St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the relationship between faith, human effort, and God’s grace as taught by Jesus in the Gospels. He discusses the parable of the mustard seed, emphasizing that even a small amount of faith can bring about significant transformation when coupled with obedience. Fr. Matthias explains the balance between trusting God’s power and actively participating in spiritual growth, forgiveness, and service.He examines the story of the ten lepers, illustrating the importance of gratitude and following God's guidance for healing. Fr. Matthias also addresses misconceptions about the Kingdom of God, highlighting its spiritual nature rather than a political or observable realm. Finally, he unpacks Christ’s teachings on humility, the coming judgment, and the need for vigilance in faith, urging believers to live focused on eternal life rather than temporal concerns.#BibleStudy #FaithAndGrace #GospelHarmony #ChristianTeaching #SpiritualGrowth #KingdomOfGod #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 the harmony of the Gospels by examining the parables of the Unjust Steward and the Rich Man and Lazarus, as well as teachings on divorce. Fr. Matthias explains the steward’s role and the spiritual lessons about stewardship, urging believers to plan for their eternal future rather than focusing only on worldly possessions. He discusses the consequences of selfishness and neglect of others through the story of the rich man and Lazarus, highlighting the reality of judgment and the importance of genuine repentance.Fr. Matthias also addresses Jesus’ teachings on marriage and divorce, emphasizing the sacredness of the marital union as ordained by God. Throughout the talk, he reflects on faithfulness, the challenges of sin, pride, and the need to follow Christ’s example in fulfilling the law. He encourages careful consideration of how our actions influence others, especially the vulnerable, and calls for sincere commitment to living a life pleasing to God.#BibleStudy #GospelsHarmony #RichManAndLazarus #ParablesOfJesus #ChristianStewardship #TeachingsOnDivorce #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

Joe Costandy explores the reasons why many young people leave the church despite being raised in faithful families. He presents research showing a general decline in Christianity in the U.S., though Orthodox Christianity remains more stable compared to other denominations. Joe discusses common youth complaints such as church feeling irrelevant, issues with authority, and judgmental attitudes on social issues like sexuality.He highlights two major studies that reveal key factors in youth religious retention, emphasizing the critical role of early childhood faith formation, the strong influence of parents’ own faith practices, and the importance of open, ongoing conversations about religion at home. Joe also addresses challenges posed by cultural shifts, social media, and the need to balance parental discipline with understanding.Practical advice includes encouraging parents to start faith conversations early, support youth in articulating their beliefs, and create welcoming environments that foster genuine spiritual growth.#YouthFaith #ChurchRetention #ChristianParenting #FaithFormation #OrthodoxChristianity #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 the harmony of the Gospels, focusing on Christ's final teachings before His crucifixion. He explores the meaning of true discipleship, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing Christ above family and worldly attachments. Fr. Matthias explains the spiritual significance of taking up one's cross, highlighting the sacrifices and suffering inherent in following Jesus.He further discusses the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin, illustrating God's relentless pursuit of sinners and the joy in heaven over every repentant soul. Fr. Matthias addresses misconceptions about suffering, the purpose of the Old Testament law, and the Pharisees’ misunderstanding of righteousness. He encourages believers to persevere in faith, remain watchful against spiritual warfare, and approach outreach to the lost with discernment and patience. The study includes reflections on forgiveness, mercy, and the realistic challenges of the Christian life.#HarmonyOfTheGospels #FollowingChrist #BibleStudy #Discipleship #LostSheep #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

Eric Tadros explores the promise of God’s presence and its significance in human and spiritual life. He begins by reflecting on how presence impacts relationships, from infancy to the church community, emphasizing that God’s presence is central to human fulfillment and connection.Eric examines biblical narratives, particularly the story of Adam and Eve’s loss of God’s presence through sin and the Exodus journey, where God reassures His people with signs of guidance and protection. He highlights the incarnation as the ultimate manifestation of God’s desire to dwell with humanity, bringing believers into direct communion with Him.Through the lens of Orthodox Christianity, Eric explains how sacraments engage every sense to deepen the experience of God. He addresses contemporary challenges like isolation and distraction, urging active presence within families and communities. Drawing from scripture and theology, Eric calls Christians to embody God’s presence, becoming living witnesses to His grace in the world.#GodsPresence #ChristianFaith #OrthodoxChristianity #SpiritualJourney #BiblicalPromise #LivingWitness #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

