St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

By stpaulhoustonReligion & Spirituality Christianity

St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston episodes

May 10, 2024 1st Peter 2 [Suffering in the Light of His Suffering] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
Fr. Matthias Shehad explores 1 Peter 2, focusing on living a heavenly life amid earthly suffering by following Christ’s example. He explains how believers, as “living stones” built on Christ the Cornerstone, are called to live free from malice, envy, and deceit through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit received at baptism. Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of desiring the word of God to grow spiritually, the three levels of biblical understanding, and the role of grace in truly knowing God.
He emphasizes the believer’s identity as a chosen generation and royal priesthood, called to honor God through righteous living and submission to earthly authorities for the Lord’s sake. Fr. Matthias highlights how suffering unjustly for Christ’s name reflects discipleship and encourages humility, good conduct, and trust in God’s ultimate justice. The message calls Christians to embody virtue, detachment from worldly desires, and faithful witness even under persecution.#1Peter2 #ChristianSuffering #LivingStones #FaithInChrist #SpiritualGrowth #BibleStudy #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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1 hr 2 min
April 29, 2024 1st Peter 1:9-25 [The Trial of Your Faith is Precious] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
Fr. Matthias Shehad explores 1 Peter 1:9-25, focusing on the value of faith tested through trials and the process of salvation. He explains how genuine faith, refined like gold by fire, leads to the salvation of the soul, emphasizing perseverance despite suffering.
Fr. Matthias discusses the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies through Christ’s resurrection, the importance of guarding the mind against worldly distractions, and resting hope fully on God’s grace. He highlights the call to live as obedient children, not conforming to former ways but growing in holiness through the Spirit’s work.
The study connects loving one another with loving God, stressing that true Christian love involves self-sacrifice, forgiveness, and sincere care for others. Fr. Matthias also reflects on the eternal nature of God’s word compared to the fleeting nature of earthly life, encouraging believers to maintain focus on the heavenly inheritance.
This Bible study guides listeners in understanding faith, perseverance, holiness, and Christian love according to the teachings of 1 Peter.#FaithUnderTrial #1PeterStudy #ChristianPerseverance #SalvationThroughFaith #HolyLiving #ChristianLove #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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1 hr 17 min
April 29, 2024 "Because the Lord Has Need of It" | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad reflects on Hosana Sunday, focusing on the significance of Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem and the deeper meaning behind the phrase, "The Lord has need of it." Fr. Matthias explains how Jesus’ request for the colt symbolizes God's authority over all things and calls believers to surrender their possessions, minds, hearts, wills, bodies, and burdens to God.
He discusses how this surrender involves renewing the mind through God’s word, aligning the heart with God’s love and mercy, submitting one’s will in trust, honoring the body as God’s temple, practicing stewardship with material possessions, and casting anxieties and burdens on the Lord. Fr. Matthias highlights the Christian journey of faith as one of offering everything to God and trusting in His guidance and care.
This message invites reflection on discipleship, obedience, and living a life fully devoted to God’s will and kingdom.
#HosanaSunday #ChristianDiscipleship #FaithAndSurrender #BiblicalTeaching #SpiritualGrowth
#StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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18 min
April 24, 2024 Taking Responsibility [Part 2] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his teaching on taking responsibility by exploring various ways people respond to tasks and the importance of embracing one’s role within a larger system. He illustrates different attitudes toward responsibility, from avoidance and excuses to overburdening oneself and working without a clear plan.
Using the example of moving a heavy couch, Fr. Matthias explains practical approaches to accomplishing difficult tasks, including working alone, organizing a team, utilizing technology, or hiring experts. He emphasizes the need for initiative, consistent communication, accountability, and realistic planning.
Fr. Matthias also discusses leadership, motivation, and the balance between obedience and buy-in to a vision. He encourages active participation, seeking feedback, and doing one’s best regardless of personal interest, highlighting the value of diligence and stewardship in all areas of life.#ChristianTeaching #TakingResponsibility #FaithInAction #ChristianLeadership #Stewardship #SpiritualGrowth #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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43 min
April 24, 2024 Types of Trials | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses the different types of trials believers may face according to Scripture, using biblical examples to explain why God allows them. He explores trials as consequences of sin, highlighting that some suffering results naturally from poor choices. Fr. Matthias also addresses trials as chastisement, where God corrects and calls His people to repentance, illustrated by stories of King David and Israel.
He explains trials for approval, using the example of Job to show how God tests faithfulness to reward spiritual growth. Another type is trials for the glory of God, exemplified by the man born blind and biblical accounts of martyrs, where suffering ultimately reveals God’s power and brings others to faith. Lastly, Fr. Matthias presents trials for protection, recounting Joseph’s hardships that prepared him to save many lives.
Throughout, Fr. Matthias encourages trusting God’s purpose in trials, even when they are difficult to understand.#ChristianTrials #FaithInTrials #BiblicalSuffering #GodsPurpose #TrustingGod #ChristianFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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16 min
