St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Parable of the Workers of the 11th Hour from the Gospel of Matthew, focusing on its teaching about God’s mercy and the reversal of worldly values in the kingdom of heaven. He explains how the parable illustrates God’s willingness to welcome and reward those who come to Him late in life just as generously as those who have served Him from the beginning.

Fr. Matthias connects this lesson to the attitudes of the first workers and the need for humility, mercy, and service in the Christian life. He also discusses Jesus’ foreknowledge of His suffering and death as the Son of Man, and how true greatness in God’s kingdom is about servanthood, not earthly power.

This Bible study emphasizes faith, salvation, and the contrast between human expectations and God’s ways as revealed in the Gospels.#ParableOfThe11thHour #ChristianBibleStudy #GodsMercy #KingdomOfHeaven #ServanthoodInChrist #FaithAndSalvation #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 2nd Peter 3, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the themes of the second coming of Christ, the warnings about false teachers, and the importance of being prepared for the day of judgment. He emphasizes the continuity of God’s plan from the prophets through the apostles and the need for believers to remain vigilant amidst doubts about Christ’s return. Fr. Matthias explains that God's apparent delay in the second coming is due to His patience, allowing time for repentance.

He also discusses the final destruction of the earth and heavens by fire and the promise of a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells. Fr. Matthias addresses common questions about judgment, resurrection, and how Christians should live in anticipation of Christ’s return, highlighting the ongoing spiritual struggle and the call to live godly lives. The study concludes with an exhortation to persevere in faith and avoid being led astray by false teachings.#SecondComing #BibleStudy #2Peter3 #FaithAndJudgment #ChristianLiving #FalseTeachers #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 the metaphor of the eye as the lamp of the body, drawing from passages in Matthew and Luke to explain how spiritual vision affects the believer’s whole life. He examines the role of grace and inner purity in producing visible fruit that leads others to faith. Fr. Matthias then discusses the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, detailing their legalism, pride, and burdening of the people with harsh rules, contrasting their outward appearance with inward corruption. He highlights Jesus’ teachings on humility, servant leadership, and the consequences of rejecting true obedience.

Fr. Matthias concludes with Christ’s instructions on fearing God over persecutors, trusting in divine protection, and boldly confessing faith in the face of opposition. This study connects Scripture with pastoral application, emphasizing authentic spiritual transformation and courageous witness.#BibleStudy #HarmonyOfTheGospels #FrMatthiasShehad #SpiritualVision #ChristianFaith #FearGod #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 promise of God’s presence and its significance in human and spiritual life. He begins by reflecting on how presence impacts relationships, from infancy to the church community, emphasizing that God’s presence is central to human fulfillment and connection.

Eric examines biblical narratives, particularly the story of Adam and Eve’s loss of God’s presence through sin and the Exodus journey, where God reassures His people with signs of guidance and protection. He highlights the incarnation as the ultimate manifestation of God’s desire to dwell with humanity, bringing believers into direct communion with Him.

Through the lens of Orthodox Christianity, Eric explains how sacraments engage every sense to deepen the experience of God. He addresses contemporary challenges like isolation and distraction, urging active presence within families and communities. Drawing from scripture and theology, Eric calls Christians to embody God’s presence, becoming living witnesses to His grace in the world.#GodsPresence #ChristianFaith #OrthodoxChristianity #SpiritualJourney #BiblicalPromise #LivingWitness #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 the harmony of the Gospels focusing on the section "Back in Galilee," where Jesus resumes His ministry. Fr. Matthias unpacks stories such as Jesus paying the temple tax through a miraculous catch of a fish, demonstrating both His divine identity and humility. He then examines the disciples' dispute about greatness in the kingdom of heaven, emphasizing Jesus’ teaching that true greatness is found in childlike humility and trust.

Fr. Matthias also discusses Jesus’ approach to those who perform miracles in His name but are not among the disciples, highlighting the openness of the Holy Spirit’s work beyond the immediate followers. The session covers Jesus’ strong warnings against causing others to sin, especially children, and explains the parable of the lost sheep, illustrating God's care for every individual.

