St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston
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All sermons, bible studies, and podcasts from St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston
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Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses the distinctions between tithing, voluntary charity, and government-mandated welfare, emphasizing that giving to the poor should be an act of love and faith rather than obligation. He explores how the church discerns genuine need versus enabling dependency, highlighting the importance of holistic support that addresses both physical and spiritual needs.
Fr. Matthias also talks about practical challenges in helping those who are homeless or struggling with mental illness, stressing the role of counseling, job assistance, and stable shelter alongside financial aid. He explains the biblical principles behind structured generosity like gleaning and how New Testament love guides modern giving.
On tithing, Fr. Matthias clarifies that it expresses trust in God's provision and is not optional. He reflects on the blessings that come from faithful giving beyond material wealth, encouraging discernment and responsible stewardship of resources within the church and personal charity.
In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the Samaritan woman at the well, illustrating how an encounter with Christ brings transformation through God’s grace. He explains the signs of being visited by grace, including feeling the burden of sin, engaging in honest dialogue with God, confessing sins without fear, and forsaking former preoccupations.
Fr. Matthias highlights the process of repentance, the importance of mourning over sin, and the call to live a life aligned with the Christian faith. He emphasizes the zeal that follows a genuine encounter with Christ, where believers are moved to share their testimony boldly with others.
This message encourages believers to recognize God’s grace in their lives, embrace transformation, and pursue a path that reflects true commitment and love for God.
In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels by examining Christ’s teaching on the Last Judgment found in Matthew 25. He explains the significance of Christ’s second coming as judge, the separation of the sheep from the goats, and the individual nature of divine judgment based on faith and repentance rather than deeds alone. Fr. Matthias discusses the necessity of baptism, confession, and communion for salvation and addresses common misunderstandings about faith and works.
Moving into Holy Wednesday, Fr. Matthias highlights the anointing of Christ with costly oil as preparation for His burial and connects this to His impending betrayal by Judas for thirty pieces of silver. The study includes reflections on serving others as serving Christ, the spiritual challenges faced even by those close to Jesus, and the deeper theological meaning behind these pivotal events in Holy Week.
Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the biblical and practical aspects of tithing and almsgiving, addressing common misconceptions about money in the Christian life. He explains the purpose of tithing as a way to acknowledge God’s provision, support the church’s mission, and assist those in need. Fr. Matthias clarifies the difference between ownership and stewardship, emphasizing responsible use of resources within God’s guidelines.
He discusses the balance between trusting God and planning for the future, encouraging generosity without attachment to wealth. Fr. Matthias offers advice on managing personal finances, detachment from possessions, and teaching children the value of money in today’s world. The talk also covers how married couples can align their giving practices and the importance of almsgiving as an act of love and worship rather than personal gain, highlighting the spiritual dimensions of financial stewardship.
Fr. Matthias Shehad begins a new series on the spiritual discipline of bringing every thought captive, emphasizing the ongoing battle against harmful and deceptive thoughts. He explores how our interpretations shape emotions and behaviors, illustrating this through everyday examples and scriptural insights from St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians.
Fr. Matthias explains the difference between involuntary thoughts and voluntary actions, highlighting the importance of controlling how we respond to thoughts. He introduces eight damaging thought patterns—gluttony, fornication, avarice, sadness, anger, acedia, vain glory, and pride—drawing on the teachings of Evagrius. These thoughts, if unchecked, lead to sin, negative habits, and distorted self-identity.
The talk encourages vigilance in recognizing these thoughts and responding with truth, fostering spiritual growth and alignment with God’s will. Fr. Matthias concludes with practical reflections on humility and reliance on God in overcoming these mental strongholds.
In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues exploring the harmony of the Gospels with a focus on Christ’s second coming as foretold in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. He examines Jesus’ teachings concerning the signs of the end times, the importance of vigilance, and the spiritual meaning behind Jesus’ statement that only the Father knows the day and hour of His return. Fr. Matthias also explains the parables of the ten virgins and the talents, emphasizing readiness, faithful stewardship, and the personal responsibility each believer has in preparing for the Kingdom of God. He discusses the significance of spiritual wisdom, the role of trials in strengthening faith, and how God judges us based on our use of the gifts He has entrusted to us. The study encourages a faithful, watchful, and active Christian life in anticipation of Christ’s return.
In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the parable of the Prodigal Son, focusing on the role of the father and the lessons parents can learn from his actions. He emphasizes how the father's respect for the son's freedom allowed the son to make mistakes and learn from consequences without immediate rescue. Fr. Matthias highlights the father’s compassionate reception upon the son's return and the unconditional love that fosters healing and restoration. He also discusses the importance of creating a home filled with good memories and a Christlike model of love, which invites children back even after they stray. The sermon offers guidance on parenting with patience, respect, and wisdom, encouraging parents to balance discipline with compassion to cultivate strong, lasting relationships with their children.
