St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the final chapters of the Book of Judges, focusing on the civil war sparked by a grievous crime in the tribe of Benjamin. He unpacks the lawlessness of the time, highlighting how lack of centralized authority led to internal conflict rather than external enemies. Fr. Matthias examines the escalation from outrage to nationwide battle, the defeat of Benjamin, and the complex aftermath involving oaths, vows, and the challenge of preserving the tribe amidst turmoil.He discusses the consequences of rash decisions made by the tribes of Israel and how these reflect the broader theme of everyone doing what was right in their own eyes without God’s guidance. Fr. Matthias connects these events to the need for godly authority and the lessons on sin, justice, and reconciliation in Israel’s history.#BibleStudy #BookOfJudges #ChristianFaith #BiblicalJustice #FrMatthiasShehad #ScriptureReflection #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 his exploration of 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:16, focusing on the message of the cross and its significance. He explains how St. Paul addresses divisions within the Corinthian church and emphasizes that the power of God is revealed through what appears as weakness—Christ crucified.Fr. Matthias discusses the contrast between worldly wisdom and divine wisdom, highlighting how the message of the cross is seen as foolishness by those who do not believe but is the true power of God for believers. He explores how God chooses the humble and weak to shame the mighty and how spiritual understanding comes through the Holy Spirit, not human intellect.The teaching also examines the role of faith beyond sensory perception and stresses that true wisdom involves living out the gospel in daily life, relying on the Spirit’s power rather than persuasive words alone. Fr. Matthias calls believers to embody Christ’s example and to recognize that spiritual discernment comes from having the mind of Christ.#BibleStudy #1Corinthians #MessageOfTheCross #ChristianWisdom #FaithInChrist #HolySpiritGuidance #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 1st Corinthians, focusing on chapter 3. He unpacks St. Paul's message addressing the divisions in the Church of Corinth, emphasizing the call to spiritual maturity beyond carnality. Fr. Matthias explains the distinction between the spiritual, natural, and carnal man, highlighting how envy, strife, and division reveal spiritual immaturity.He explores the cooperation between human effort and God's work in ministry, using the analogy of planting and watering while God gives the increase. Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of building on the foundation of Christ according to church doctrine, warning against divisive innovation.The talk also covers the concept of the believer as the temple of God, the testing of each person’s work by fire on the Day of Judgment, and the contrast between worldly wisdom and spiritual wisdom.Fr. Matthias encourages living a life fully committed to spiritual growth, whether in the world or monasticism, and calls for unity and love in the body of Christ.#1Corinthians3 #BibleStudy #SpiritualMaturity #FrMatthiasShehad #ChristianUnity #TempleOfGod #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 his examination of 1 Corinthians 4:1-17, addressing key issues in the Corinthian church such as divisions caused by allegiance to different apostles and misunderstandings of spiritual authority. Fr. Matthias explains St. Paul’s teaching on being “servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God,” emphasizing that apostles and leaders are entrusted to manage God’s gifts faithfully, not to claim ownership.Fr. Matthias explores the distinction between natural, carnal, and spiritual men, and reflects on the nature of judgment, highlighting that only God’s judgment is absolute. He unpacks St. Paul’s message against boasting in spiritual gifts and worldly status, contrasting the apostles’ suffering with the Corinthians’ pride.The study concludes with an emphasis on humility, self-examination, and the call to imitate St. Paul’s sacrificial example while awaiting Christ’s ultimate judgment. Fr. Matthias encourages viewers to embrace stewardship, unity, and the wisdom found in God’s timing for judgment.#1Corinthians4 #BibleStudy #FrMatthiasShehad #ChristianTeaching #StewardsOfGod #SpiritualAuthority #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 1st Corinthians chapters 4 and 5, focusing on St. Paul’s message addressing divisions in the early Church and the role of apostles as stewards of God’s mysteries. He highlights the importance of humility, repentance, and submission to Church authority, explaining how Paul rebukes pride and emphasizes living by the power of God rather than words alone.Fr. Matthias then examines chapter 5’s discussion on sexual immorality within the Church, specifically a case of incest ignored by the community. He explains the necessity of discipline and excommunication—not as punishment, but as a means to save the sinner and protect the Church from spiritual harm. He clarifies how the Church balances love and correction, how to properly use rebuke, and the significance of maintaining purity as a Christian community rooted in God’s standards.This study addresses themes of repentance, Church authority, spiritual leadership, and living a sanctified life.