St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Romans chapters 4 and 5, focusing on the justification of Abraham by faith. He explains how Abraham was declared righteous by God before circumcision, emphasizing that righteousness comes through faith, not law or works. Fr. Matthias clarifies the relationship between Paul’s teaching on faith and works and the message of St. James regarding the evidence of true faith through good works.

He discusses the significance of grace versus debt in the context of salvation, the promise to Abraham as the father of all believers—both Jew and Gentile—and how faith replaces the law’s role as the path to righteousness. Fr. Matthias also addresses the entrance of sin and death through Adam, contrasting it with the gift of grace and eternal life offered through Jesus Christ. The study concludes with reflections on peace with God, enduring tribulations, and the transformative hope found in Christ’s resurrection.#RomansBibleStudy #FaithAndJustification #AbrahamByFaith #GraceThroughFaith #ChristianFaith #BibleTeaching #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 Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Romans chapters 6 and 7, focusing on the new life through baptism and the struggle between sin and righteousness. He begins by explaining how Saint Paul addresses the misconception that righteousness comes through circumcision, emphasizing that faith, not ritual, justifies. Fr. Matthias highlights baptism as a spiritual death and resurrection with Christ, marking freedom from sin and entry into newness of life.

He discusses the distinction between being slaves of sin versus slaves of righteousness, underscoring the ongoing spiritual struggle between flesh and spirit. Fr. Matthias explains how the law reveals sin but cannot save, showing the need for grace through Christ. He also contrasts the old covenant of the law with the new covenant in Christ, emphasizing sanctification as a lifelong process empowered by grace.

This study offers a clear understanding of salvation, grace, the role of the law, and the transformation that begins in baptism and continues throughout the Christian life.#RomansBibleStudy #NewLifeInChrist #BaptismAndFaith #GraceAndSalvation #SpiritualTransformation #LawAndGrace #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 Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Romans 8:1-27, focusing on the Christian walk in the Spirit. He explains St. Paul's teaching on living a sanctified life empowered by the Holy Spirit, contrasting the limitations of the Old Testament law with the freedom in Christ. Fr. Matthias discusses the struggle between the flesh and the spirit, emphasizing the call to live not according to carnal desires but by the Spirit, which leads to life and peace.

The talk highlights the significance of baptism as participation in Christ’s death and resurrection, the role of the Spirit in overcoming sin, and the hope of resurrection and glorification despite present sufferings. Fr. Matthias explains the necessary spiritual struggles believers endure, the promise of adoption as children of God, and the ongoing support of the Holy Spirit who intercedes for us.

This teaching provides a comprehensive understanding of spiritual growth, perseverance in faith, and the ultimate victory believers have in Christ.#Romans8 #ChristianWalk #HolySpirit #BibleStudy #FaithInChrist #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

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his detailed exploration of Romans chapter 8, focusing on God’s everlasting love and the transformative journey of believers. He unpacks Saint Paul’s message about salvation through Christ’s sacrifice, the role of the Holy Spirit in believers’ lives, and the meaning of adoption as children of God. Fr. Matthias addresses how God works through suffering and trials to shape believers, clarifying the relationship between divine foreknowledge, free will, and predestination.

Fr. Matthias also explains the promise that “all things work together for good” for those who love God, illustrating how God can turn hardship into spiritual growth and eternal gain. He explores the nature of true conquering through Christ’s resurrection, overcoming sin and death. The study concludes with practical guidance on discerning God’s will, emphasizing faith, prayer, Scripture, and godly counsel as tools for Christian living amid life’s challenges.#Romans8 #GodsLove #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #SalvationInChrist #HolySpiritGuidance #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 Bible study on Romans 9, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Saint Paul's message about Israel's role in God's plan and the inclusion of the Gentiles. He explains how Paul affirms God's love for the Jewish people, chosen not because of their own righteousness but by God's mercy, while also highlighting that salvation is extended to the Gentiles. Fr. Matthias discusses the spiritual meaning of being God's children, emphasizing faith over ethnicity or ritual. He unpacks key biblical stories, including Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau, and the parable of workers in the vineyard, to illustrate God's sovereign yet merciful plan.

Fr. Matthias addresses misunderstandings about predestination, free will, and grace, clarifying how God’s mercy is exercised alongside human responsibility. He also reflects on Israel’s rejection of Christ as a stumbling block and the fulfillment of prophecy regarding the remnant who will be saved.

