St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this episode of the Living Incense Podcast, we reflect on evangelism as a core calling of the Christian life—not as a program, argument, or checklist, but as a natural response to encountering the truth of Christ. Fr. Matthias explains how evangelism has always been central to the life of the Church, from the apostles after Pentecost to the everyday witness of believers today.

The conversation explores why evangelism flows from love rather than obligation, how neglecting it can lead the Church to become inward-focused, and why authentic evangelism is rooted in relationships, humility, and personal transformation rather than information alone. We discuss the role of joy, integrity, and daily life as powerful witnesses to the Gospel, as well as the place of the sacraments at the heart of Orthodox evangelism.

This episode also addresses common fears and misconceptions, reminding us that success in evangelism is faithfulness, not results, and that every Christian—regardless of personality or knowledge—has a role to play. Evangelism is ultimately about living as a servant of Christ in every place, trusting the Holy Spirit to work through love, patience, and truth.#Evangelism #ChristianLiving #LivingIncense #FaithInAction #WitnessingChrist #OrthodoxFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus, as recorded in John chapter 3. He explains Nicodemus’ approach to Jesus by night out of fear and curiosity about salvation. Fr. Matthias examines the necessity of being “born again” to see the kingdom of God, emphasizing the spiritual rebirth through baptism by water and the Spirit. Using analogies such as birth in the womb, he highlights the difference between earthly understanding and heavenly realities.

Fr. Matthias also discusses the significance of baptism as a sacrament that combines physical action with spiritual transformation, addressing why infants are baptized and how baptism removes original sin. He outlines Jesus’ role as the divine source of salvation and connects the lifted bronze serpent in the wilderness to Christ’s crucifixion as a symbol of healing and eternal life.

Further, Fr. Matthias reflects on the role of John the Baptist and the authority of Christ’s disciples to baptize. He underscores the importance of faith in Christ for eternal life and the rejection of light by those who love darkness. This study deepens understanding of salvation, baptism, and the divinity of Christ from a biblical and theological perspective.#BibleStudy #Nicodemus #BornAgain #Baptism #Salvation #JesusChrist #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the early ministry of Christ through a harmony of the Gospels, focusing on key encounters with the first disciples such as Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathaniel. He highlights the transition from following John the Baptist to following Jesus and emphasizes the invitation "Come and see" as central to experiencing Christianity beyond intellectual understanding.

Fr. Matthias explains the significance of Jesus’ first public miracle at the wedding in Cana, linking it to the shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant through symbolic water pots and wine. He also discusses Jesus’ cleansing of the temple during the Passover, addressing the historical and spiritual context of the temple and the meaning behind Jesus’ actions and words about destroying and raising the temple.

Throughout, the talk connects biblical events with theological insights about faith, scripture fulfillment, evangelism, and the nature of true belief.#HarmonyOfTheGospels #EarlyMinistryOfChrist #BibleStudy #JesusMiracles #NewCovenant #FaithAndScripture #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the baptism and temptation of Christ, drawing from all four Gospels to highlight the theological significance of these events. He explains John the Baptist's role as the forerunner of Christ and discusses why Jesus’ baptism fulfills both the Old and New Covenants, emphasizing the connection between circumcision and baptism. Fr. Matthias clarifies the distinction between symbolic baptism and sacramental baptism, and the working of the Holy Trinity during Christ's baptism.

The discussion moves to the Temptation in the wilderness, detailing each of the three temptations and their spiritual meanings: bodily desire, pride, and lust for power. Fr. Matthias explains how Christ’s experience models spiritual resilience and the interplay between physical actions and spiritual realities. He addresses the importance of scripture in overcoming temptation and reflects on the role of angels in ministering to Christ after his fast.

This Bible study deepens understanding of the early ministry of Christ and the spiritual lessons embedded in his baptism and temptation.#ChristBaptism #GospelHarmony #SpiritualTemptation #BibleStudy #HolyTrinity #JohnTheBaptist #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the beginning of the ministry of John the Baptist as recorded in all four Gospels, focusing on his role in preparing the way for Christ. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of John's baptism of repentance in contrast to the sacramental baptism introduced by Jesus. He discusses the historical and spiritual context surrounding John’s ministry, including the roles of the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the symbolic meaning behind John’s lifestyle and message.

