St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his study of "The Diabolic Wars" by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, exploring the attributes and methods of the devil in spiritual warfare. He reviews the devil’s persistent and cunning nature, his use of deception, cruelty, and envy, and how he exploits human weaknesses. Fr. Matthias explains various tactics of temptation, such as disguising sin as virtue, planting doubts about God’s forgiveness, and encouraging impulsive decisions. He illustrates these points with biblical examples and practical advice, emphasizing the devil’s long-term subtle strategies and his ability to tempt through small, seemingly harmless acts.

Fr. Matthias also addresses the importance of discernment, patience, and maintaining spiritual vigilance amid daily struggles. This talk encourages believers to rely on God’s strength and mercy while recognizing the devil’s constant efforts to undermine faith and virtue.#SpiritualWarfare #DiabolicWars #PopeShenoudaIII #FrMatthiasShehad #ChristianFaith #Discernment #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the concept of flexibility through biblical examples and teachings. He begins by reflecting on Christ’s adaptability when feeding the multitude, emphasizing the importance of yielding plans to serve others. Fr. Matthias highlights biblical figures like Abraham, Lot, and King Herod to illustrate the need to move when called, avoid attachment to positions, and accept God’s timing.

He discusses cooperation with others, accepting constructive criticism, and the willingness to change beliefs, referencing Saint Peter’s acceptance of Gentiles and Jonah’s resistance. Fr. Matthias stresses the value of admitting mistakes, using King David and King Saul’s responses as contrasts, and emphasizes forgiveness as a core aspect of flexibility.

This sermon encourages embracing change, releasing grudges, and following God’s guidance with openness, fostering humility and growth in spiritual life.#ChristianFaith #BiblicalFlexibility #SpiritualGrowth #GodsTiming #ForgivenessInChrist #SermonOnFlexibility #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the call to stay focused on the Christian mission amid life’s many distractions. Drawing from the instructions Jesus gave to the 70 apostles, Fr. Matthias explains the importance of avoiding distractions and staying committed to the path God has set. He highlights biblical examples like the Israelites and Lot’s wife to show the dangers of looking back and remaining attached to past lives or worldly things.

Fr. Matthias encourages regular self-reflection on priorities and attachments, stressing the need to love God above all else and to use time wisely. He emphasizes setting aside daily quiet time for prayer and being aware of spiritual challenges and opposition from the enemy. Ultimately, this talk challenges believers to persevere in their spiritual journey with focus, trust, and reliance on God’s strength.#ChristianFocus #SpiritualDiscipline #StayFocusedOnGod #ChristianMission #FaithJourney #FrMatthiasShehad #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this first part of the series "Diabolic Wars," Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the spiritual battles believers face against the devil, drawing from the teachings of His Holiness Pope Shenouda. Fr. Matthias explains the nature of these wars, emphasizing that temptations are allowed by God for spiritual growth and are experienced by everyone, regardless of their level of faith or vocation. He distinguishes between trials and temptations and highlights the devil's persistence, intelligence, and use of various tactics to deceive and accuse.

Fr. Matthias also discusses the importance of relying on God’s strength to overcome these wars, as human effort alone is insufficient. He addresses the devil’s attributes, including his role as the accuser and how he exploits human weaknesses to turn people away from God. This talk lays the foundation for understanding spiritual warfare and invites believers to seek God's help in standing firm against temptation.#SpiritualWarfare #ChristianFaith #OvercomingTemptation #FrMatthiasShehad #DiabolicWars #FaithInGod #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Joshua chapters 6 and 7, focusing on the destruction of Jericho and the defeat at Ai. He explains how the Israelites, led by the commander of the Lord’s army, conquered Jericho through faith and obedience, marching around the city as God instructed. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that victory was granted by God, not human warfare, illustrating the power of mystical obedience like prayer and sacraments.

