St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Difficult Teachings | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores some of the difficult teachings of Jesus Christ, focusing on key moments like the institution of the Eucharist, the concept of being born again, the Lord’s crucifixion, and the call to humility and self-denial. He explains why many disciples struggled with these teachings and how they often require spiritual understanding rather than a literal interpretation.Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of approaching these teachings with the right understanding, faith, and willingness to practice even before fully comprehending them. He emphasizes the role of the Word of God in revealing deeper spiritual meanings and encourages cultivating a spiritual mindset to perceive God’s ways beyond human logic.This message addresses common challenges in accepting biblical truths and calls believers to trust in God’s plan, live by faith, and grow in spiritual insight.Subscribe 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

Lessons from the Life of Job [Part 2] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this continuation of Lessons from the Life of Job, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores how trials reveal spiritual wisdom and deepen faith. He discusses the role of suffering in breaking pride, cultivating humility, and fostering submission to God’s will, even when His plans differ from our desires. Fr. Matthias explains how trials invite repentance, highlight the limits of human understanding, and show that comforting others can sometimes unintentionally burden rather than help. Drawing on biblical examples like King David, Joseph, and the Book of Tobit, he emphasizes that God’s purpose in suffering is ultimately for His glory and our growth. The talk concludes with reflections on trusting God’s provision, seeking His kingdom first, and finding peace in surrender, following Christ’s teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. Fr. Matthias encourages believers to maintain faith through hardship, knowing that after the storm, comfort and a clearer vision of God awaits.Subscribe 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

The Holy Scriptures [Part 6] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores common questions about alleged contradictions and discrepancies in the Holy Scriptures, focusing on how to approach and understand these challenges. He discusses the importance of context, background Christian beliefs, and the variety of literary genres present in the Bible such as poetry, prophecy, and parables, which affect interpretation.Fr. Matthias addresses examples often cited as contradictions, including differing numbers, the sequence of events, and varied descriptions in the Gospels. He explains how cultural context, translation nuances, and differences in literary style clarify these issues.The talk emphasizes that the Bible’s inspiration by the Holy Spirit ensures its infallibility, despite minor copyist errors or translation differences. Fr. Matthias encourages faithful and discerning reading, trusting that apparent discrepancies can be explained within the broader scriptural and theological context.Subscribe 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

The Holy Scriptures [Part 5] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores two major schools of biblical interpretation: the School of Antioch, which emphasizes a literal and historical understanding of scripture, and the School of Alexandria, to which the Coptic Church belongs, known for its allegorical and symbolic readings. He explains how biblical events, such as the brazen serpent, Jonah in the fish, the Passover unleavened bread, and figures like Adam, Sarah, and Hagar, hold deeper spiritual meanings beyond their literal accounts. Fr. Matthias illustrates how church fathers like St. Ambrose and Origen applied allegory to reveal hidden mysteries in scripture, enriching our understanding of salvation history, Christ’s work, and Christian life. He also discusses the importance of studying the writings of the early church fathers and introduces resources like the Katina Bible app for exploring diverse interpretations. This teaching offers a foundation for engaging with scripture through both history and spiritual meditation.Subscribe 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

Leviticus 9-11 [Strange Fire & The Food of Israel] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his exposition of Leviticus chapters 9 to 11, focusing on the consecration and duties of the priests, the significance of the offerings—including sin, burnt, peace, and grain offerings—and the divine fire that confirmed God's approval. Fr. Matthias explains the strict regulations given to Aaron and his sons about priestly conduct, highlighting the consequences of disobedience through the episode of Nadab and Abihu’s offering of profane fire.He also examines the laws concerning clean and unclean animals, detailing the criteria for clean land animals, fish, birds, and insects, and their spiritual symbolism. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the distinction between physical and spiritual holiness, showing how these Old Testament laws pointed to deeper truths fulfilled in the New Covenant. This study clarifies the purpose of ritual purity and priesthood as God’s ordained means for approaching Him.Subscribe 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

