St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Lessons from the Life of Samuel the Prophet [Part 1] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this first part of the series, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores key lessons from the life of Samuel the prophet as recorded in 1 and 2 Samuel. He begins with Samuel’s responsiveness to God’s calling, highlighting the importance of attentiveness and immediate obedience to God’s voice, even when it is challenging or unclear. Fr. Matthias also discusses the courage Samuel showed in speaking the difficult truths God revealed, using Samuel’s interaction with Eli to demonstrate honest communication without fear or embellishment.Additionally, Fr. Matthias explains how Samuel embraced the sins of others as his own, interceding for the people with humility and responsibility rather than judgment. The talk emphasizes personal accountability, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own shortcomings instead of blaming external factors. These foundational lessons set the stage for understanding Samuel’s prophetic role and the spiritual qualities needed to serve God faithfully.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

Rites of Holy Baptism [Part 1] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this detailed talk, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the rites and spiritual significance of Holy Baptism in the Coptic Orthodox Church. He explains baptism as the first sacrament and “door” to all others, highlighting its visible and invisible elements through water and the Holy Spirit. Fr. Matthias discusses the biblical foundations of baptism, including Christ’s baptism at Theophany and teachings from St. Peter and St. Paul about repentance, forgiveness, and new life in Christ through baptism by immersion as a symbol of death and resurrection.He outlines the four main parts of the baptismal rite, including prayers of absolution for the mother, renunciation of Satan, anointing with three oils, and the consecration of the baptismal water. Fr. Matthias also addresses practices around infant baptism, the spiritual meaning behind facing east and west during the rite, and the historical role of baptism in the early church.The presentation sets the stage for a follow-up session on the completion of the baptismal ceremony and confirmation. This teaching provides foundational understanding for anyone interested in Coptic baptismal theology and practice.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 Samuel the Prophet [Part 3] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this concluding part of the series on Samuel the Prophet, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores key lessons from Samuel’s life, focusing on managing disappointment and the dangers of judging by outward appearances. Fr. Matthias reflects on Samuel’s personal struggle with Saul’s rejection as king and how God’s plan was greater than Samuel’s expectations, illustrating the importance of trusting God’s wisdom during times of unmet hopes.He also discusses how God chooses leaders based on the heart rather than external qualities, using examples from Scripture such as David’s anointing and the humility of others like the disciples and St. Simon the Tanner. Fr. Matthias encourages viewers to seek God’s guidance in making decisions and to recognize that true value lies beyond physical appearance or status. This talk offers spiritual insights on faith, obedience, and God’s greater purpose in life’s challenges.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 Samuel the Prophet [Part 2] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this continuation of his series on Samuel the prophet, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores key lessons from Samuel’s life that remain relevant today. He discusses Samuel’s trust in God over human leaders, highlighting the people’s desire for a king as a rejection of God’s kingship. Fr. Matthias explains the importance of praying for those who reject us and maintaining faith despite rejection or failure, drawing parallels with biblical figures like Joseph and David.He reflects on the source of true wisdom and authority as coming from God alone, using examples from the lives of prophets and apostles. Finally, Fr. Matthias emphasizes the necessity of obedience to God’s commands rather than following personal interpretations of what might please God, illustrated through Saul’s disobedience.This teaching offers spiritual insights on trust, humility, obedience, and perseverance rooted in biblical history.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 Flight of the Holy Family | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the flight of the Holy Family from Israel to Egypt, highlighting key spiritual lessons from their journey. He emphasizes the importance of immediate obedience to God’s will, even in uncertain and challenging circumstances.Fr. Matthias discusses the power of faith during trials and the humility demonstrated by Jesus and His family in their vulnerability as refugees. He also addresses the reality of persecution for righteousness and how enduring suffering can contribute to the spread of God’s word, using the Holy Family’s impact in Egypt as an example.Finally, Fr. Matthias reflects on the ultimate victory of God over evil through perseverance. This message encourages believers to trust in God’s plan, embrace suffering with faith, and remain steadfast in their spiritual walk.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

