St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad explains the spiritual significance of self-denial as essential for discipleship and union with Christ. Drawing from Scripture, including Luke 1 and various New Testament passages, Fr. Matthias emphasizes that Christ brings light to those in darkness, but individuals must open their eyes through self-denial to fully receive this light. He explores the practical aspects of denying worldly attachments such as ungodly relationships, laziness, selfish desires, and wealth, highlighting that true spirituality requires action, discipline, and surrendering personal will.

Fr. Matthias also discusses the challenges of faith, the role of prayer as spiritual work, and the importance of trusting God's greater wisdom even when sacrifices are difficult. Through the parable of the hidden treasure, he illustrates why believers are called to give up lesser things to gain the eternal kingdom. This teaching connects deeply to the season of Nativity and the ongoing call to live a life focused on eternal values rather than temporary worldly pleasures.#SelfDenial #ChristianDiscipleship #SpiritualGrowth #FaithInAction #UnionWithChrist #ChristianLiving #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Bible study, Gerges Gad explores the meaning of God's allowance of temptation and suffering through the lens of the Book of Job and other scripture. He explains that while God permits hardships, He does not tempt us but provides healing and solutions alongside pain. Gerges Gad examines biblical examples such as Job, David, Joseph, and St. Paul to illustrate how trials serve purification, growth, and eventual restoration. He emphasizes that divine chastening is paired with mercy and that enduring temptations leads to spiritual strength and eternal reward. The talk also addresses the origin of temptations, the role of free will, and the difference between God’s fatherly discipline and destructive evil. Closing with reflections on perseverance and faith, Gerges Gad encourages embracing both the bruising and the binding up that come from God's hand.#BibleStudy #BookOfJob #ChristianFaith #GodsHealing #SpiritualGrowth #EnduranceInFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Gerges Gad explores the personification of Satan in the book of Genesis by examining key biblical characters and stories involving Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He discusses how Satan is symbolized through different figures such as the king of Sodom, Abimelech, and Laban, highlighting Satan’s role as tempter, deceiver, and adversary to God’s people.

Gerges analyzes Abraham’s encounter with the king of Sodom and Melchizedek, showing the spiritual battle between worldly temptation and divine blessing. He also contrasts Isaac’s experience with Abimelech, illustrating Satan’s envy and opposition to God’s favor. Finally, he examines Jacob’s time with Laban to reveal the devil’s use of deception, enslavement, and strife within human relationships.

This Bible study deepens understanding of Satan’s methods and the ongoing spiritual struggle, urging believers to remain rooted in God’s protection and grace.#BibleStudy #SatanInGenesis #SpiritualWarfare #Melchizedek #AbrahamIsaacJacob #ChristianTeaching #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explains the meaning of having the "tongue of the learner" from Isaiah 50:4, highlighting the role of spiritual wisdom, humility, and the work of the Holy Spirit in imparting timely, impactful words to those who are weary. He contrasts true spiritual teaching with purely academic knowledge and emphasizes the importance of daily openness to God’s guidance.

Fr. Matthias also discusses the development of the Synaxarion, an important church text chronicling the lives of the saints, its historical manuscripts, and the way it functions as a living document.

Additionally, he addresses questions about church traditions such as the prostration before bishops, the role of worldly wisdom in preaching, overcoming temptation with examples from the lives of saints, and the purpose of numerous church feasts. The explanation connects biblical teachings to practical aspects of discipleship and spiritual growth.#SpiritualWisdom #HolySpirit #ChristianTeaching #Isaiah504 #ChristianDiscipleship #ChurchTraditions #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the deeper meaning behind Christ’s feeding of the multitude, emphasizing the distinction between seeking physical sustenance and pursuing true spiritual nourishment. He unpacks how many people followed Jesus for temporal benefits rather than genuine faith, highlighting Christ’s call to seek the food that endures to eternal life.

Fr. Matthias also examines the motivations behind why people approach God, addressing common wrong motives such as seeking social approval, acting out of fear, self-justification, or turning to God only in emergencies. Using biblical examples, he encourages self-reflection on the sincerity of one’s faith and the importance of prioritizing spiritual growth over worldly desires.

