St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad leads a Q&A session addressing key questions about Christian prayer, scripture, and faith practice. He explains the meaning of "vain repetitions" in Matthew 6:7-8, emphasizing sincere prayer over showy or repetitive words, and distinguishes this from the Agbaya prayers used in Coptic Orthodox tradition.Fr. Matthias discusses why the Book of Enoch is accepted in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church but not in the Coptic Church, clarifying its historical context and canonical status. He explores the balance between trusting God’s protection and taking action in life’s challenges, referencing biblical examples. The session also covers using faith-based language in the workplace, the biblical view on marriage and polygamy, the purpose of the Coptic Agbaya prayers, and how to engage with Christians holding secular political views while staying rooted in biblical teachings. This discussion offers practical insights into living a faithful Christian life today.#ChristianPrayer #CopticOrthodox #FaithInAction #BiblicalTeaching #ChristianQandA #EthiopianOrthodoxFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

In this Bible study on Genesis chapters 36 and 37, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the genealogy of Esau and the introduction of Joseph, highlighting key events and their spiritual significance. Fr. Matthias explains how Genesis 36 details the descendants of Esau and the establishment of Edom, linking biblical names to historical records, reinforcing the authenticity of Scripture.He then delves into Joseph’s story in chapter 37, examining the family dynamics, favoritism, and jealousy among Jacob’s sons. Fr. Matthias discusses Joseph as a Messianic figure, drawing parallels between his life and the life of Christ, including Joseph’s betrayal by his brothers, his slavery in Egypt, and his role in God’s salvation plan.Throughout the study, Fr. Matthias emphasizes themes of divine providence, human free will, and forgiveness, encouraging viewers to reflect on God’s purposes even through personal mistakes and trials.#GenesisBibleStudy #JosephStory #BiblicalGenealogy #DivineProvidence #ChristianFaith #MessianicProphecy #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad begins a study of Genesis, exploring the foundational themes of creation, the origin of mankind, and God’s relationship with humanity. He explains that Genesis emphasizes God as the purposeful creator, refuting ideas of a universe formed by chance or eternity without a beginning. Fr. Matthias discusses the unique creation of man in God’s image, the significance of male and female, and humanity’s given dominion over the earth.The lesson highlights the spiritual struggle of sin and the presence of evil starting with the devil, as well as the promise of redemption through the Messiah. Fr. Matthias also addresses the symbolic nature of early sacrifices, the moral law, and the call for stewardship within God’s creation. He clarifies that Genesis portrays historical facts, not myths, and outlines the structure of the book with its four main events, patriarchs, and covenants.Throughout, the creation account is related to God’s eternal existence, the role of the Trinity, and the working of the Spirit in both creation and baptism. The study provides a framework for understanding the Bible’s message about God, humanity, and salvation history.#GenesisStudy #BibleStudy #CreationInGenesis #ChristianTeaching #FaithAndScripture #GodsCreation #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad presents a detailed Bible study on Genesis chapters 2 and 3, exploring the creation of man, the significance of God’s rest, and the original condition of humanity in paradise. He explains how God formed Adam from dust and breathed life into him, highlighting the spiritual nature beyond the physical body. Fr. Matthias discusses the Garden of Eden, including the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, emphasizing that the knowledge wasn’t evil but that disobedience led to death.He also examines the creation of woman as a helper comparable to man and the institution of marriage as intended from the beginning. The study then covers the serpent’s deception, Eve’s temptation, and the first sin, addressing the roles of Adam and Eve and the consequences of their choices. Fr. Matthias reflects on the nature of temptation, free will, and human desires as factors in the fall of mankind.#GenesisBibleStudy #CreationOfMan #GardenOfEden #OriginalSin #ChristianFaith #BiblicalTeaching #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Genesis 3:7-24, focusing on the aftermath of Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden. He discusses the significance of their newfound awareness of nakedness, linking it to spiritual separation from God and the onset of shame and sinfulness. Fr. Matthias explains how Adam and Eve’s attempts to hide reflect human tendencies to avoid confronting sin and God’s presence.The study covers God’s dialogue with Adam, Eve, and the serpent, revealing themes of accountability, blame, and the consequences of sin for humanity, women, and the serpent. Fr. Matthias highlights the curse upon the serpent, the pain in childbirth and relational struggles for the woman, and the toil in labor for the man, emphasizing the transformational impact of sin.The session also addresses theological questions about knowledge, free will, repentance, and God’s ongoing invitation to return. The significance of God clothing Adam and Eve with animal skins is explained as a foreshadowing of sacrifice and redemption through Christ. This teaching invites reflection on human brokenness and the hope for restoration through salvation.