St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the reign of King Saul through 1 Samuel chapters 13 and 14, focusing on Saul’s initial successes and eventual decline due to disobedience and misplaced trust. He explains Saul’s unlawful offering of a burnt sacrifice, highlighting the distinction between the roles of king and priest as commanded by God. The talk delves into Jonathan’s faith-driven military action against the Philistines, demonstrating how God grants victory despite seemingly impossible odds and inferior weapons.Fr. Matthias also addresses Saul’s leadership flaws, including his failure to take responsibility and his harsh oath that nearly condemns Jonathan. The account reveals how faith, obedience, and humility contrast with Saul’s impulsive decisions and distrust in God’s timing. This reflection connects biblical history with lessons on faith, authority, and the consequences of turning away from God’s commandments.#1Samuel #KingSaul #BibleStudy #ChristianFaith #JonathanAndSaul #TrustInGod #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 Samuel chapters 15 and 16, focusing on King Saul’s disobedience to God’s commands and the consequences of his actions. He explains how Saul’s failure to fully obey God’s command to destroy the Amalekites leads to his rejection as king, emphasizing the importance of obedience over sacrifice. Fr. Matthias highlights the difference between human and divine perspectives, noting that God judges the heart rather than outward appearances.The talk also covers the anointing of David as the future king, chosen for his heart rather than his physical stature. Fr. Matthias discusses the spiritual significance of the Spirit of the Lord departing from Saul and coming upon David, as well as the resulting distress that troubles Saul. The narrative reveals God’s plan unfolding through obedience, free will, and divine selection, offering insights into faith, leadership, and God’s unfolding purpose for Israel.#1Samuel #KingSaul #ObedienceToGod #DavidAnointed #SpiritOfTheLord #GodsPlan #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 Samuel chapters 17 and 18, focusing on the story of David and Goliath. He explains why David was chosen by God, highlighting his faith and courage against Goliath, who symbolizes sin and evil. Fr. Matthias examines the battle’s significance as a spiritual struggle, emphasizing that victory comes from trusting God rather than relying on human strength or weapons.The talk also covers David’s rise in favor with Saul and the people, his relationship with Jonathan, and Saul’s growing fear and jealousy. Fr. Matthias discusses David’s obedience and humility, even when threatened by Saul, and reflects on the development of faith through experience and trials.This teaching provides a deeper understanding of biblical faith, obedience, and God’s providence in the process of David becoming king.#DavidAndGoliath #FaithInGod #BiblicalFaith #ChristianTeaching #GodsProvidence #SpiritualVictory #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 fellowship meeting, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores 1 Samuel chapters 19 and 20, focusing on the escalating conflict between King Saul and David. Fr. Matthias explains Saul's growing jealousy and repeated attempts to kill David, highlighting David’s transformation from celebrated warrior to fugitive. He discusses the role of Jonathan, Saul’s son, who supports David and helps protect him despite his father’s hostility.The talk also delves into spiritual lessons about trusting God's promises amid trials, the importance of repentance, and the nature of true friendship that speaks truth even at personal risk. Fr. Matthias examines the symbolic actions of Saul and how God's protection manifests through prophecy rather than force. The session concludes with Jonathan and David’s covenant, underscoring faithfulness and trust during intense uncertainty. This study offers insight into God’s providence and human responses to divine plans.#1Samuel19 #1Samuel20 #BibleStudy #DavidAndJonathan #FaithAndFriendship #GodsPromises #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 Samuel chapters 21 and 22, focusing on David's flight from King Saul. He explains David’s respectful patience despite Saul’s attempts to kill him and highlights David’s reliance on God during this time of distress. Fr. Matthias discusses David’s visit to Ahimelech the priest at Nob, where he receives holy bread and Goliath’s sword, and examines the priestly laws around ritual purity and the significance of the showbread.The talk details David’s strategic movements as he flees, including seeking refuge with the Philistines and Moabites, and how his growing band of followers represents those discontented with Saul’s reign. Fr. Matthias also recounts the tragic massacre of the priests of Nob by Doeg the Edomite under Saul’s orders, emphasizing Saul’s descent into paranoia and evil actions.This Bible study offers an analysis of faith, obedience, and the challenges faced by David as God’s anointed king in exile.