St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning of John 1:11, focusing on why "His own did not receive Him" despite God's long history of care and guidance for the Jewish people. He traces how God's love was evident through the Old Testament—through prophets, laws, and miracles—yet met with repeated rejection and disobedience.

Fr. Matthias explains how God's ultimate act of salvation came through the incarnation of Christ, who was rejected even as He came to save. He highlights that God’s plan used human sin and rejection to bring salvation, emphasizing God’s unending mercy and grace despite stubbornness and failure to follow Him.

The sermon concludes by affirming that nothing can overcome God’s will or destroy the Church’s spirit, and encourages trust in God's unfailing love and providence, especially in difficult times.#John111 #GodsLove #ChristianSermon #IncarnationOfChrist #GodsMercy #FaithAndTrust #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Younan William shares a sermon focused on how to resist the spirit of failure, using lessons from biblical stories such as the flight of the Holy Family to Egypt, Adam and Eve, Cain, and St. Peter. He explains that Christians face spiritual battles beyond physical challenges, emphasizing the need to recognize and flee negative spirits like anger, hatred, and failure.

Fr. Younan highlights practical ways to avoid falling victim to the spirit of failure, including not isolating oneself after setbacks, rejecting negativity and harsh criticism, and avoiding harmful comparisons. He discusses the importance of using correct spiritual “scales” to measure success and holiness, drawing on examples like King David and the parable of the sower.

The sermon warns against pathological guilt and low self-esteem, encouraging trust in God's grace and focusing on divine support rather than enemies. Fr. Younan encourages viewers to rely on God’s presence and the church community in the spiritual struggle against failure.#SpiritOfFailure #ChristianSermon #FaithOverFailure #SpiritualWarfare #TrustInGod #FrYounanWilliam #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes his series on "On the Incarnation," exploring the final section of Saint Athanasius the Apostolic’s work. Fr. Matthias focuses on the defense of the doctrine of the Incarnation against objections from the Gentiles. He explains why God chose to become human rather than appearing in a more glorious form, emphasizing that the purpose of the Incarnation was to heal humanity from within, not to display divine power.

Fr. Matthias also addresses why God could not simply command salvation from afar, but had to assume human flesh to overcome sin and death. He highlights the significance of Christ’s humility in the first coming compared with the future glorious second coming. Finally, Fr. Matthias stresses that true understanding of the Incarnation requires sincere seeking, a pure soul, and living a Christian life, beyond mere intellectual knowledge. This teaching invites believers to embrace the transformative power of God’s word and grace.#Incarnation #SaintAthanasius #ChristianSermon #FaithInChrist #DivineHumility #SalvationInJesus #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad continues exploring Saint Athanasius the Apostolic’s treatise "On the Incarnation," focusing on chapter six, which addresses Jewish objections to the incarnation of Christ. He explains how Saint Athanasius uses Old Testament prophecies—such as the virgin birth, the star over Bethlehem, and the crucifixion—to demonstrate that Jesus Christ uniquely fulfills these predictions. Fr. Matthias highlights the improbability of anyone else fulfilling these prophecies, referencing a modern study calculating the odds of one person fulfilling just eight prophecies. Additionally, he discusses Isaiah’s prophecy of an altar in Egypt, interpreted as the Coptic Church, and the impact of the Holy Family’s visit to Egypt on pagan worship there. The message concludes with the Jewish rejection of Christ despite witnessing His life and resurrection. Next, Fr. Matthias will address how to defend the incarnation to Gentiles.#OnTheIncarnation #FrMatthiasShehad #SaintAthanasius #ChristProphecies #VirginBirth #IncarnationSermon #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his sermon series on the Incarnation, focusing on why Christ’s death had to be public and dishonorable. Drawing from St. Athanasius’ “On the Incarnation,” he explains that Christ chose a shameful death on the cross to confront the worst enemy and demonstrate divine power over death. Fr. Matthias also addresses why the Resurrection occurred after a period of time, underscoring its role as proof of Christ’s true death and victory over physical death.

He explores how Christ’s Resurrection abolishes fear of both physical and spiritual death, restoring believers through baptism and sanctification. Fr. Matthias highlights the impact of this victory on Christian faith and life, emphasizing that the Incarnation was the necessary way to renew humanity and conquer sin. This message invites reflection on why Christ’s sacrifice and Resurrection remain central to salvation.#OnTheIncarnation #ChristSacrifice #ResurrectionVictory #ChristianFaith #FrMatthiasShehad #StAthanasius #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theology of the incarnation, focusing on the necessity of Christ’s coming for the salvation of humanity. He begins by outlining the liturgical context leading to the Nativity and introduces St. Athanasius the Apostolic’s work on the incarnation, emphasizing why God chose to take on human flesh.

