St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

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

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

In this fifth part of his series on the priesthood, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the biblical foundation and significance of the altar in the New Testament Christian church. He addresses objections regarding the existence of the altar by referencing Saint Paul’s writings in Hebrews and Corinthians, emphasizing the distinction between the Old Testament Tabernacle altar and the Christian altar.Fr. Matthias explains the Eucharist as the true bread from heaven, the body and blood of Christ, essential for eternal life and spiritual communion with Jesus. He discusses the necessity of approaching communion with reverence and repentance, responding to misconceptions about the sacrament as merely symbolic or optional. The video also highlights the priest’s unique role in offering the sacrifice during the Divine Liturgy and the continuous nature of Christ’s one sacrifice throughout time.This teaching offers biblical and theological clarity on the altar, the Holy Eucharist, and their vital roles in the life of the Church.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 Priesthood [Part 4] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad))

In this teaching, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the hierarchical structure and distinct ranks within the priesthood. He begins by explaining the clerical ranks starting from the reader, subdeacon, and deacon, highlighting their specific roles and responsibilities in church service and administration. Fr. Matthias details the progression through priesthood, including the roles of priests, higans, and the rarely used episcopos rank, before moving on to the episcopal ranks of bishops, metropolitans, and the pope, emphasizing their distinct spiritual and administrative authorities.He describes the biblical foundations of these ranks, the spiritual qualifications required for each, and the importance of ordination through the laying on of hands by bishops. Fr. Matthias clarifies the differences between ordination and appointment, the concept of apostolic succession, and how these ranks serve the church community. Practical insights into restoring traditional roles, such as subdeacons serving in the altar, are also discussed to encourage focused service within the church hierarchy.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 Priesthood [Part 3] | The Harvest (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his study on the priesthood, exploring its origins and purpose from the Old Testament to the New Testament. He examines how Jesus Christ fulfills the role of the high priest and discusses the continuation of the priesthood among the Gentiles as prophesied in Scripture. Fr. Matthias explains the calling, consecration, and mission of priests, highlighting that the priesthood is a divine selection rather than a human choice. He details the process of ordination, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the significance of priestly garments as visible signs of spiritual authority. The talk also covers the differences in priestly hierarchy between the Old and New Testaments, the establishment of church ranks, and the collaboration between God and the church community in selecting priests. This teaching provides a biblical and ecclesiastical perspective on the priesthood’s enduring role in Christian 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

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

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the unchanging nature of God while explaining the differences between the Old and New Testaments. He clarifies how God’s laws were fulfilled and transformed rather than abolished, highlighting the shift from literal observance to spiritual understanding through Christ and the Holy Spirit. Fr. Matthias discusses the Sabbath’s transformation into the Lord’s Day, the spiritual significance of circumcision and baptism, and the meaning behind Old Testament feasts like Passover and Pentecost. He also explains the continuity and transformation of priesthood from the order of Aaron to the order of Melchizedek, emphasizing Christ’s role as the eternal high priest offering a spiritual sacrifice.This teaching addresses how the Old Testament laws and symbols point to Christ and their fulfillment in Christian faith, helping believers understand the harmony between both Testaments and their practical spiritual applications today.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

”Love Your Neighbor as Yourself” | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning of the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself,” focusing on what it truly means to love oneself from a Christian perspective. He clarifies that self-love is not narcissism, pride, selfishness, or seeking others' approval, but involves being secure and content with who God created us to be. Fr. Matthias emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge, acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses, and seeking healing and repentance as expressions of self-love.He highlights that loving oneself includes recognizing God’s unconditional love, accepting our unique purpose, and believing that even brokenness can be used for good. Fr. Matthias calls for patience and courage to grow through failure, offering ourselves for God’s higher purpose, which leads to true peace and fulfillment beyond worldly pleasures. The message encourages a renewed mindset to love others as we love ourselves through God’s grace.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 3 [Verbal Inspiration] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores 2nd Timothy chapter 3, focusing on St. Paul’s message about the perilous times in the last days and the moral decay prevalent in society. He explains the characteristics that define these times, such as selfishness, pride, disobedience, and deception, and highlights the rejection of God as the root cause. Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of inward transformation through the power of God and Holy Scripture, emphasizing that true godliness goes beyond outward appearance.He addresses the role of Scripture as inspired by God and profitable for doctrine, correction, and righteousness, underscoring its authority in guiding a Christian life. Fr. Matthias also reflects on resisting false teachers, the necessity of holy tradition for interpreting Scripture, and the reality of spiritual warfare faced by all believers. The talk concludes with practical advice on remaining faithful and discerning in a world full of deception.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 the Encourager | Sermon (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores how Christ acts as an encourager through various examples from Scripture. He highlights how Jesus involved simple and ordinary people in His ministry, making them feel needed and valued despite their weaknesses. Fr. Matthias discusses Christ’s patience with human faults, His recognition of the lowly in heart like Zacchaeus, and His choice of those often overlooked by society.Fr. Matthias also explains how Christ defends sinners, offers hope for repentance, and rewards sincere effort regardless of the scale of achievement. Through stories such as the miraculous catch of fish, the healing of the adulterous woman, and the restoration of St. Peter, the message centers on God’s mercy and inclusion.This message encourages believers to reflect Christ’s example by uplifting others with patience, hope, and understanding in their daily lives.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 2 [A Good Soldier Studies] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores 2 Timothy Chapter 2, emphasizing the role of St. Timothy as a leader tasked with ordaining faithful men who can teach others and uphold apostolic teachings. Fr. Matthias discusses the importance of preserving true doctrine and avoiding endless disputes that harm the Church’s unity. He explains the metaphor of a good soldier enduring hardships, focusing on spiritual warfare and the struggle against sin with reliance on God’s grace.Fr. Matthias highlights the necessity of adhering to the moral law and the teachings of Christ as “the rules” for Christian life. He addresses challenges of false teachings, such as Gnosticism, and the significance of repentance and God’s faithfulness. The talk concludes by encouraging believers to be vessels of honor, avoiding idle babble and strife, while showing patience and humility in teaching others for their salvation.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