Fr. Matthias highlights the prophecies fulfilled by John’s ministry, his call for genuine repentance characterized by producing good fruit, and his proclamation of the coming Messiah who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. The lecture also addresses the historical setting of Roman rule over Judea and emphasizes the distinctiveness of Christ’s divine incarnation as revealed through John’s witness.#JohnTheBaptist #MinistryOfJohn #GospelHarmony #BibleStudy #ChristianTeaching #Repentance #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Dr. Emad Mossad explores the Five Love Languages specifically applied to Christian parenting, focusing on how parents can connect deeply with their children through physical touch, words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, and acts of service. Drawing from scripture and his counseling experience, Dr. Emad emphasizes the importance of understanding each child’s unique love language to fill their emotional “love tank” and foster a lasting bond.

He discusses the role of parenting as reflecting God's love, highlighting the challenges of discipline, especially physical discipline, and how to discipline with love rather than punishment. Dr. Emad also addresses loving teenage children during their search for identity, encouraging communication and respect to build bridges rather than walls.

This talk is based on Dr. Gary Chapman's framework and offers practical advice for nurturing Godly love in children at every stage of life.#FiveLoveLanguages #ChristianParenting #GodlyLove #ParentingWithLove #DrEmadMossad #FaithBasedParenting #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his Bible study on the harmony of the Gospels, focusing on the Flight of the Holy Family to Egypt and their return to Nazareth. He explores the biblical accounts, especially from Matthew and Luke, and discusses the significance of this event in fulfilling prophecy and revealing Christ’s humility. Fr. Matthias also shares traditions and visions related to the Holy Family’s journey in Egypt, including miracles performed by the young Jesus and the preparation of Egypt for the Christian faith.

The talk then shifts to the only biblical episode from Christ’s childhood—his visit to the temple at age twelve—highlighting Jesus’ growth in wisdom, his unique mission, and his relationship with his parents. Fr. Matthias explains how Christ’s divine and human natures interacted during his upbringing, the meaning of temptation, and the purpose behind his earthly life.

This study offers a deeper understanding of early events in Jesus’ life and their fulfillment of scripture in the context of God’s plan for salvation.#HarmonyOfTheGospels #FlightToEgypt #ChristInTheTemple #HolyFamilyJourney #BibleStudy #FrMatthiasShehad #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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In this Living Incense series on Discipleship, we explore what it truly means to follow Christ daily: to be formed by His teachings, shaped by His Church, and transformed through obedience, prayer, and sacramental life. Drawing from Scripture, the life of the early Church, and the lived experience of Orthodox Christianity, these episodes address both the foundations and the struggles of authentic discipleship.

This series examines themes such as spiritual discipline, accountability, imitation of Christ, growth through repentance, and perseverance in a distracted world. Discipleship is presented not as an individual project, but as a life lived within the Body of Christ.

Whether you are newly seeking the faith or striving for deeper faithfulness, this series invites you to move beyond belief alone and embrace a life of intentional, faithful following.#Discipleship #OrthodoxChristianity #FollowChrist #SpiritualGrowth #FaithJourney #LivingIncense #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his exploration of humanity’s original design and the consequences of the Fall. He explains how God created humans with five essential needs—physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, and purposeful—and how these needs were fully met in the Garden of Eden. After the Fall, these needs remain but the world no longer satisfies them, leading to suffering, fear, shame, and aimlessness.

Fr. Matthias details how the incarnation of Christ initiates restoration by healing human nature, defeating death, reconciling humanity to God, and offering forgiveness and the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that Christ meets our needs individually, not by restoring the original paradise on Earth, but through spiritual renewal and eternal life.

This teaching addresses foundational themes in Christian theology, including original sin, redemption, the role of faith, and the ongoing struggle to live fully in Christ’s grace.#CreationAndFall #ChristianTeaching #OriginalSin #RedemptionInChrist #FaithAndGrace #SpiritualRenewal #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the relationship between creation, the fall, and the birth of Christ in this talk delivered during the Nativity season. He explains that God originally created humanity and the world in a perfect state, fulfilling every physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, and purposeful need. Using the analogy of a broken toy, Fr. Matthias illustrates how human free will led to disobedience, resulting in corruption and separation from God, which introduced death and suffering.

Drawing from scripture and the writings of St. Athanasius, he highlights the significance of free will in choosing to love God and discusses why salvation was offered to humans but not angels. He also addresses common questions about the existence of evil and suffering, clarifying that these are consequences of human choices rather than God’s original design.

The talk sets the stage for discussing how Christ restores humanity and creation to their intended state.#CreationAndFall #FreeWill #ChristOurSalvation #StAthanasius #NativitySeason #ChristianTeaching #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias

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