Fr. Matthias explains that Christ, as the divine Logos and creator of all things from nothing, is uniquely able to restore what was broken by sin. He discusses humanity’s creation in God’s image, the fall, and the resulting separation from God, which leads to corruption and death.

The sermon presents God’s response to sin, rejecting destruction or denial of the fall, and instead choosing to redeem through Christ’s incarnation, death, and resurrection, transforming death from a curse into a path to eternal life. This teaching highlights the incarnation as God’s act to renew humanity and restore His image within us.#Incarnation #Christology #FrMatthiasShehad #TheologyOfSalvation #DivineLogos #ChristianSermon #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Theophilus Mikhail explores what it means to be truly worthy to follow Christ, emphasizing that no one is inherently worthy except through God’s grace. He highlights the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus, marked by honest prayer, repentance, fasting, and sacrifice. Fr. Theophilus explains that following Christ involves self-examination, letting go of worldly attachments, and trusting that Jesus listens and responds to sincere hearts.

He discusses the spiritual value of confession, prayer, and fasting as ways to prepare oneself and grow in faith. Fr. Theophilus reminds believers that following Jesus includes carrying the cross, facing trials, and remaining faithful even amid suffering and tribulations. He encourages trust in Christ’s presence and compassion, assuring that God shares in our hardships and promises eternal life beyond earthly struggles.#FollowChrist #ChristianFaith #GraceOfGod #SpiritualGrowth #PrayerAndFasting #FaithInTrials #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on the calling of Saint Peter through the story of the miraculous catch of fish. He explores Peter’s reaction of humility and repentance upon encountering Christ’s mercy and power, emphasizing how awareness of sin arises in different ways. Fr. Matthias identifies five ways we become aware of our sins: through the Lord’s gentleness, experiencing the consequences of sin, observing sin in others, receiving divine rebuke through others, and witnessing holiness in the lives of others.

Drawing from biblical examples like the adulterous woman, the Prodigal Son, and King David, Fr. Matthias explains how Christ's compassion leads to repentance rather than condemnation. He encourages self-examination and learning from both the mistakes and virtues of those around us as a path to spiritual growth and deeper faith.#ChristianSermon #Repentance #SaintPeter #FaithAndSin #DivineMercy #SpiritualGrowth #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the Rich Young Ruler who approached Jesus seeking eternal life but walked away saddened because he was unwilling to let go of his wealth. Fr. Matthias examines the man’s initial desire for righteousness and the challenge he faced in denying his attachments to material possessions. He emphasizes the need for ongoing spiritual growth, pruning, and self-examination rather than self-satisfaction with keeping commandments.

Fr. Matthias highlights examples from scripture such as Moses, Abraham, and Nehemiah, illustrating how true discipleship requires leaving behind worldly security and comforts to follow God's calling. He also discusses common obstacles to responding fully to God's call including self-pity, selfish interests, and reliance on earthly wisdom.

The message underscores that God’s call often demands sacrifice but accompanies us with strength and grace. Fr. Matthias encourages openness to hear and respond to God’s personal call for each believer, rather than walking away sorrowful like the rich man.#RichYoungRuler #ChristianSermon #FaithAndWealth #Discipleship #SpiritualGrowth #GodsCall #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of Jesus casting out a demon and addresses the accusation that Christ’s power comes from Satan. He explains that Satan’s kingdom is united, disciplined, patient, knowledgeable, and aware of God's existence, making it strong and persistent in its efforts to destroy humanity. Fr. Matthias highlights the divisions that weaken us—whether in the church, families, or within ourselves—and how these internal conflicts contrast with the unity found in Satan’s kingdom.

He points out the importance of patience and discipline in spiritual warfare, noting that unlike demons, humans often struggle with laziness and distraction. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the need to deepen our understanding of God, Scripture, and the enemy in order to stand firm. Ultimately, recognizing God’s presence and power is key to overcoming the devil’s influence and remaining steadfast in faith.#SpiritualWarfare #FaithInChrist #OvercomingEvil #ChristianUnity #DemonicOppression #FrMatthiasShehad #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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