Persecution of the Church | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of persecution throughout the history of the Church, beginning with the early challenges faced by the Holy Family. He explains how persecution has evolved, from physical threats to more subtle social pressures, and how believers today face different forms of trials.Fr. Matthias emphasizes six key responses to persecution: not being surprised by trials, not being terrified, avoiding distraction, maintaining faith without doubt, resisting defeat by overcoming evil with good, and staying united to prevent division.He highlights the importance of spiritual vigilance, relying on God’s protection, and keeping focus on eternal life rather than earthly fears. Fr. Matthias encourages endurance and faithfulness, reminding believers that suffering for Christ is part of the Christian journey and calls for steadfastness in the face of adversity.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

6 Reasons Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail | Sermon

In this sermon, the speaker explores six reasons why New Year’s resolutions often fail and how to set goals that lead to lasting change. He explains that unrealistic goals and timelines can cause early discouragement, while goals made impulsively under strong emotions lack long-term feasibility. The importance of creating a clear, specific, and actionable plan is emphasized, drawing on the SMART goal framework—goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.The sermon highlights that achieving a goal is easier than maintaining it, urging consistent effort and incremental progress. Finally, the speaker stresses the need for divine support through prayer and spiritual guidance, reminding viewers that meaningful transformation requires partnership with God. This message encourages setting practical and spiritually aligned goals to foster genuine and sustained personal growth.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

1st John 1:1-2:6 [Christ Is Light] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad begins the study of the First Epistle of St. John, exploring its context, authorship, and key themes. He explains how St. John emphasizes the reality of Christ’s incarnation as true God and true man, countering early heresies like Gnosticism that denied the goodness of the physical world and Christ’s humanity.Fr. Matthias highlights the epistle’s four main purposes: promoting joy, avoiding sin, warning against deceivers, and affirming eternal life. He discusses fellowship as a spiritual communion between believers and God, integral to salvation. The talk examines the contrast between walking in light versus darkness and emphasizes the need for sincere Christian living that aligns with God’s commandments, warning against a lukewarm faith.The teaching covers Christ's role as advocate and propitiation, the necessity of repentance, and the example Christ sets for believers to follow. Fr. Matthias also addresses perseverance in the spiritual life and the challenges of true Christian commitment.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

Blinded by Pride | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the theme of pride as it appears in the Gospel of St. Luke and other biblical texts. He explains how pride leads people to forget God, focusing instead on their own achievements and assuming their success will last forever. Fr. Matthias highlights that pride causes ongoing conflict with others, as prideful individuals resist compromise and often manipulate those around them. He also discusses how pride prevents people from admitting their faults, even when faced with consequences or correction. Drawing from scripture, Fr. Matthias calls listeners to recognize the dangers of pride, seek humility, and rely on God’s guidance. This message connects biblical teachings with everyday struggles against pride and encourages spiritual reflection and growth.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

Nehemiah 10-13 [Dedicating the Wall & The Reforms of Nehemiah] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad concludes his teaching on the book of Nehemiah, focusing on chapters 10 to 13 which cover the dedication of Jerusalem’s wall and the reforms led by Nehemiah. He explains the Covenant renewal where the people pledge to follow God's law, including commitments to avoid intermarriage with pagan nations, observe the Sabbath, and support the temple through tithes and offerings.Fr. Matthias details how, despite Nehemiah’s leadership and reforms, the people struggled with obedience once he was absent, highlighting issues like neglect of the temple and violation of the Sabbath. He reflects on the nature of genuine repentance versus mere external conformity, emphasizing human weakness and the need for God’s grace in true transformation.The study also explores the dedication ceremony and the roles of priests, Levites, and singers in temple worship. Fr. Matthias concludes with insights on faithful service, patience, and the persistent challenge of leading others toward spiritual renewal.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