#1Corinthians #BibleStudy #ChurchAuthority #Repentance #SpiritualLeadership #ChristianLiving #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 series on 1 Corinthians, focusing on chapters 6 and 7. He addresses the issues within the Corinthian church, including resolving disputes among believers without resorting to secular courts, emphasizing the church’s authority to judge matters internally. Fr. Matthias explains St. Paul's teachings about maintaining unity, accepting wrongs to keep peace, and living by God's moral code.The discussion then shifts to marriage and celibacy, highlighting Paul's guidance on choosing a life path according to one's calling. Fr. Matthias explores the mutual responsibilities of spouses, the spiritual purpose of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, and the role of self-control in fasting and relationships. He also covers instructions on divorce, the sanctification of mixed-faith marriages, and the balance between lawful actions and those beneficial for spiritual growth. This study offers detailed insights into practical Christian living according to Scripture.#BibleStudy #1Corinthians #ChristianLiving #FrMatthiasShehad #SpiritualGrowth #ChurchUnity #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 1 Corinthians 7:17-8:13, where St. Paul addresses the Christian calling in various life situations, emphasizing that believers should remain faithful in the state they were called—whether married, single, slave, or free. Fr. Matthias explains how spiritual freedom in Christ transcends worldly status, and he discusses the challenges marriage can pose to spiritual growth compared to celibacy.He also examines the concept of the “social gospel” versus the true gospel, highlighting the need to balance social actions with spiritual devotion. The study covers the sensitive topic of eating food sacrificed to idols, presenting St. Paul’s guidance on exercising love and consideration for others’ consciences rather than mere knowledge. Fr. Matthias teaches on the importance of acting to edify others and not cause them to stumble in faith, focusing on inner transformation over external rituals.#BibleStudy #1Corinthians #ChristianLiving #SpiritualFreedom #FaithInAction #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

Fr. Matthias Shehad examines 1 Corinthians chapters 9 and 10, focusing on St. Paul's defense of his apostleship and his decision to forgo personal rights for the sake of ministry. Fr. Matthias highlights Paul’s example of self-sacrifice, humility, and dedication to preaching the gospel without seeking material gain. He explains how Paul adapts his approach to different audiences to effectively share the message of salvation.The talk also explores the call to spiritual discipline, comparing the Christian life to an athlete’s training, emphasizing self-control and perseverance to receive the imperishable crown. In chapter 10, Fr. Matthias reflects on Old Testament examples to warn against idolatry, immorality, and complacency, urging vigilance in the Christian journey. He underscores that temptations are common but God provides a way of escape for those who seek Him. This study encourages disciplined living rooted in love and concern for others.#BibleStudy #1Corinthians #PaulineEpistles #ChristianDiscipline #FaithJourney #GospelMessage #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 1 Corinthians 10:16-11:6, focusing on St. Paul’s teachings about Christian conduct, especially regarding idolatry and communal unity through the Eucharist. Fr. Matthias highlights the call to flee idolatry and the importance of fully committing to Christian life, emphasizing how participation in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons is impossible.He explains the concept of spiritual struggle after baptism, stressing the necessity of ongoing sanctification through the power of the Resurrection and the Holy Spirit. Fr. Matthias also discusses the relationship between men and women in the church, clarifying the biblical model of headship as sacrificial love and mutual respect grounded in Christ’s example.The session addresses cultural issues such as head coverings, gender distinctions, and the role of intention in Christian freedom, encouraging believers to live united lives that glorify God and edify others.#BibleStudy #1Corinthians #Eucharist #ChristianLiving #HolySpirit #ChristianUnity #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 1 Corinthians 11:7–12:31, addressing the role of women’s head coverings during prayer as a sign of humility and submission to God’s authority. He discusses the cultural and theological reasons behind this practice, including interpretations related to angels and church order.Moving to chapter 11, Fr. Matthias explains St. Paul’s rebuke of the Corinthians for their divisive behavior and irreverence in partaking of communion, emphasizing proper preparation and reverence for the sacrament as the body and blood of Christ.In chapter 12, he outlines the diversity of spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit, such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, prophecy, and tongues, highlighting their purpose for building up the church rather than personal boasting. Using the analogy of the body, Fr. Matthias stresses unity and interdependence among believers with varied gifts.The teaching concludes by pointing toward the importance of love as the highest virtue surpassing spiritual gifts, setting the stage for 1 Corinthians 13.#BibleStudy #1Corinthians #ChristianTeaching #SpiritualGifts #ChurchUnity #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