#1Samuel #DavidAndSaul #BiblicalFaith #ChristianBibleStudy #GodsAnointed #ChristianFellowship #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 fellowship meeting, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores 1 Samuel chapters 23 and 24, focusing on the pursuit of David by King Saul. Fr. Matthias examines David’s growing support as people turn to him for protection against the Philistines, highlighting God’s guidance and David’s repeated inquiries for reassurance before taking action. He explains the tragic betrayal of Abiathar’s family and the significance of the ephod in discerning God’s will. The discussion emphasizes the contrasting perspectives of Saul, who misinterprets events to justify his hostility, and David, who respects Saul as the Lord’s anointed despite being pursued.Fr. Matthias details the encounter in the cave where David spares Saul’s life, illustrating David's commitment to trust God’s timing for justice and his refusal to retaliate personally. The message underscores themes of faith, patience, divine justice, and humility in leadership.#1Samuel #DavidAndSaul #ChristianFaith #DivineJustice #BiblicalLeadership #GodsGuidance #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 Samuel 25 and 26, focusing on the themes of repentance, mercy, and God’s timing in justice. He reviews King Saul’s fleeting remorse toward David, contrasting it with true repentance, which requires a change of action and heart.Fr. Matthias details the story of David, Nabal, and Abigail, highlighting Abigail’s wisdom and decisive action to prevent bloodshed. He explains David’s initial anger and how Abigail’s humility and counsel redirected him from vengeance to trust in God’s plan.The discussion continues with David sparing Saul’s life despite multiple chances to kill him, emphasizing David’s respect for God’s anointed and reliance on divine justice rather than personal revenge. This Bible study touches on obedience, humility, and patience while waiting for God to fulfill His promises.#1Samuel25 #1Samuel26 #BibleStudy #ChristianFellowship #Repentance #GodsTiming #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 fellowship meeting, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores 1 Samuel chapters 27 and 28, focusing on David’s flight to the Philistines as he seeks refuge from Saul. Fr. Matthias explains David’s strategic move to Ziklag, his military actions against Israel’s enemies, and his complex relationship with King Achish. The discussion then shifts to Saul’s desperate situation as he prepares for battle against the Philistines yet receives no guidance from God through dreams, the Urim and Thummim, or the prophets.Fr. Matthias examines Saul’s decision to consult a medium at Endor, highlighting the biblical prohibition against necromancy and the spiritual deception involved. He unpacks the encounter with the "spirit of Samuel," explaining why this was a demonic apparition rather than the true prophet. The talk emphasizes the importance of discerning God’s voice from deception, the consequences of Saul's disobedience, and God’s ultimate judgment in Israel’s history.This study offers insights into biblical warfare, divine revelation, spiritual discernment, and the consequences of disobedience in the Old Testament narrative.#1Samuel27 #1Samuel28 #BiblicalWarfare #SpiritualDiscernment #SaulAndDavid #OldTestamentStudy #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 concludes the study of 1 Samuel chapters 29-31, covering the final events of Saul’s reign and David’s challenges. He explains how the Philistine princes distrust David during their battle preparations, fearing he might betray them, which leads to David’s return to Ziklag. Fr. Matthias recounts the Amalekite raid on Ziklag, the capture of David's family, and David’s pursuit of the attackers after consulting God through the ephod. He discusses David’s fair distribution of spoils and reflects on the significance of monotheism in ancient times compared to surrounding polytheistic nations.The talk also covers the battle on Mount Gilboa where Saul and his sons fall, the Philistines’ treatment of Saul’s body, and the brave retrieval and burial by Jabish Gilead’s men. Fr. Matthias highlights key spiritual lessons on trusting God amid trials and the unfolding transition of leadership from Saul to David in biblical history.#1Samuel29 #DavidAndSaul #BiblicalHistory #TrustingGod #ChristianFellowship #FaithLessons #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 explores the meaning of “Blessed is the man who fears the Lord” from Psalm 112 through the lens of early Church scholar Tertullian. He highlights key aspects of the fear of God, including devout church attendance, modesty in appearance and behavior, and the importance of unity within the body of Christ.Fr. Matthias emphasizes the necessity of gathering with the Church for spiritual growth, participation in the sacraments, and mutual encouragement. He explains how modesty reflects the reverence due to God’s house and why unity among believers strengthens the Church’s mission. Using biblical references and practical examples, he challenges listeners to approach the Church with humility, seriousness, and a spirit of cooperation, recognizing it as the Ark of salvation.This teaching addresses spiritual discipline, community life, and the proper attitude toward worship, authority, and fellowship in the Orthodox Christian faith.#BlessedIsTheMan #FearOfTheLord #Psalm112 #OrthodoxFaith #ChurchUnity #SpiritualGrowth #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