April 24, 2024 The 10 Commandments + The 4 Horsemen of Marriage | SA&SP (Dr. Emad Mossad + Monica Moawde, MA, LPC)
Dr. Emad Mossad and Monica Moawde, MA, LPC, explore key dynamics in marriage by connecting biblical principles with practical relationship tools. Dr. Emad discusses how family background and culture influence marital behaviors and introduces “The Ten Commandments of a Rewarding Marriage,” including the importance of explicit affection, appreciation, empathy, and maintaining respect to sustain healthy partnerships.
Monica builds on this foundation by explaining the “Four Horsemen” of marriage—criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling—as warning signs that can escalate conflict. She details how these behaviors develop, their effects, and offers antidotes such as gentle startups, taking responsibility, sharing admiration, and self-soothing techniques. The talk emphasizes communication styles, managing conflict constructively, and how childhood experiences affect marital resilience.
The presentation concludes with testimonies about enduring marriages and underscores the role of faith and prayer in fostering reconciliation and lasting love. This discussion offers insights for couples aiming to understand and strengthen their relationships.#ChristianMarriage #TenCommandments #FourHorsemen #MarriageAdvice #FaithAndMarriage #HealthyRelationships #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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1 hr 30 min
April 24, 2024 1st Peter 1:1-8 [Born to a Heavenly Hope] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the opening chapter of First Peter, highlighting key themes such as the identity of the elect, the nature of faith, and the meaning of suffering for Christians. He explains that the epistle was written by the Apostle Peter to encourage believers facing persecution, emphasizing the hope of an incorruptible inheritance reserved in heaven. Fr. Matthias discusses how genuine faith is tested through trials and the importance of rejoicing despite suffering. He clarifies the biblical concept of election as based on God’s foreknowledge rather than predestination, and addresses questions about salvation, repentance, and perseverance in faith.
The study also contrasts earthly trials with the eternal glory that believers await, using biblical examples and theological reflections to show how suffering can refine faith and deepen trust in God’s mercy and ultimate salvation. Fr. Matthias encourages a focus on spiritual endurance and the hope found in being born again through Christ’s resurrection.#1Peter #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #HopeInChrist #FaithAndSuffering #SpiritualEndurance #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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1 hr 33 min
April 16, 2024 Barriers to Overcoming Challenges | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the paralyzed man at the Sheep Gate pool, highlighting the barriers that prevent people from overcoming challenges in life. Fr. Matthias identifies common obstacles such as lack of motivation, absence of a practical plan, making excuses, irrational fears about change, trying to face difficulties alone, and expecting problems to resolve without action.
He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's help and relying on the Holy Spirit in the healing process, as well as the need for realistic goals, accountability, and support from others. Fr. Matthias invites viewers to reflect on their willingness to be healed and encourages proactive steps toward spiritual and personal growth rather than passivity.
This message connects biblical teachings with practical advice for handling adversity, offering guidance on how faith and action can work together to overcome life's difficulties.#ChristianFaith #OvercomingChallenges #HolySpirit #FaithAndAction #SpiritualGrowth #HealingInChrist #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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16 min
April 16, 2024 Introduction to a Successful Marriage [Intro & Marriage Styles] | SA&SP (Dr. Emad Mossad)
Dr. Emad Mossad opens a four-part series on successful marriage by addressing the high divorce rates and challenges couples face in maintaining healthy relationships. He outlines three goals for the series: to inform couples about what to look for in a spouse, to protect marriages from common challenges, and to nurture enduring, fulfilling partnerships.
Dr. Emad explains the importance of understanding personal and couple communication styles—validating, volatile, and avoidant—and how these impact marriage positively or negatively. Using biblical examples, he illustrates the dynamics of each style and emphasizes that no style is perfect but can be modified for growth.
He highlights key factors affecting marriage success, such as spirituality, finances, communication, and conflict resolution, stressing that lasting marriage requires intentional effort alongside faith. Dr. Emad encourages couples to work on their relationship with hope and practical tools, aiming for a rewarding, resilient, and restored union in God’s presence.#ChristianMarriage #MarriageGodsWay #FaithInMarriage #HealthyRelationships #BiblicalMarriage #MarriageCommunication #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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1 hr 5 min
April 16, 2024 Submitting to the Will of God | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)
Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of submitting to the will of God through the lens of the Feast of the Annunciation. He reflects on St. Mary’s acceptance of God’s plan, emphasizing her faith and obedience despite the hardships she endured. Fr. Matthias highlights biblical examples of submission from Abraham, Moses, Caleb, David, and the disciples, illustrating how surrendering personal plans leads to spiritual fulfillment and participation in God’s greater purpose.
The sermon addresses the challenges of trusting God's direction over our own desires and underscores that faith, not knowledge, defines true servanthood. Fr. Matthias encourages believers to embrace obedience without full understanding, trusting that God’s plan is ultimately for their good. This message invites viewers to reflect on how they respond to God’s calling in their own lives, promoting a deeper commitment to faith and trust.#SubmitToGod #FaithAndObedience #GodsWill #ChristianSermon #TrustInGod #AnnunciationFeast #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias
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20 min