St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the calling of Levi, also known as Matthew the Apostle, from Luke chapter 5. Fr. Matthias examines the immediate response Levi had to Jesus' call and reflects on the lessons we can learn about responding to God’s call with faith and hope. Levi’s story highlights the importance of forsaking old ways and embracing a new lifestyle aligned with God's will.

Fr. Matthias also discusses the challenges and sacrifices involved in following Christ, emphasizing the joy found in the calling despite difficulties. He encourages believers to share their newfound faith with others, as Levi did through hosting a feast for his peers. This message invites viewers to consider their own calling, trust in God’s guidance, and embrace the transformation that comes with following Christ.#FaithJourney #FollowingChrist #LeviTheApostle #GodsCall #ChristianSermon #TransformationInChrist #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers, illustrating how the Jewish people, despite receiving God's blessings and promises, repeatedly rejected His prophets and ultimately His Son. He outlines three key lessons from the parable: the seriousness of sin even among those who consider themselves chosen, the extent of God’s patience and love in sending prophets and His Son to call people to repentance, and the inevitable consequences when mercy is repeatedly ignored.

Fr. Matthias emphasizes that the vineyard represents all God has given humanity to steward, and the vine dressers symbolize those who reject this gift. The parable also reveals the transfer of God’s kingdom from the unfaithful to a fruitful nation, highlighting the transition from the Jewish people to the Gentiles in salvation history. This message invites reflection on personal responsibility, God’s grace, and the need for repentance.#ParableOfTheWickedVinedressers #ChristianSermon #FrMatthiasShehad #GodsKingdom #Repentance #BiblicalTeaching #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the story of the raising of Lazarus to explore the purpose of prolonged trials and suffering. He explains why Jesus waited before healing Lazarus and how this delay serves to glorify God and strengthen faith during hardship. Fr. Matthias discusses how times of trial offer opportunities for prayer, repentance, endurance, and patience while teaching believers to trust in God's greater plan beyond what is seen.

He also highlights how suffering reveals human limitations, deepens compassion for others, and provides firsthand experiences of God's comfort and promises. Finally, Fr. Matthias addresses the misconception that suffering means abandonment by God, emphasizing that divine love is present even in pain. This sermon encourages believers to endure with hope, knowing suffering has a purpose and will ultimately cease with eternal joy.#ChristianFaith #TrialsAndFaith #GodsPurpose #EnduranceInChrist #HopeInSuffering #TrustInGod #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning behind the miracle of the feeding of the multitude, emphasizing how God invites people to actively participate in His work. He highlights examples from Scripture where God calls individuals to cooperate with Him, such as Noah building the ark, Adam naming the animals, and Moses delivering the Ten Commandments.

Fr. Matthias explains that God involves believers in serving others, preaching the Gospel, praying, rebuking one another, stewardship, and repentance. Each action reflects a partnership where God empowers but requires human involvement. Through these examples, he encourages viewers to understand their role as fellow workers with God, cooperating with divine grace to serve, bless, and transform the world.

This message touches on themes of faith, service, spiritual growth, and cooperation with God’s will within the Christian life.#FeedingTheMultitude #ChristianService #FaithInAction #GodsWork #SpiritualGrowth #CooperationWithGod #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his teaching on the topic of riches and righteousness, focusing on the spiritual dangers of materialism. He explores how attachment to wealth can blind us to the needs of others, foster an insatiable desire for more, and prevent us from letting go or giving generously. Using biblical examples like the Rich Young Ruler, Job, and teachings from St. James, Fr. Matthias explains the signs of materialism, including comparison with others, showing off possessions, mistreating the poor, exploiting others for gain, and disobeying God to obtain wealth.

Fr. Matthias challenges listeners to reflect on their true values and how their relationship with money reveals their faith and priorities. He emphasizes that everything we have is a gift from God, meant to be stewarded for His kingdom rather than hoarded. The talk ends with a prayer for guidance to overcome materialism and grow in spiritual freedom.#ChristianTeaching #SpiritualGrowth #FaithAndFinance #OvercomeMaterialism #GodsKingdom #RichesAndRighteousness #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In "Riches & Righteousness [Part 1] | The Harvest," Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the relationship between earthly wealth and spiritual well-being through the lens of Proverbs 11:4 and other biblical teachings. Fr. Matthias explains that riches offer no benefit on the day of judgment, whereas righteousness delivers from death, emphasizing that true treasure lies in eternal life and spiritual virtues rather than material possessions.

