St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Genesis chapters 17 and 18, focusing on God's covenant with Abraham. He explains the significance of the name changes from Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah, symbolizing their new identities and roles as father and mother of nations. Fr. Matthias discusses the physical sign of the covenant—circumcision—and its fulfillment in baptism in the New Testament. He examines Abraham’s hospitality to three visitors, interpreted by Church Fathers as a manifestation of the Trinity or the pre-incarnate Christ with angels.The study also covers God's revelation to Abraham about the impending judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah, highlighting Abraham’s intercession and the themes of righteousness, justice, and mercy. Fr. Matthias reflects on how God responds to the prayers of the righteous and the significance of walking blamelessly before God.#BibleStudy #Genesis17 #AbrahamCovenant #ChristianFaith #FrMatthiasShehad #FaithAndMercy #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 19, focusing on the destruction of Sodom and the moral decay of its inhabitants. He discusses Lot’s hospitality toward the angels, the city’s sinful behavior, and the reasons behind God’s judgment. Fr. Matthias addresses common misconceptions about homosexuality in the biblical context, emphasizing sin and repentance.The study also highlights Lot’s reluctance to leave Sodom, his flawed decisions, and how his attachment to the city led to consequences for his family. Fr. Matthias examines God’s mercy in sparing Lot and his daughters, who later commit a troubling act to preserve their family line, resulting in the origins of the Moabites and Ammonites, enemies of Israel.Throughout, the message calls believers to live righteously, guard against societal corruption, and trust God’s guidance. The session concludes with prayer and reflection on faith, repentance, and God’s patience.#Genesis19 #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #GodsJudgment #Repentance #FaithReflection #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 20 and 21, focusing on Abraham’s interactions with King Abimelech and the birth of Isaac. He examines Abraham’s repeated claim that Sarah is his sister, the resulting divine intervention, and the lessons on integrity and humility drawn from this encounter. Fr. Matthias highlights the significance of Isaac’s miraculous birth as the fulfillment of God’s promise, contrasting it with Ishmael’s natural birth and its symbolic meaning in the Old and New Testament covenants.The talk also covers the covenant Abraham makes with Abimelech over a well at Beersheba and addresses the tension between Sarah and Hagar’s children, connecting these events to St. Paul’s teachings in Galatians about bondage and freedom. Throughout, Fr. Matthias emphasizes obedience, faith in God’s timing, and the importance of humility and gratitude in responding to God’s blessings.#GenesisStudy #BibleStudy #AbrahamAndIsaac #FaithAndObedience #DivinePromise #ChristianTeaching #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 study of Genesis chapters 22 and 23, focusing on the story of God testing Abraham by asking him to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. He explores the symbolic connections between this event and the sacrifice and resurrection of Christ, highlighting Abraham’s obedience and faith. Fr. Matthias explains the significance of God’s testing, not for knowledge but to reveal faith and inspire others.The discussion includes the covenant blessings God promises Abraham for his obedience and the role of humility in Abraham’s interactions with the Hittites when purchasing a burial site for Sarah. Fr. Matthias emphasizes themes of trust, sacrifice, obedience, and God’s provision in the lives of Abraham and Isaac, drawing lessons relevant to Christian faith and discipleship today.#Genesis22 #AbrahamAndIsaac #FaithAndObedience #GodsCovenant #ChristianBibleStudy #SacrificeAndResurrection #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 24, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Abraham’s instructions to his servant to find a wife for Isaac from his own people, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's will in major life decisions. Fr. Matthias discusses the significance of the servant’s oath, the role of faith in trusting God’s guidance, and the symbolism of Rebecca’s character and hospitality as indicators of God’s choice. He explains how the story illustrates reliance on prayer, discernment through circumstances, and the cooperation of the community in confirming God’s will.Fr. Matthias also highlights the spiritual meaning behind the well, Rebecca’s journey, and her union with Isaac as a foreshadowing of Christ and the Church. The teaching underscores the value of obedience, humility, and faith in recognizing and following God’s plan for marriage and life.