St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Apologetics Training: Critical Thinking | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the fundamentals of apologetics, focusing on how to defend the Christian faith through critical thinking and clear reasoning. He addresses common misconceptions like the nature of evil, free will, and the burden of proof in discussions about God's existence. Fr. Matthias explains how to identify false assumptions, reverse the burden of proof, and recognize self-refuting statements in arguments against Christianity.He emphasizes the importance of knowing answers to common questions about faith, salvation, and the relationship between Christianity and science, while encouraging reliance on trusted resources and fellow believers for support. Fr. Matthias also highlights distinguishing major doctrines from peripheral issues and using applicable, reasoned responses rather than faith-based answers alone. The talk stresses that faith involves living the truth daily, beyond mere intellectual assent.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

How to Imitate the Lord in Dealing with Others? | Homily (His Grace Bishop Gregory)

His Grace Bishop Gregory reflects on the gospel of the raising of the son of the widow of Naine, emphasizing how the Lord Jesus models compassionate interaction with others. Bishop Gregory highlights three key actions of Christ: seeing each individual as precious, showing deep compassion for those who suffer, and drawing near to offer comfort and healing.He challenges viewers to imitate Christ by recognizing the value of every person, responding to others’ struggles with gentleness, and moving beyond distant or superficial connections to engage personally and meaningfully. Bishop Gregory also reminds us that God’s love extends even to sinners and calls for a relational approach in our dealings, fostering unity as members of the body of Christ.This homily encourages reflection on how to bring Christ’s compassion into everyday relationships to serve and support others with kindness and presence.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 3-4 [Building the Wall and Defending It] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Nehemiah chapters 3 and 4, focusing on the organized and collaborative effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He details how Nehemiah divided the work among 42 groups, including priests, Levites, tradespeople, and families, highlighting the roles of various gates and towers around the city.Fr. Matthias explains the opposition Nehemiah and the workers faced from local enemies and the spiritual significance behind these challenges. He emphasizes Nehemiah’s leadership through prayer, strategic planning, and encouragement, balancing faith with practical defense measures.The study also discusses the interplay of human effort and divine assistance in overcoming obstacles, with lessons on perseverance, leadership, and trusting God amid opposition. Fr. Matthias ends with reflections on spiritual warfare and applying Nehemiah’s example to personal and communal 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

2nd Timothy 4 [Paul’s Thoughts Before Death] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores 2nd Timothy chapter 4, focusing on St. Paul's final instructions to St. Timothy before his martyrdom. He reflects on the nature of accountability before God, emphasizing that true diligence in service is judged by God alone, not by human eyes.Fr. Matthias discusses the role of Christians to preach the Word in all seasons—whether accepted or opposed—and highlights the importance of being consistent and authentic in faith. He explains the necessity of longsuffering, rebuke, exhortation, and teaching in ministry, especially amid societal resistance to truth and the rise of false teachings.Drawing from St. Paul's example, Fr. Matthias encourages believers to endure afflictions, actively engage in evangelism, and fulfill their ministry, recognizing the challenges of living faithfully in a world that often rejects sound doctrine. He also addresses practical questions about individual responsibility in evangelism and the importance of relational, conversational outreach.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

Christ in the Old Testament Feasts | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the significance of the Old Testament feasts and their connection to Christ. He explains how God commanded these feasts to prepare the Israelites for the coming Messiah, emphasizing the symbolism behind each celebration.Fr. Matthias discusses the weekly Sabbath, monthly feasts, and the seven annual feasts given in the Torah: Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Harvest (Pentecost), Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles. He highlights how each feast points to aspects of Christ’s life and mission, such as the Passover representing Christ’s crucifixion and the First Fruits symbolizing His resurrection.The talk also touches on the spiritual meaning of these feasts, including repentance, salvation, covenant, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, drawing parallels between Jewish traditions and New Testament teachings on salvation 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

Halloween | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the origins and meaning of Halloween in the context of Christian faith. He traces Halloween back to its roots in the ancient Celtic pagan fire festival called Samhain, which marked a time when the boundary between the living and the dead was believed to be blurred. Fr. Matthias explains how many Halloween traditions, such as costumes and trick-or-treating, originate from pagan practices intended to confuse or appease spirits.Fr. Matthias contrasts these origins with Christian teachings, noting how the Church established All Saints Day on November 1st to transform the pagan festival into a holy observance. He also discusses the involvement of modern occult and Satanist groups in Halloween celebrations, emphasizing biblical warnings against such practices.The sermon encourages believers to understand the historical and spiritual implications of Halloween and to uphold Christian values by abstaining from participation in this holiday’s practices.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 1-2 [The Ruined Walls & Nehemiah Surveys the Ruins] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the first two chapters of the Book of Nehemiah, focusing on the historical context of Jerusalem's fall and the exile to Babylon. He explains Nehemiah’s role as the king’s cupbearer and his response upon hearing about the ruined walls of Jerusalem. Fr. Matthias outlines Nehemiah’s prayer, leadership, and strategic planning as he seeks permission from King Artaxerxes to rebuild the city’s walls. The study highlights the opposition Nehemiah faced from surrounding nations and his reliance on God’s guidance and favor throughout the rebuilding effort. The talk also addresses the broader themes of faith, perseverance, identity, and the relationship between spiritual and political restoration in Israel’s history. The example of Nehemiah’s leadership offers lessons on prayer, vision, and courage in carrying out God’s will amid 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

Entertaining Adultery [Part 2] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the story of King David and Bathsheba, focusing on the unfolding consequences of David’s adultery and his attempt to cover it up. He explains how David’s desire led him to manipulate the situation, ultimately causing Uriah’s death in battle. Fr. Matthias highlights how sin can cloud judgment and justify destructive actions, emphasizing the spiritual and relational damage that follows.The message explores God’s response through the prophet Nathan’s rebuke, revealing the root sin of covetousness and the severe consequences that David faced, including unrest within his family. Fr. Matthias stresses the biblical perspective on adultery and the seriousness of sin’s effects, illustrating that even hidden sins are known by God and that genuine repentance is vital. This teaching warns against giving in to temptation and underscores the importance of faithfulness and contentment with God's provision.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

Entertaining Adultery [Part 1] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad examines the biblical account of King David’s fall into adultery with Bathsheba as described in 2 Samuel chapters 11 and 12. He highlights David’s shift from a faithful king to a man who succumbs to temptation and makes choices with serious consequences. Fr. Matthias unpacks how idleness, complacency, and unchecked desires led David to sin, starting with seeing Bathsheba and culminating in deceit and attempts to conceal his wrongdoing. The talk explores themes of temptation, sin’s consequences, and the struggle to confess versus hiding sin. Using the story, Fr. Matthias draws parallels to common human weaknesses and encourages vigilance against temptation, emphasizing the dangers of covering up sin rather than seeking repentance. This is part one of the teaching, with a focus on the genesis of David’s sin and its initial aftermath.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

Measuring Our Spiritual Growth | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad discusses how to measure spiritual growth through ten key signs. He explains that true growth involves developing a hunger for knowing God intimately, an increasing awareness of sin paired with repentance, and a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit. Fr. Matthias highlights the importance of a daily desire to be used by God, unwavering obedience regardless of circumstances, and strengthening faith through trusting God’s promises even amid challenges.He emphasizes placing greater value on eternal over worldly things, cultivating a hunger for private prayer, and making decisions in alignment with God’s will. Finally, Fr. Matthias describes spiritual growth as maintaining constant awareness of God’s presence in everyday life. The talk encourages self-examination over time to ensure progress in faith and commitment, recognizing that spiritual maturity is a lifelong, sometimes difficult, process.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