St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Harmony of the Gospels [Dispute Among the Apostles] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the dispute among the apostles about greatness, as recorded in Luke 22, highlighting their misunderstandings and spiritual blindness during a critical moment before Christ's arrest. He explains how Jesus contrasts worldly authority with servant leadership, emphasizing humility and service as marks of true greatness in God's kingdom.Fr. Matthias also examines Christ's prediction of Peter’s denial, revealing lessons about human weakness, pride, and the need for God’s grace. He addresses the role of faith, obedience, and self-denial in the Christian journey, unpacking Jesus’ promises about the Holy Spirit as the Comforter who will dwell within believers to guide and strengthen them.Through this study, Fr. Matthias invites reflection on discipleship, the path to salvation, and what it truly means to love God by keeping His commandments.#BibleStudy #ApostolicAuthority #HolySpirit #ChristianDiscipleship #PeterDenial #ServantLeadership#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

Bringing Every Thought Captive [Part 3] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes his series on "Bringing Every Thought Captive" by examining how thoughts influence emotions and behavior through biblical examples. He discusses King Nebuchadnezzar’s distorted pride, Moses's self-doubt and God’s empowerment, and Martha’s struggle with priorities and perfectionism. Fr. Matthias highlights common thinking distortions like emotional reasoning, catastrophizing, and false humility. Emphasizing humility as submission to God's will, he explains that recognizing personal weakness can become a source of strength when relying on God's sufficiency. Fr. Matthias urges viewers to prioritize spiritual health over distractions and to actively choose how to respond to their thoughts rather than being controlled by them. His message encourages faithful stewardship of God’s gifts, discernment in priorities, and trusting God’s plan in service and challenges.#SpiritualGrowth #FaithAndThoughts #BiblicalExamples #ChristianLiving #MindfulnessInFaith#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

Harmony of the Gospels [Paschal Supper] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the events of Covenant Thursday, focusing on the Last Supper as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. He explains the preparation of the Passover meal, the institution of the Eucharist, and the significant symbolism of Jesus sharing bread and wine as his body and blood. Fr. Matthias discusses the prophecy of Judas' betrayal, the role of free will versus fate, and the spiritual meaning behind Jesus washing the disciples' feet. He highlights the call to serve one another and the new commandment to love one another as demonstrated by Christ. This Bible study also touches on the significance of the Eucharist in Christian life and the unfolding story of salvation leading to Holy Week.#LastSupper #Eucharist #Passover #BibleStudy #CovenantThursday #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

Bringing Every Thought Captive [Part 2] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his series on "Bringing Every Thought Captive," focusing on how sinful patterns begin with distorted thoughts. He explains several cognitive distortions such as mind reading, catastrophizing, all-or-nothing thinking, and emotional reasoning, and discusses their negative spiritual effects. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of examining thoughts and feelings to prevent sin from taking root.Drawing from Scripture and spiritual tradition, he outlines the process of how sin escalates—from initial temptation, through internal dialogue and agreement, to habitual bondage. Fr. Matthias stresses the need for early resistance against sinful thoughts and highlights practical steps for overcoming strongholds, including seeking God's help, accountability, and spiritual guidance.This talk explores the connection between thought management and spiritual growth, encouraging vigilance against internal deception and reliance on God's grace to maintain purity of mind and soul.#SpiritualWarfare #CognitiveDistortions #OvercomingTemptation #ChristianSpirituality #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

[E7.1] Christian Joy in an Era of Sadness | Living Incense

In this episode of Living Incense, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of Christian joy amid sadness by discussing key Scripture passages. Fr. Matthias distinguishes between happiness, which depends on circumstances, and joy, which is rooted in eternal truths and God's unchanging love. He highlights the joy of the Lord as strength from Nehemiah’s time, emphasizing hope and forgiveness even after sin and failure. Reflections on Psalms reveal that true joy comes from God’s presence and salvation, offering a promise beyond temporary suffering. The discussion also covers the challenges of maintaining joy through spiritual struggles, the transformative power of the resurrection over death, and the importance of surrender and spiritual discipline. Fr. Matthias relates joy to salvation’s gift of righteousness, urging believers to meditate on God’s love rather than transient feelings. This teaching invites deeper understanding of joy as a sustained, spiritual reality in the Christian life.#ChristianJoy #SpiritualJoy #FaithAndHope #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving #JoyInChrist#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