In this conversation, Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses the realities of marriage, emphasizing the importance of the courtship phase for understanding differences in values, expectations, and backgrounds. He addresses communication, shared responsibilities, and common challenges couples face, such as coping with addictions or mental health issues. Fr. Matthias explains the church’s perspective on divorce, separation, and the process for permission to remarry, highlighting the role of counseling and repentance. He also explores how the sacraments of communion and confession support couples in navigating difficulties. Closing with reflections on having a godly marriage today, Fr. Matthias underscores submission to the Holy Spirit, humility, and realistic expectations as keys to a lasting spiritual union. This talk offers guidance on navigating marriage challenges within the framework of faith and church teachings.
In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues exploring the Harmony of the Gospels with a focus on the story of the widow's two mites from Mark and Luke, emphasizing the significance of sacrificial giving and faith. He then delves into Matthew 24, where Christ speaks about the signs of the end times, including deception by false Christs and prophets, global instability, and intense persecution of the church. Fr. Matthias explains the meaning of key prophetic events such as the abomination of desolation and the coming tribulation, highlighting the importance of spiritual vigilance and endurance. He addresses common misconceptions about the second coming, warns against being deceived by false miracles, near-death experiences, and predictions, and encourages believers to remain faithful and prepared for Christ’s return, which will be sudden and unmistakable. The teaching concludes with reflections on living in faith amid trials and the call to be wise and vigilant servants.
In this conclusion to his series on Jonah the Prophet, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the complexities of Jonah’s journey, highlighting his initial resistance to God’s call and his struggle with the mercy shown to the Ninevites. Fr. Matthias examines Jonah's emotional responses, from anger and despair to selfishness and entitlement, and how God’s patience and compassion aim to transform him. Through Jonah’s story, the lecture emphasizes God's desire for the salvation of all people, including those viewed as enemies, and challenges listeners to reflect on their own reactions to God’s mercy and trials. Fr. Matthias also connects these lessons to the spiritual discipline of fasting, encouraging believers to seek comfort only in God and to embrace discomfort as a path to growth. The talk concludes with reflections on repentance, mercy, and the eternal purpose behind God’s guidance and discipline.
Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the temptation of Christ in the wilderness, highlighting the threefold nature of temptation as described by St. John: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. He explains how Christ resisted each temptation by maintaining control over his desires, rejecting self-glorification, and refusing worldly power.
Fr. Matthias emphasizes that temptation is a common experience for all believers, with Satan’s power limited by God’s protection and grace. Drawing from Scripture, he outlines practical ways to resist temptation, including vigilance, spiritual practices such as prayer and fasting, and having faith in God’s ability to provide a way of escape.
The sermon encourages viewers to see temptation not only as a challenge but as an opportunity for spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God during times of struggle.
In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the distinction between earthly treasures and heavenly treasures, emphasizing that where our heart is, there lies our treasure. Drawing from the Gospel of St. Matthew, he examines the question of whether one is a slave to the love of money, highlighting how money can become a master rather than a tool.
Fr. Matthias outlines nine signs that reveal an attachment to money, including compromising God's commandments for financial gain, envy of others’ possessions, damaging relationships for wealth, reluctance to give to the needy, neglecting spiritual life, seeking quick riches, excessive worry about the future, grumbling against God’s provision, and hoarding wealth at the expense of basic needs.
He encourages self-examination and a balance between work, family, and faith, urging trust in God’s provision over worldly riches and emphasizing the importance of laying up treasures in heaven.
Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the essential requirements for couples preparing for marriage in the Coptic Orthodox Church, emphasizing emotional, spiritual, and financial maturity. He discusses the role of premarital counseling, communication skills, and conflict resolution as foundational elements for a healthy marriage. Fr. Matthias addresses topics such as intellectual compatibility, age gaps, and red flags like selfishness and poor emotional intelligence that can affect marital harmony.
He then explains the biblical roles of husband and wife, stressing mutual love and respect along with the husband’s loving authority and the wife’s respectful submission. Fr. Matthias highlights how challenges arise when spouses fail to fulfill their roles and how patience, meekness, and treating each other beyond deservedness can encourage growth.
The talk also covers the impact of marital imbalance on children and offers guidance on protecting them from conflict. Throughout, Fr. Matthias insists the presence of God is vital for sustaining a godly marriage through all seasons of life.
Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his exploration of Jonah the Prophet, focusing on Jonah’s transformation and struggle with mercy and obedience. He explains how Jonah’s experience inside the fish symbolizes God’s plan for salvation, highlighting Jonah’s lack of compassion toward the Ninevites. Fr. Matthias discusses Jonah’s prayer, faith, and thanksgiving amid hardship, emphasizing God’s command over creation contrasting Jonah’s resistance.
The talk examines Jonah’s second calling to preach repentance in Nineveh, showing Jonah’s imperfect obedience and internal conflict. Fr. Matthias reflects on God’s mercy, restoration, and patience in both Jonah’s and humanity’s spiritual growth. He draws parallels with St. Peter’s restoration and stresses the importance of sacrifice, faith-based fasting, and genuine repentance for transformation.