This study deepens understanding of God’s redemptive work through history and the continuity of His plan for all peoples.#Romans9 #BibleStudy #IsraelInProphecy #GodsPlan #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 challenge of sexual immorality and its impact on spiritual life, drawing from the story of the Samaritan woman who repented and found transformation through Christ. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that sexual immorality is a universal struggle affecting all ages and backgrounds, including righteous figures like King David and Samson.

He discusses how victory over this temptation comes through fleeing from occasions of sin rather than confronting them directly, highlighting Joseph’s example of fleeing temptation. Fr. Matthias explains that the battle is won or lost at the senses—our “gates”—and stresses the importance of guarding what we expose ourselves to, especially in a culture saturated with temptation through media and relationships.

The sermon addresses self-control as essential training, encouraging fasting and discipline to overcome lust. Fr. Matthias also warns about the company we keep and encourages turning to God’s forgiveness and strength, sharing the story of St. Mary of Egypt as an example of radical transformation. He concludes by urging perseverance in repentance and faith in God’s power to break bondage to sexual sin.#SexualImmorality #ChristianSermon #OvercomingTemptation #FaithAndRepentance #SpiritualVictory #ChristTransformation #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 concept of a divided heart through the teachings of Christ about unity and sincerity in faith. He explains how the devil’s kingdom is united, contrasting it with the common divisions in human hearts, motivations, and actions. Fr. Matthias highlights biblical examples such as the Israelites torn between worshiping God and Baal, Ananias and Sapphira’s dishonesty, and Simon the Sorcerer’s conflicted faith to illustrate different ways our hearts can be divided.

He emphasizes the importance of aligning our inner life with outward actions, transforming the old mind in favor of new life in Christ, and avoiding double standards in living according to God’s truth. Fr. Matthias concludes by encouraging believers to seek a united heart fully devoted to God, referencing Psalm 86’s prayer for unity and fear of the Lord.

This message addresses spiritual sincerity, faithfulness, and the challenges of wholehearted devotion in the Christian journey.#DividedHeart #ChristianFaith #SpiritualUnity #HeartOfGod #FaithfulnessInChrist #SermonTeaching #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

Eric Tadros explores the story of the paralytic man healed through the faith and perseverance of his four friends. He emphasizes the Christian call to love one’s neighbor by laboring physically to bring others into the presence of Christ for spiritual healing, reflecting on how this love links directly to our own salvation.

Eric highlights five characteristics demonstrated by the friends: their labor, desire for healing, perseverance despite obstacles, faith in God's power, and self-denial in serving others. He discusses the importance of persistent love amidst cultural challenges and how faith requires trusting God’s timing in the spiritual growth of others.

Throughout, Eric connects these themes to broader biblical examples and stresses that true love of neighbor involves sacrifice and humility grounded in loving God fully. This message encourages believers to actively pursue the salvation of those around them with faith and action.#FaithInAction #LoveThyNeighbor #ChristianPerseverance #SpiritualHealing #ChristLikeLove #ServantHeart #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. Younan William explores the significance of Pentecost as the moment the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within believers, marking a new phase in the relationship between God and humanity. He explains how the Holy Spirit comforts believers in various ways, including interceding during prayer, guiding and reminding through Scripture, and supporting them during trials and afflictions. Fr. Younan emphasizes the Spirit’s role in using others to bring comfort and highlights the importance of mourning with sincerity to receive divine consolation. He also shares how engaging with the Word of God can provide personal reassurance and peace. Throughout the talk, Fr. Younan calls on listeners to open their hearts to the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance, outlining the conditions necessary for this comfort to be received fully.#HolySpirit #Pentecost #ChristianComfort #FaithInPrayer #SpiritOfComfort #GodsGuidance #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 theme of salvation as presented in the Gospel, emphasizing God's desire for all people to be saved and His continuous work in our lives. He explains that God does not create us for destruction but for eternal life, accomplished through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Fr. Matthias highlights that salvation is only through Christ, not by good deeds alone, though good works are a response to God's love. He also discusses how God patiently invites us to repentance and transformation throughout our lives, calling believers to actively respond to His grace. Finally, Fr. Matthias reminds viewers that our salvation should inspire us to share the gift of salvation with others, reflecting the ongoing mission to bring light into the world. This message invites meditation on the meaning of salvation and the daily presence of Christ in a believer’s journey.#SalvationInChrist #GodsGrace #ChristianSermon #JesusSaves #FaithAndWorks #EternalLife #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