#Genesis24 #BibleStudy #FaithInGod #GodsWill #ChristianMarriage #PrayerAndDiscernment #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 exploring Genesis chapters 25 and 26, focusing on the genealogy of Abraham’s descendants and the birth of Isaac’s sons, Esau and Jacob. He discusses the significance of Jacob and Esau as representatives of two nations and how spiritual themes are illustrated through their story, including the struggle between spiritual and earthly desires.Fr. Matthias explains Isaac’s experience during a famine, highlighting parallels with Abraham’s similar trials and how Isaac’s fear led him to repeat his father’s mistake regarding his wife Rebecca. The lecture also examines the conflicts over wells in the land and the spiritual symbolism behind these events, drawing on insights from Church Fathers like Origen.This study offers a detailed look at the unfolding covenant promises and the complex dynamics within Abraham’s family, emphasizing faith, spiritual growth, and God’s faithfulness despite human shortcomings.#GenesisBibleStudy #AbrahamsDescendants #JacobAndEsau #FaithAndSpiritualGrowth #GodsCovenant #ChristianTeaching #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 27 and 28, exploring the story of Jacob receiving Isaac's blessing instead of Esau. He explains the significance of the birthright, the spiritual symbolism behind the blessing, and how Jacob’s actions fulfill God’s covenant despite human weaknesses. Fr. Matthias highlights the prophetic nature of Isaac’s blessing, its spiritual fulfillment in Christ, and the contrasting life choices of Jacob and Esau.The study also covers Jacob’s journey to Haran, including the vision of Jacob’s ladder, which Fr. Matthias interprets as a symbol of Christ’s incarnation and the path to salvation through the cross. He reflects on the ongoing spiritual ascent believers experience, encouraging watchfulness and perseverance. This teaching connects Old Testament narratives with Christian theology, emphasizing the eternal significance of God’s promises.#GenesisStudy #JacobAndEsau #BiblicalBlessing #ChristianFaith #GodsCovenant #JacobLadder #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 29 and 30, focusing on Jacob’s arrival in Haran and his encounters with Laban’s family. He explains the spiritual symbolism behind Jacob meeting Rachel at the well, paralleling Christ and the Church through baptism imagery. Fr. Matthias examines Jacob’s marriage to Leah and Rachel, highlighting themes of love, deception, and commitment in marriage.The discussion covers the rivalry between Leah and Rachel, the significance of their children, and how this reflects the relationship between the Jews and Gentiles. Fr. Matthias also analyzes Jacob’s agreement with Laban regarding the speckled and spotted sheep and offers insights into God’s providence in Jacob’s prosperity.Throughout, Fr. Matthias connects these Old Testament events to broader spiritual lessons about God’s faithfulness and preparation for the nation of Israel.#GenesisBibleStudy #FrMatthiasShehad #JacobInHaran #OldTestamentLessons #ChristianFaith #GodsProvidence #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 31 and 32, focusing on Jacob’s return to Canaan after two decades in Haran. He highlights Jacob’s complex relationship with Laban, illustrating themes of deception, family loyalty, and God’s guidance. Fr. Matthias explains the spiritual significance of Rachel stealing her father’s household idols, symbolizing the transition from paganism to faith in God.The study delves into Jacob’s cautious approach toward meeting his brother Esau, his trust in God’s promises, and the meaning behind the “two camps” where Jacob encounters angels. Fr. Matthias emphasizes Jacob’s humility, his reliance on God’s mercy, and the unfolding covenant between Jacob and Laban marked by a peace agreement. The session concludes with the beginning of Jacob’s encounter wrestling with a mysterious man, symbolizing deeper spiritual struggle.This Bible study connects the Old Testament narrative to broader themes of faith, transformation, and God’s providence.#GenesisBibleStudy #JacobAndLaban #FaithInGod #OldTestamentLessons #SpiritualWrestling #GodsProvidence #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 11 and 12, focusing on the story of the Tower of Babel and the introduction of Abraham. He examines the unity and rebellion of mankind at Babel, highlighting the motives behind building the tower as an act of pride and distrust toward God’s promises. Fr. Matthias explains how God’s intervention by confusing their language led to the scattering of people across the earth.The study then transitions to Abraham’s genealogy, his calling by God, and his journey from Ur of the Chaldeans to Canaan. Fr. Matthias discusses Abraham’s faith and obedience, his challenges including the famine in Canaan and his sojourn in Egypt, and how God’s covenant with Abraham sets the foundation for the patriarchs and the eventual blessings for all nations through Christ.This talk delves into themes of human pride, God’s sovereignty, faith amidst uncertainty, and the significance of the covenant with Abraham in the biblical narrative.#BibleStudy #Genesis11 #TowerOfBabel #AbrahamJourney #FaithInGod #GodsCovenant #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