The talk addresses conflict resolution within the Church, the authority of binding and loosing, and concludes with the parable of the unmerciful servant, teaching the necessity of forgiveness as modeled by God’s mercy toward us. Throughout, Fr. Matthias connects these passages to practical spiritual growth, humility, and community life.#HarmonyOfTheGospels #BibleStudy #JesusMinistry #ChristianHumility #ForgivenessInChrist #ParablesOfJesus #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 meaning behind Christ’s declaration, "I am the bread of life," highlighting its significance beyond physical sustenance. He explains the distinction between the bread that satisfies the flesh and the spiritual bread that nourishes the soul, emphasizing the ongoing struggle between the spirit and the flesh.

Fr. Matthias discusses the characteristics of this spiritual battle, including how feeding one weakens the other, the different types of “food” they require, and the contrast between the fleeting highs of the flesh and the gradual growth of the spirit. He also examines urgency versus importance, noting that spiritual growth demands discipline and patience, unlike the immediate gratification sought by the flesh.

This sermon invites reflection on spiritual discipline amid everyday challenges and encourages perseverance in nurturing the spirit to attain lasting communion with God.#BreadOfLife #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianSermon #FaithInChrist #SpiritualDiscipline #NourishTheSoul #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 chapters 9 and 10 of 2nd Maccabees, highlighting God’s judgment on Antiochus IV and the military victories of Judas Maccabeus. He describes Antiochus’s arrogance, his divine punishment through illness, and his eventual repentance as he humbles himself before God. Fr. Matthias compares Antiochus’s transformation to biblical examples of pride humbled by God.

The teaching then shifts to the restoration of the temple, the institution of Hanukkah, and the continued conflicts involving Judas Maccabeus against enemy forces. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the role of prayer, divine intervention, and the challenges of internal betrayal faced by the Jewish resistance.

This Bible study offers a detailed narrative of historical events, spiritual lessons on repentance, humility, and God’s providence amid trials, connecting biblical history with theological reflections.#2Maccabees #BibleStudy #GodsJudgment #JudasMaccabeus #Hanukkah #DivineProvidence #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 what it means to be righteous before God, focusing on the example of Zacharias and Elizabeth as described in Luke 1. He emphasizes that true righteousness is recognized by God alone, not by human praise or approval. Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of performing good deeds, prayer, fasting, and obedience in secret, seeking God’s approval rather than human recognition.

He highlights the need to fear God above all else and to live according to God’s standards, not the world’s. The sermon addresses reverence for God, prioritizing the kingdom of God over material needs, and obeying God rather than men. Fr. Matthias encourages self-examination of motives, urging believers to align their hearts with God’s righteousness for eternal reward.#RighteousBeforeGod #FaithInAction #GodsApproval #ChristianLiving #FearOfGod #ObedienceToGod #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 continues his study on the harmony of the Gospels, focusing on Jesus’ teachings about the hypocrisy and ambition of the Pharisees in Matthew 23. He explains the role of the Pharisees as teachers of the law, highlighting the contrast between their authoritative position and their failure to live according to God's intentions. Fr. Matthias explores themes of authority, obedience, and the misuse of religious power, illustrating how the Pharisees imposed burdens on people without genuine care.

He reflects on the spiritual dangers of legalism, external appearances, and self-glorification, while underscoring the Christian call to humility and internal transformation. Fr. Matthias also addresses the pastoral application of these lessons by comparing them to contemporary challenges in the church, emphasizing the importance of sincere faith over outward ritualism. This teaching includes a deep look into how Jesus pronounces woes on the Pharisees for their actions and attitudes, and concludes with a plea for repentance and true devotion to God.#HarmonyOfTheGospels #PhariseesHypocrisy #BibleStudy #FrMatthiasShehad #ChristianTeaching #JesusTeachings #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 fellowship meeting, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Tobit chapters 3 and 4, focusing on Tobit's prayer of trust in God's justice and mercy amid suffering and blindness. Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of humility, self-examination, and recognizing that God's plans often extend beyond immediate circumstances. The talk highlights Tobit's compassion and intercession for his people, drawing parallels with biblical figures like Moses.

Fr. Matthias also introduces Sarah’s story, explaining the significance of her seven failed marriages and the demon Asmodeus as a symbol of lust versus true love. He emphasizes the meaning of almsgiving, obedience to God’s commandments, and living a life with God constantly in mind. The message encourages consistent faith, mercy toward others, and trust in God's timing and purposes, even in trials.

This teaching connects biblical narratives with practical spiritual guidance on prayer, humility, purity, stewardship, and seeking wisdom through God’s counsel.#Tobit #ChristianFaith #PrayerAndTrust #BiblicalTeaching #GodsJustice #SpiritualWisdom #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