[E6.2] Does God really want me to tithe? | Living Incense

Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses the distinctions between tithing, voluntary charity, and government-mandated welfare, emphasizing that giving to the poor should be an act of love and faith rather than obligation. He explores how the church discerns genuine need versus enabling dependency, highlighting the importance of holistic support that addresses both physical and spiritual needs.Fr. Matthias also talks about practical challenges in helping those who are homeless or struggling with mental illness, stressing the role of counseling, job assistance, and stable shelter alongside financial aid. He explains the biblical principles behind structured generosity like gleaning and how New Testament love guides modern giving.On tithing, Fr. Matthias clarifies that it expresses trust in God's provision and is not optional. He reflects on the blessings that come from faithful giving beyond material wealth, encouraging discernment and responsible stewardship of resources within the church and personal charity.#Tithing #ChristianGiving #FaithAndStewardship #BiblicalGenerosity #ChurchCharity #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

Visited by Grace | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the story of the Samaritan woman at the well, illustrating how an encounter with Christ brings transformation through God’s grace. He explains the signs of being visited by grace, including feeling the burden of sin, engaging in honest dialogue with God, confessing sins without fear, and forsaking former preoccupations.Fr. Matthias highlights the process of repentance, the importance of mourning over sin, and the call to live a life aligned with the Christian faith. He emphasizes the zeal that follows a genuine encounter with Christ, where believers are moved to share their testimony boldly with others.This message encourages believers to recognize God’s grace in their lives, embrace transformation, and pursue a path that reflects true commitment and love for God.#GraceOfGod #SermonOnGrace #ChristianTransformation #EncounterWithChrist #Repentance #FaithJourney #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

Harmony of the Gospels [The Last Judgement & Holy Wednesday] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels by examining Christ’s teaching on the Last Judgment found in Matthew 25. He explains the significance of Christ’s second coming as judge, the separation of the sheep from the goats, and the individual nature of divine judgment based on faith and repentance rather than deeds alone. Fr. Matthias discusses the necessity of baptism, confession, and communion for salvation and addresses common misunderstandings about faith and works.Moving into Holy Wednesday, Fr. Matthias highlights the anointing of Christ with costly oil as preparation for His burial and connects this to His impending betrayal by Judas for thirty pieces of silver. The study includes reflections on serving others as serving Christ, the spiritual challenges faced even by those close to Jesus, and the deeper theological meaning behind these pivotal events in Holy Week.#HarmonyOfTheGospels #LastJudgement #HolyWednesday #BibleStudy #FrMatthiasShehad #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

[E6.1] Does God really want me to tithe? | Living Incense

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the biblical and practical aspects of tithing and almsgiving, addressing common misconceptions about money in the Christian life. He explains the purpose of tithing as a way to acknowledge God’s provision, support the church’s mission, and assist those in need. Fr. Matthias clarifies the difference between ownership and stewardship, emphasizing responsible use of resources within God’s guidelines.He discusses the balance between trusting God and planning for the future, encouraging generosity without attachment to wealth. Fr. Matthias offers advice on managing personal finances, detachment from possessions, and teaching children the value of money in today’s world. The talk also covers how married couples can align their giving practices and the importance of almsgiving as an act of love and worship rather than personal gain, highlighting the spiritual dimensions of financial stewardship.#ChristianStewardship #TithingBiblicalTeaching #GenerosityInChrist #FaithAndFinances #ChristianGiving #SpiritualStewardship #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

Bringing Every Thought Captive [Part 1] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad begins a new series on the spiritual discipline of bringing every thought captive, emphasizing the ongoing battle against harmful and deceptive thoughts. He explores how our interpretations shape emotions and behaviors, illustrating this through everyday examples and scriptural insights from St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians.Fr. Matthias explains the difference between involuntary thoughts and voluntary actions, highlighting the importance of controlling how we respond to thoughts. He introduces eight damaging thought patterns—gluttony, fornication, avarice, sadness, anger, acedia, vain glory, and pride—drawing on the teachings of Evagrius. These thoughts, if unchecked, lead to sin, negative habits, and distorted self-identity.The talk encourages vigilance in recognizing these thoughts and responding with truth, fostering spiritual growth and alignment with God’s will. Fr. Matthias concludes with practical reflections on humility and reliance on God in overcoming these mental strongholds.#BringEveryThoughtCaptive #SpiritualDiscipline #FrMatthiasShehad #ChristianFaith #SpiritualGrowth #MentalStrongholds #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