This sermon challenges believers to evaluate their intentions and embrace a faithful relationship with Christ rooted in salvation and transformation rather than superficial gains.#SpiritualHunger #FaithInChrist #TrueNourishment #ChristianSermon #SeekGod #EternalLife #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad introduces the Epistle to the Corinthians by outlining Saint Paul’s pastoral approach in 2nd Corinthians, highlighting themes like defending his apostleship and expressing love for the believers despite their struggles. He explains how Paul’s ministry involves comforting others through the comfort he receives from God, emphasizing that suffering serves to remind believers of their dependence on God and strengthens their faith.

Fr. Matthias discusses the significance of repentance, the unity of the church in caring for the persecuted, and the spiritual growth that comes through trials. He reflects on God’s role as the merciful comforter who uses suffering to guide believers closer to Him, while assuring that God's ultimate power over death offers lasting hope. The talk also explores how believers can share God’s comfort with others and participate in the consolation that arises from Christ's sufferings.#SecondCorinthians #ChristianComfort #FaithInSuffering #BibleStudy #GodsComfort #ChristianEncouragement #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Genesis 50, focusing on the death of Joseph and the burial of Jacob. He explains the embalming process used by the Egyptians and the significance of burying Jacob in the land of Canaan, as well as the large escort that accompanied the funeral procession. Fr. Matthias discusses the brothers’ fear after Jacob’s death and Joseph’s genuine forgiveness, emphasizing Joseph’s refusal to judge them and his understanding that vengeance belongs to God alone.

The teaching highlights how God turned the brothers' evil actions into a greater good, saving many lives through Joseph. Fr. Matthias also reflects on Joseph’s faith in God's promises for the future of Israel and the importance of trusting God even when fulfillment seems delayed. The session concludes with prayer, asking for God’s comfort, mercy, and guidance.#Genesis50 #JosephsStory #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #GodsPlan #ForgivenessInChrist #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Q&A session, Fr. Matthias Shehad addresses the Church's stance on stock trading by distinguishing between long-term investing and short-term trading. He explains how the love of money and addiction influence attitudes toward wealth and financial risk. Fr. Matthias highlights the difference between investing in mutual funds for future growth and engaging in high-risk, short-term trades that resemble gambling. He uses recent examples such as the GameStop stock situation to illustrate these points.

Fr. Matthias also answers questions on proper liturgical postures during church services, the marital status of Saint Peter, the meaning of Ecclesiastes 5:1 about approaching God's house with wisdom, strategies to teach children to cope with bullying, the legacy of Emperor Constantine and Queen Helen, and the interpretation of the parable of the leaven in Matthew 13. Throughout, he emphasizes scripture-based principles guiding Christian living, worship, and spiritual growth.#ChristianFinance #ChurchAndMoney #FaithAndInvesting #ChristianLiving #ChristianQandA #SpiritualGrowth #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Genesis 49, where Jacob delivers his final blessings and prophetic words to his twelve sons. He explains how these blessings foreshadow the future roles and destinies of the tribes of Israel, linking them to key biblical events and figures such as the coming of the Messiah from the tribe of Judah. Fr. Matthias discusses the spiritual and historical significance of each son’s blessing, including Reuben’s lost birthright, the division of Simeon and Levi, and Joseph’s role as a savior figure. The study draws on interpretations from Church Fathers and the Septuagint, highlighting the deeper meanings behind these ancient prophecies and their fulfillment in the New Testament. This teaching also marks the end of the patriarchal era and sets the stage for the Israelites’ future in Egypt and beyond.#Genesis49 #JacobBlessings #BibleStudy #TribesOfIsrael #MessianicProphecy #FrMatthiasShehad #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning of faith in Christ as expressed in John 3:36 and Matthew 10. He emphasizes that true belief goes beyond simply attending church or reading the Bible; it must be reflected authentically in both words and actions. Fr. Matthias stresses the importance of understanding the faith deeply, being ready to defend it with humility, and boldly confessing Christ despite potential rejection or persecution.

He discusses how believers are called to live out their faith through sincere deeds, avoiding hypocrisy, and demonstrating integrity in everyday life. Drawing on Scripture, including passages from Hosea, 1 Peter, and James, Fr. Matthias encourages Christians to overcome doubts by seeking answers and to embody their faith consistently in public and private.

The message highlights the vital role of believers in revealing God to the world through their witness, urging them to confess the Lord before others with courage and sincerity.#FaithInChrist #EverlastingLife #ChristianSermon #BeliefAndDeeds #ConfessChrist #LiveYourFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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