Fr. Matthias also discusses God’s view of potential for change in others, humility in repentance, and the challenge of overcoming pride. The message challenges believers to respond to God’s call with faith and openness to personal sacrifice for others’ salvation.
Fr. Matthias discusses the challenges and realities of building a godly marriage in the 21st century. He explores common newlywed conflicts, societal shifts affecting marriage such as delayed marriage age, increased female workforce participation, and changing family dynamics. Fr. Matthias explains the Orthodox Christian view on marriage as a path to salvation, emphasizing sacrifice, forgiveness, and the presence of God in the couple’s life through active faith and church accountability.
He addresses how the institution of marriage has evolved from Old Testament practices and arranged marriages to modern dating, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and discernment in choosing a spouse. Fr. Mina also talks about the church’s stance on procreation within marriage and the impact of societal trends on divorce rates. This discussion offers foundational insights into understanding and pursuing a marriage rooted in faith and commitment.
Joe Costandy explores the allegorical interpretation of the biblical story of David and Goliath, focusing on its deeper spiritual meanings beyond the literal and moral layers. He explains the symbolism of key characters, showing Saul as a figure representing Adam and David as a symbol of Christ, the beloved son who replaces the first king.
Joe discusses the significance of the battle setting, the representation of Satan and humanity, and how David's victory prefigures Christ’s triumph over evil through humility and obedience to God. He also highlights how the story reflects God's broader plan for humanity’s salvation and the spiritual battle between good and evil.
Drawing from early church fathers and Scripture, Joe emphasizes that the allegorical reading complements the literal account, revealing the richness of biblical narratives as part of God's unfolding revelation.
In this sermon, Fr. Younan William reflects on the true meaning and purpose of the Great Fast as a season of spiritual renewal and loyalty to Christ. He emphasizes that fasting is not merely about dietary restrictions but a tool for gaining self-control, deepening prayer, repentance, and fellowship with Christ and the church. Fr. Younan encourages preparing the right mindset, combining physical fasting with spiritual practices, and consecrating time away from distractions like media addiction.
He also stresses the importance of seriousness, consistency, and adhering to the church’s fasting rules under the guidance of one’s spiritual father. By avoiding half-hearted fasting and focusing on inner transformation, believers can persevere through challenges and strengthen their spiritual journey. Fr. Younan calls on all to follow Christ not only for blessings but even amid hardships, walking with Him in humility and endurance.
In "Have You Seen the One I Love": Contemplation on Song of Solomon 1:15, Eric Tadros explores the deep spiritual relationship between the soul and God as reflected in the Song of Solomon. Eric discusses how the Lord views the soul as beautiful and desirable, even amid sin, emphasizing God’s persistent desire for the soul’s return.
Eric highlights the importance of seeking God's testimony over worldly praise, using examples like John the Baptist, St. Mary, and others who appeared plain outwardly but were great in the sight of the Lord. He reflects on themes like labor, faith, love, confession, and humility as qualities that make the soul beautiful to God.
The symbolism of “dove’s eyes” is explained as representing spiritual insight and the presence of the Holy Spirit, urging believers to maintain purity, presence, and peace in their gaze and interactions. Eric encourages embracing the paradox of the Christian life where God's standards differ from the world’s, seeking to hear, “Behold, you are fair, my love.”
Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the challenges of balancing spiritual life with daily responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing God’s presence in all aspects of life—whether at work, church, or home. He discusses practical ways to incorporate prayer and spiritual practices into busy schedules, like listening to sermons or praying the Jesus Prayer during everyday tasks.
Fr. Matthias highlights the significance of aligning personal goals with God’s will and recognizing spiritual growth as a gradual journey rather than an instant outcome. He stresses the value of accountability through confession and community support, encouraging active service within the church as a form of spiritual expression.
By addressing distractions and time management from both a secular and spiritual perspective, Fr. Matthias offers guidance on maintaining inner peace and nurturing a closer relationship with Christ through consistent spiritual discipline and fellowship.
In this continuation of the series on Jonah the Prophet, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores God's sovereignty over creation as revealed through Jonah’s story. He examines Jonah’s resistance to God’s command to preach to Nineveh, contrasting Jonah’s apathy with the pagan sailors’ active efforts to survive the storm. Fr. Matthias highlights Jonah’s spiritual numbness, depression, and lack of compassion that lead him to isolate himself rather than seek God’s help.
The talk delves into Jonah’s realization of his inner failings, the sailors’ recognition of God’s power, and the unfolding divine plan through the prepared great fish. Fr. Matthias draws connections between Jonah’s prayer from the fish’s belly and the hope of resurrection, emphasizing faith and thanksgiving even amidst suffering. This message encourages believers to respond faithfully to God’s call, embrace transformation through trials, and trust in God’s mercy and salvation.
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