#GenesisStudy #OriginalSin #GardenOfEden #BiblicalTeaching #ChristianFaith #RedemptionInChrist #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his Bible study with a detailed exploration of Genesis chapters 4 and 5. He begins by discussing the story of Cain and Abel, their offerings, and the reasons God accepted Abel’s sacrifice but rejected Cain’s. Fr. Matthias explains the symbolism behind Cain and Abel, highlighting Cain's jealousy and the consequences of his actions, including the first murder.The study then examines the lineage of Cain and contrasts it with the faithful line of Seth, emphasizing the spiritual significance of these genealogies. Fr. Matthias also unpacks the genealogy in chapter 5, focusing on the life and legacy of Enoch, who “walked with God” and was taken without experiencing death. The session concludes with reflections on the purpose of genealogies, the inevitability of death, and God's ongoing patience and call to repentance.Throughout, Fr. Matthias addresses questions about sin, confession, and spiritual growth, offering practical guidance for dealing with temptation and jealousy. This study provides a foundational understanding of early Genesis narratives with theological insights relevant for personal faith.#GenesisBibleStudy #CainAndAbel #EnochWalkedWithGod #BiblicalGenealogy #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianFaith #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Genesis chapters 6 and 7, focusing on the story of Noah and the flood. He explains the meaning of the "sons of God" as the righteous descendants of Seth, in contrast to the "daughters of men" from the line of Cain, and discusses the Nephilim, described as "the fallen ones," in the context of humanity’s increasing wickedness.Fr. Matthias emphasizes God's decision to send the flood as a response to widespread corruption and violence, sparing only Noah, who found grace for his righteousness. He connects the flood narrative to baptism, highlighting spiritual renewal through water. The detailed construction of the Ark and the preservation of clean and unclean animals are examined, alongside the significance of God’s covenant symbolized by the rainbow.This study also addresses the nature of God’s judgment, human responsibility, and the hope of renewal after destruction.#GenesisBibleStudy #NoahAndTheFlood #BiblicalCovenant #FaithAndRighteousness #ChristianTeaching #SpiritualRenewal #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Genesis chapters 8 to 10, covering the conclusion of Noah’s story, the flood’s aftermath, and the renewal of God’s covenant with humanity. He explains God’s “remembering” of Noah as a sign of divine faithfulness during times of waiting and trial.Fr. Matthias examines the symbolism of the raven and the dove sent from the ark, connecting them to spiritual themes of self-interest and peace through Christ. He discusses Noah’s sacrifice after the flood as a foreshadowing of baptism and communion.The session also covers God’s covenant with Noah, the permission to eat meat with certain restrictions, and the significance of the rainbow as a sign of God’s promise never to destroy the earth by flood again. Finally, Fr. Matthias reviews the genealogies in Genesis 10, tying the origins of nations to biblical history and highlighting their importance for understanding biblical context and corroborating external historical evidence.#GenesisBibleStudy #NoahsArk #GodsCovenant #BiblicalHistory #ChristianFaith #FrMatthiasShehad #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the exploration of Genesis chapters 13 through 15, focusing on the journey and challenges of Abram (later Abraham). Fr. Matthias examines Abram’s return to Canaan, the peaceful resolution of conflict with Lot over land, and the significance of Abram’s humility and faith in God’s promises despite not seeing their fulfillment in his lifetime. The discussion highlights Lot’s choice of land based on worldly advantage versus Abram’s spiritual perspective. Fr. Matthias then details Abram’s rescue of Lot after his captivity and introduces Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High, emphasizing his unique role as both priest and king—a foreshadowing of Christ’s priesthood in the New Testament.Finally, Fr. Matthias explains God’s covenant with Abram, illustrating the nature of faith, obedience, and the promise of descendants as numerous as the stars, linking these Old Testament events to the spiritual inheritance of all believers.#BibleStudy #Genesis #FaithInGod #ChristianTeaching #GodsCovenant #AbramAndLot #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his Bible study on Genesis chapters 15 and 16, exploring God's covenant with Abram and its profound symbolism. He explains the ancient blood covenant ritual God uses to assure Abram of His promises, detailing the nine steps of this agreement and how God fulfills each step, including walking the covenant path alone as a sign of taking the penalty for broken promises.Fr. Matthias also discusses the prophecy of Abram’s descendants’ bondage in Egypt and the promised inheritance of the land. He then examines the story of Hagar and Ishmael, highlighting the tension between Sarai and Hagar as well as the symbolic representation of the Old and New Covenants in Galatians.This teaching connects Old Testament events with New Testament fulfillment, showing how God’s promises and salvation plan unfold through history and Christ’s incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection.#GenesisBibleStudy #GodsCovenant #AbramAndHagar #OldAndNewCovenants #BibleTeaching #FaithInGod #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthiasSubscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhoustonFollow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhoustonFollow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhoustonVisit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org