He examines how our priorities are revealed by how we spend our time and warns against the love of money, which can lead to temptation and sorrow. Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of planning for eternity, detachment from wealth, and the balance between work, wealth, and spiritual life. Using examples from scripture such as Job, Solomon, and the Rich Young Ruler, he highlights signs of materialism and encourages cultivating generosity and contentment.

The talk invites reflection on where one’s heart truly lies and the sacrifices made for worldly wealth versus spiritual growth.#ChristianFaith #RichesAndRighteousness #SpiritualGrowth #BiblicalTeaching #EternalLife #DetachmentFromWealth #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Christian virtue of patience, emphasizing that it often grows through enduring difficult situations rather than being given instantly. He discusses how patience is essential for learning new skills, building relationships, gaining experience, becoming a positive example, and enduring hardships.

Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of waiting on God’s timing for guidance, change in others, answered prayers, and ultimate rewards. He draws from scripture to show that patience involves trust, hope, persistence in prayer, and continuing to do good despite challenges. The talk addresses how patience shapes spiritual growth and practical life, encouraging listeners to find comfort in God while waiting and to serve others during difficult times.#ChristianPatience #SpiritualGrowth #FaithAndPatience #TrustInGod #ChristianVirtues #EnduranceInFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Michael Sedrak explores the biblical meaning of blessing through examples in both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting how God’s blessing leads to increase, sanctification, and success. He illustrates how the Holy Spirit embodies this blessing, working within believers to guide, instruct, and transform them.

Michael discusses the fire of the Holy Spirit as a source of zeal, love, and fervor for serving God and others, connecting it to the Pentecost event and the empowerment of the disciples. He emphasizes that the Holy Spirit’s work brings growth in virtue, enlarged capacity for love, and spiritual success, defined according to God’s purpose for each individual.

Drawing on teachings from Pope Shenouda and the life of St. Habib Girgis, Michael encourages endurance in faith and service despite challenges, explaining that the blessing of the Holy Spirit sustains believers to fulfill God’s will and reap a spiritual harvest.#HolySpirit #ChristianBlessing #SpiritualGrowth #Pentecost #FaithAndService #GodsPurpose #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores 2nd Kings chapters 19 and 20, focusing on the account of King Hezekiah, the Assyrian threat, and the prophet Isaiah’s role. He discusses the political and spiritual challenges faced by Judah as the Assyrians, led by the officer referred to as the Rapsika, threaten Jerusalem through intimidation and offers of surrender. The interaction highlights Hezekiah’s reliance on prayer and God’s intervention to deliver Judah from destruction.

Fr. Matthias also covers Hezekiah’s illness, his prayer for healing, and the miraculous sign of the sun’s shadow moving backward. He explains Isaiah’s prophecy concerning the future Babylonian captivity and its implications for Judah. Throughout, the study emphasizes God’s sovereignty, the power of prayer, and faith amid trials, while connecting Old Testament events with deeper spiritual lessons for viewers today.#2Kings19 #HezekiahPrayer #IsaiahProphecy #BibleStudy #GodsSovereignty #FaithInTrials #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad examines the tendency to blame God when life does not go as expected. Using biblical examples such as the Pharisees’ rejection of Jesus’ miracles, the parables of the talents and the prodigal son, and Adam’s response in Eden, Fr. Matthias explores why people shift blame to God instead of accepting responsibility. He addresses common misconceptions about God’s will, the role of free will, and the purpose behind divine limitations and rebuke.

Fr. Matthias emphasizes that blaming God hinders trust, acceptance of correction, and the experience of His comfort. He encourages viewers to reconsider their perception of God’s intentions, focusing on eternal salvation rather than immediate satisfaction. The message calls for faith in God’s goodness amid trials and highlights the importance of developing an intimate relationship with Him to overcome doubts and blame.#BlamingGod #FaithInTrials #TrustInGod #ChristianSermon #FrMatthiasShehad #GodsWill #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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