Leviticus 7-8 [Aaron and His Sons Consecrated] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Leviticus chapters 7 and 8, focusing on the detailed laws of offerings and the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. Fr. Matthias explains the specific roles priests play in various sacrifices, including the sin, trespass, burnt, grain, and peace offerings, highlighting the significance of the fat, blood, and portions reserved for God and the priests.He also discusses the ceremonial preparation and ordination process of the priests, including the symbolic washing, dressing in priestly garments, anointing with oil, and the sacrificial rituals that consecrate them for service. The study connects Old Testament priesthood practices with the ultimate high priesthood of Christ and emphasizes the importance of purity, obedience, and support for the priestly ministry as a divine calling.Subscribe 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

Leviticus 5-6 [The Laws of the Offerings] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his in-depth exploration of Leviticus chapters 5 and 6, focusing on the detailed laws of the sin, trespass, burnt, and grain offerings. Fr. Matthias explains the distinctions between sin offerings, which address unintentional sins, and trespass offerings, which involve specific restitution for wrongs done against God’s holy things or to others. He examines the requirements for confession, the roles of priests in these offerings, and the significance of maintaining the altar fire, which symbolized God’s presence. The teaching highlights how the Old Testament laws foreshadow concepts of repentance, forgiveness, and justice. Fr. Matthias also discusses the spiritual meaning and practical applications of these ancient practices in light of New Testament understanding, emphasizing discernment and the heart’s intention in offering sacrifices.Subscribe 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

Leviticus 3-4 [The Peace Offering & The Sin Offering] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his study of Leviticus, focusing on chapters 3 and 4, which detail the peace offering and the sin offering. He explains the peace offering as a symbol of reconciliation and fellowship between God and man, highlighting its unique aspect where the offerer, priests, and others may partake in the meal. Fr. Matthias outlines the specifics of the animals and parts offered, emphasizing the significance of offering the best portions to the Lord.The discussion then turns to the sin offering, describing its role in atonement for unintentional sins and differentiating it from the trespass offering, which addresses intentional violations requiring restitution. Fr. Matthias explains the procedures for sin offerings according to the status of the sinner—whether high priest, congregation, ruler, or common person—and the symbolic meaning behind each ritual, including the role of blood and the complete burning of the offering.Throughout, Fr. Matthias connects these Old Testament practices to New Testament fulfillment, underscoring the spiritual themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and unity with God and others.Subscribe 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

Effective Family Communication [Part 2] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his discussion on effective family communication, focusing on principles that foster understanding and harmony within relationships. He emphasizes the importance of frequent, honest, and clear communication while actively listening and respecting each other’s perspectives. Fr. Matthias highlights common pitfalls such as attacking language, exaggeration, mind reading, and unmet expectations that often lead to conflict.He explores differences in communication styles between men and women, noting how men may focus more on facts and solutions, while women often express emotions alongside facts. Fr. Matthias stresses the value of framing concerns as personal feelings rather than accusations and encourages spouses to clarify preferences rather than asserting rigid principles.The talk also addresses managing difficult conversations by focusing on manageable topics, allowing time for questions, and recognizing the need for compromise and patience. Fr. Matthias concludes by underscoring communication as essential for building strong, lasting relationships.Subscribe 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

Effective Family Communication [Part 1] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores effective family communication, focusing on how to convey thoughts and feelings clearly while listening actively. He distinguishes between instrumental communication—managing daily tasks—and effective communication, which involves sharing emotions to build intimacy.Fr. Matthias explains types of communication, such as clear versus masked and direct versus indirect, and how these affect family dynamics. He emphasizes the need for honesty, frequent communication, and the importance of choosing the right time and tone to speak.Using biblical examples, Fr. Matthias highlights common communication pitfalls within families and offers practical advice on respecting different perspectives, seeking clarification, and balancing positive and negative interactions to foster healthier relationships.The talk ends with a call to openness, respect, and prayer for guidance to improve communication and restore peace in family life.Subscribe 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