Michael Sidrak discusses the concept of abiding in God, drawing mainly from His Holiness Pope Shenouda’s teachings. He explains that abiding means maintaining an uninterrupted, heart-to-heart connection with Christ and the Holy Trinity, which requires consistent faith, love, and obedience to God’s commandments. Michael explores biblical examples such as King Solomon, Israel in the wilderness, Samson, and others who began strong in faith but struggled due to distractions, legalism, false ideologies, or divided hearts.He emphasizes the dangers of loving God’s blessings more than God Himself, the impact of ungodly environments, and the importance of purifying one's intentions in service. Michael highlights prayer, scripture, and holy communion as essential means to abide in God, encouraging believers to persevere, choose love over pride, and reject compromise or deception. The talk calls for self-examination, repentance, and reliance on God’s grace to finish faithfully in the spiritual race.#AbidingInGod #FaithfulLiving #ChristianObedience #SpiritualRace #HolyCommunion #GodsGrace #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. Polycarpus Shoukry explores the contrasting ministries of St. John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, focusing on the call to boldly share the truth of repentance and salvation despite rejection or hardship. He explains how truth, when coupled with courage, love, empathy, accuracy, and respect—represented by the acronym C.L.E.A.R.—can effectively reach others and bring healing rather than hurt. Drawing from biblical examples such as King David and the Samaritan woman, Fr. Polycarpus emphasizes the importance of knowing Scripture deeply to communicate the truth faithfully. He also highlights the essential role of prayer in preparing one to share truth with the right heart and spirit. This sermon invites listeners to courageously speak truth as a reflection of Christ, aiming to save and restore souls through honest, compassionate dialogue.#ChristianSermon #SpeakTheTruth #FaithAndCourage #BiblicalTeaching #RepentanceAndSalvation #ChristianMinistry #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 Jesus’ teachings on covetousness, worry, and watchfulness as the Lord journeys toward Jerusalem. Fr. Matthias explains the difference between planning and worry, emphasizing Christ’s call to trust God for our needs rather than fixating on material possessions. Using examples from nature and parables, he highlights the importance of seeking the kingdom of God first and storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.Fr. Matthias also unpacks the call to be watchful and prepared for the Lord’s return, illustrating the consequences of neglecting spiritual stewardship and the blessings for those who remain faithful. He discusses the division Christ’s message brings and the necessity of repentance before judgment. The study concludes with reflections on faith, mercy, and the power of Christ’s healing.This teaching provides guidance on living a life centered on spiritual vigilance, trust in God’s provision, and readiness for the coming of the Son of Man.#BibleStudy #ChristianLiving #Watchfulness #FaithInGod #KingdomOfGod #TrustInJesus #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 the metaphor of the eye as the lamp of the body, drawing from passages in Matthew and Luke to explain how spiritual vision affects the believer’s whole life. He examines the role of grace and inner purity in producing visible fruit that leads others to faith. Fr. Matthias then discusses the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, detailing their legalism, pride, and burdening of the people with harsh rules, contrasting their outward appearance with inward corruption. He highlights Jesus’ teachings on humility, servant leadership, and the consequences of rejecting true obedience.Fr. Matthias concludes with Christ’s instructions on fearing God over persecutors, trusting in divine protection, and boldly confessing faith in the face of opposition. This study connects Scripture with pastoral application, emphasizing authentic spiritual transformation and courageous witness.#BibleStudy #HarmonyOfTheGospels #FrMatthiasShehad #SpiritualVision #ChristianFaith #FearGod #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 the complexities of decision-making within marriage, emphasizing that marriage is a team effort where every choice impacts both spouses. He discusses how differences in decision styles can lead to conflict and highlights the importance of compromise, communication, and shared responsibility in making joint decisions. Fr. Matthias addresses common challenges like financial disagreements, the significance of prioritizing a spouse’s needs, and navigating emotional versus logical perspectives.He draws from Scripture, including Ephesians and Romans, to explain biblical roles in marriage and the need to lead with love, respect, and validation. Fr. Matthias stresses the value of patience in big decisions, preventing resentment, and maintaining unity over winning arguments. Practical examples illustrate how couples can foster understanding, trust, and harmony by putting love before self-interest in all decisions. This talk offers guidance aimed at strengthening marital relationships through intentional, Christ-centered decision-making.#ChristianMarriage #FaithInMarriage #MarriageAdvice #BiblicalMarriage #CouplesMinistry #MarriageAndFaith #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