St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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. 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

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 meaning of Jesus’ declaration, "I am the way, the truth, and the life," focusing on how Christ is the way of peace. He explains that true peace is found only in a relationship with Jesus, not in material possessions or earthly relationships. Fr. Matthias identifies three main enemies of peace: fear, division, and confusion. He discusses how fear of pain, loss, and the unknown disrupts peace, and emphasizes the need for faith in God's guidance. Division includes spiritual separation from God, internal conflict between desires and contentment, and social discord, all of which erode peace. Confusion arises when the mind is swayed by false philosophies rather than anchored in Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Fr. Matthias highlights the church’s role in strengthening faith and providing a refuge from the world’s challenges. This message calls believers to seek peace through faith, repentance, and steadfast trust in Christ.#TheWayOfPeace #JesusTheWay #ChristianFaith #FaithAndPeace #TrustInChrist #SermonOnPeace #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 concludes his study of 1st Peter chapters 4 and 5 by exploring the call to Christian discipleship through suffering and the transformation it brings from sin to holiness. He explains how suffering for Christ refocuses believers away from worldly desires toward God’s will, emphasizing the difference between suffering for sin and suffering as a witness to faith. Fr. Matthias highlights the responsibilities of priests as shepherds serving willingly and humbly, and encourages believers to submit to spiritual authority for their salvation.

The message addresses the reality of trials and persecution in the Christian life, urging endurance, love, hospitality, and mutual submission within the church. Fr. Matthias also reflects on the hope of future glory with Christ, the importance of vigilance against the devil, and God’s ultimate grace in perfecting and strengthening believers through suffering.#1Peter4 #ChristianDiscipleship #SufferingForChrist #BibleStudy #FaithInTrials #SpiritualAuthority #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 continues the exploration of meditation in prayer, referencing teachings from Father Matthew the Poor’s book, *Orthodox Prayer Life*. He explains the distinctions between vocal prayer, meditation on scripture, and contemplation of God’s presence. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of reading scripture slowly and aloud to deepen engagement and understanding, emphasizing how meditation helps internalize God’s word, which then naturally flows in prayer and daily life.

He discusses different approaches to scripture—historical, allegorical, legal, and relational—revealing how meditation renews the mind, shapes spiritual perspective, and strengthens faith. Fr. Matthias also addresses spontaneous prayer, showing how a foundation in scripture ensures it aligns with God’s will. Throughout, he stresses prayer as a transformative practice that connects believers with God beyond mere words. The talk concludes with reflections on maintaining awareness of God's presence throughout daily life as an essential aspect of prayer.#ChristianMeditation #PrayerLife #OrthodoxPrayer #ScriptureMeditation #ContemplativePrayer #FaithJourney #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 1 Peter chapter 3, focusing on the roles of wives and husbands within Christian marriage, grounded in submission and mutual respect as modeled by Christ and the Church. He discusses the meaning of submission for wives, emphasizing protection of marital harmony and spiritual influence over husbands, even when they fall short in faith. Fr. Matthias explains how husbands are called to honor and gently care for their wives as co-heirs of God’s grace, highlighting the spiritual equality between spouses.

The teaching addresses challenges such as conflict, emotional struggles, and misconceptions about marriage, clarifying that Christian marriage centers on sacrificial love and mutual sanctification, not personal happiness or entitlement. He contrasts outward appearance with inward virtue, encouraging a gentle and quiet spirit as precious in God's sight.

Finally, Fr. Matthias ties suffering and perseverance in marriage and faith to the larger Christian call to live with hope, defend the faith meekly, and emulate Christ’s sacrifice for salvation.#ChristianMarriage #BibleStudy #1Peter3 #FaithAndMarriage #SacrificialLove #ChristianLiving #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 reflects on the story of the Samaritan woman to explore the true fulfillment found in the Lord Christ. He contrasts earthly desires and endless pursuits, drawing on King Solomon’s insights from Ecclesiastes about the futility of worldly satisfaction. Fr. Matthias explains how striving for material or emotional fulfillment leads to restlessness, boredom, selfishness, and dissatisfaction.

He then describes the spiritual satisfaction that Christ offers, including contentment, peace, the ability to give selflessly, strength to resist temptation, and acceptance of earthly loss without despair. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with Christ, continual repentance, authentic participation in spiritual practices, and maintaining focus on the Lord in all aspects of life.

Through this teaching, Fr. Matthias invites believers to seek fulfillment not in temporary pleasures but in the living water that Christ provides, promising eternal satisfaction and peace.#FulfillmentInChrist #LivingWater #ChristianSermon #SpiritualSatisfaction #FaithInJesus #EcclesiastesTeachings #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