He then examines the consequences of Achan’s sin, which led to Israel’s defeat at Ai despite previous successes. Fr. Matthias discusses the seriousness of sin’s impact on the community and the need for repentance to restore God’s presence. He highlights lessons on faith, obedience, and the spiritual battle against sin, encouraging viewers to trust God's guidance in all aspects of life.#JoshuaBibleStudy #DestructionOfJericho #FaithAndObedience #SinAndRepentance #GodsVictory #SpiritualBattle #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the Bible study on the Book of Joshua by covering chapters 8 and 9, focusing on the renewed victory at Ai and the deception of the Gibeonites. Fr. Matthias explains how repentance restores Israel’s relationship with God, how obedience and human effort work together with God’s grace, and how the strategy at Ai demonstrates the synergy between divine blessing and human action .

Fr. Matthias discusses the altar built on Mount Ebal, the public reading of the Law, and the contrast between blessings and curses tied to obedience and disobedience. He then examines the covenant with the Gibeonites, highlighting the danger of making decisions based on emotion without seeking God’s counsel.

The study concludes with reflections on superficial faith versus true repentance, the consequences of rash vows, and the importance of discernment, humility, and submission to God’s will in the spiritual life.#BibleStudy #BookOfJoshua #ChristianFaith #BiblicalObedience #GodsGrace #SpiritualDiscernment #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores different reasons why people seek Christ, using the examples of the shepherds, wise men, and King Herod during the Nativity. He explains how some come to Christ for the wrong motives, such as selfish pleasure, material gain, self-justification, desire for miracles, emotional experiences, destruction of enemies, or social acceptance. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that true seeking involves pursuing union with Christ, obedience to God’s will, and daily commitment to prayer and repentance. He challenges believers to reflect on their own motivations and to celebrate the Incarnation not only on feast days but in their hearts every day. Fr. Matthias invites listeners to find Christ within themselves and live in continuous relationship with Him for spiritual growth and eternal life.#SeekingGod #TrueFaith #ChristianSermon #SpiritualGrowth #Incarnation #FrMatthiasShehad #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Book of 2nd John, delving into its authorship by Saint John the Beloved and its focus on truth versus error. Fr. Matthias explains the epistle’s address to the “elect lady” and her children, discussing interpretations that see this as a metaphor for the church. He highlights the historical context of false teachings such as Gnosticism and Docetism, emphasizing Saint John's warning against denying Christ’s incarnation.

Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of abiding in the truth and the commandment to love one another, explaining how these are essential for the unity and resilience of the church. He also addresses practical advice on dealing with false teachers, urging discernment in fellowship to protect the faith. The study concludes with reflections on the eternal nature of truth and the need for living faith through obedience, not just knowledge.

This session is valuable for those interested in early church writings, Christian doctrine, and spiritual discernment.#2ndJohn #BibleStudy #ChristianDoctrine #TruthVsError #FrMatthiasShehad #SpiritualDiscernment #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Epistle of 3rd John, focusing on Saint John’s letter to Gaius about conflicts within the early church. He examines the challenges posed by Diotrephes, a leader who rejected visiting ministers and caused division by excluding members who welcomed them. Fr. Matthias highlights the dangers of internal discord compared to external persecution, emphasizing the importance of unity and walking in truth as foundational to the Christian faith.

He explains the role of hospitality to traveling teachers and the significance of supporting church ministries beyond personal gain or recognition. Fr. Matthias discusses the motivations and character traits necessary for effective leadership in the church, contrasting them with those who seek power and control. The message encourages believers to uphold truth, practice love through obedience, and serve faithfully despite criticism or hardship, drawing lessons on spiritual growth, humility, and community life from this brief but instructive biblical letter.#3rdJohn #ChristianHospitality #BibleStudy #ChurchUnity #SpiritualLeadership #FaithInAction #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Bible study, Gerges Gad explores the Apostolic Age, focusing on the birth of the Church through the events of Jesus Christ’s ascension and the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, as recorded in the Book of Acts. Gerges discusses how the apostles received teachings on establishing the Church and their commission to evangelize Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. He outlines the early spread of Christianity, the role of the apostles in preaching, and notable apostolic churches including Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, and Rome.

Gerges also covers the development of early Christian traditions, the significance of oral teachings alongside scripture, and the challenges faced during persecutions and theological controversies. The study highlights the impact of the Holy Spirit on the apostles’ ministry and the growth of the early Church within cultural and historical contexts.#ApostolicAge #BirthOfTheChurch #HolySpirit #Pentecost #EarlyChurch #BibleStudy #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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