of heart. Fr. Matthias highlights the role of parents and the church community in nurturing faith by teaching God’s commandments, emphasizing God’s love, and guiding children in spiritual growth and salvation.

He addresses common parenting challenges, such as setting clear boundaries, creating a God-centered home environment, and modeling authentic faith without double standards. Fr. Matthias also discusses the impact of a distorted image of God and the church on children, and stresses the importance of consistent love, patience, and reminders of God’s faithfulness at home.

The message calls for awareness of how family life influences children’s spiritual formation and urges believers to avoid causing offenses that could hinder their growth in faith and salvation.#ChristianParenting #FaithFormation #ProtectTheInnocent #GodsCommandments #SpiritualGrowth #SermonOnOffenses #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the calling and equipping of those whom God sends to serve, based on the mission of the 70 apostles in Luke 10. He explains that God appoints and provides for His laborers, granting them authority, fellowship, divine protection, and power over spiritual battles. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that service is a faithful response to God’s call, using the gifts and talents He provides not only for personal benefit but for His kingdom.

He highlights the importance of serving together in community and representing God through love, unity, and holiness. Fr. Matthias reminds listeners that the true joy in service is not in visible outcomes or successes but in having their names written in heaven. Through diligence and faithfulness, believers participate in God’s work, receiving eternal reward and assurance.#ChristianService #LaborersWorthy #FaithfulInGodsWork #GodsCalling #ServingTogether #EternalReward #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this continuation of the study on the book Life of Faith by H.H. Pope Shenouda, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept of simplicity of faith. He discusses how simplicity is challenging to attain for intellectuals who often rely on scientific reasoning to evaluate God’s actions. Fr. Matthias explains that faith requires trusting God’s promises even when they transcend human understanding and scientific laws, using biblical examples such as Jonah, David, and the parting of the Red Sea to illustrate this point.

He emphasizes that God operates beyond the natural laws of the world and that faith involves accepting God’s work without demanding full explanations. Fr. Matthias contrasts the skepticism born from worldly knowledge with the childlike trust in God Jesus encouraged. He highlights the relationship between faith, prayer, and openness to God’s miracles, encouraging believers to cultivate simplicity of faith in their spiritual journey.#LifeOfFaith #PopeShenouda #ChristianFaith #TrustInGod #FaithJourney #BibleTeaching #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Christian teaching on loving our enemies as presented in the Gospel on the Sermon on the Mount. He explains that loving enemies does not mean liking them or enjoying their company, but involves praying for them, forgiving them, and serving them as Christ did. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that this love is a divine gift that requires God’s transformation within us. He highlights the importance of forgiving others by reflecting on the forgiveness we receive from God.

Fr. Matthias also discusses practical ways to love by starting with those closest to us, managing disagreements without division, and avoiding creating enemies through assumptions or harsh reactions. He encourages humility, patience, and self-examination before blaming others. The sermon concludes by affirming that true love comes from knowing God and living by His grace, leading to peaceful and fruitful relationships that reflect His love.#LoveYourEnemies #ChristianFaith #SermonOnTheMount #Forgiveness #FrMatthiasShehad #GodsGrace #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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