St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores several parables that highlight contrasts between attitudes and behaviors in the Christian life. Starting with the Parable of the Prodigal Son, he contrasts the mercy extended to the repentant younger son with the bitterness of the obedient older brother, emphasizing the value of humility and forgiveness. Fr. Matthias then discusses the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, illustrating the difference between self-righteousness and repentant humility.He also reflects on the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders, urging spiritual preparation on a solid foundation in Christ. The Parable of the Faithful and Evil Servants teaches stewardship and faithfulness during times of waiting. Further parables explore obedience versus empty words and the depth of love that comes from recognizing one’s need for God’s mercy. Through these comparisons, Fr. Matthias reveals lessons on repentance, mercy, faithfulness, and spiritual self-awareness.#ChristianParables #RepentanceAndMercy #FaithfulStewardship #ParableSermon #HumilityInFaith #SpiritualWisdom #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

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the meaning of taking responsibility and its impact on teamwork and service within the church and workplace. He discusses how every role, no matter how visible or repetitive, is essential to the success of the whole system, using examples from church ministries and the story of Moses.Fr. Matthias addresses common reactions to responsibility, such as making excuses, doubting abilities, delegating to others, or accepting tasks without follow-through. He highlights the importance of accountability, communication, and realistic planning in fulfilling duties effectively.Through practical examples, Fr. Matthias emphasizes that understanding the value of one’s role motivates faithful execution, and leadership involves coordinating and encouraging collective effort. This talk sets the foundation for how personality and teamwork influence accomplishing goals, with a promise to explore these themes further in a follow-up session.#ChristianLeadership #TakingResponsibility #ChurchMinistry #FaithInAction #TeamworkInFaith #AccountabilityInChrist #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

In this teaching, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores lessons from the life of Hosea, focusing on key spiritual truths such as the fleeting nature of faithfulness and the importance of relying solely on God for help. He examines the metaphor of fallow ground to highlight the need for cultivating our God-given talents and serving Him genuinely. Fr. Matthias reflects on God’s longsuffering and compassion despite human sinfulness, emphasizing that divine discipline is motivated by love rather than judgment.Drawing from Hosea’s story and biblical examples like St. Mary of Egypt, he discusses true sanctification as a gradual process requiring sincere repentance, persistent effort, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Fr. Matthias encourages believers to embrace spiritual struggle and sacrifice as necessary steps toward transformation and growth in holiness. This message invites viewers to renew their commitment to God and understand the depth of His mercy and patience.#LifeOfHosea #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianTeaching #GodsMercy #HolinessJourney #FaithfulnessInChrist #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

In this continuation of his series on the life of the prophet Hosea, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores key spiritual lessons drawn from Hosea’s message to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Fr. Matthias discusses how the Israelites sought help from other nations instead of God, illustrating the futility of trying to outsmart divine justice and the importance of turning to God as our true source of help.He emphasizes that disobedience to God carries real consequences, despite God’s mercy and numerous warnings. Fr. Matthias also explains the concept of “fallow ground” as the neglected soul, urging believers to cultivate righteousness through repentance and spiritual effort. He distinguishes between merely calling on God in times of trouble and truly exalting Him as the center of life. Drawing on Scripture, Fr. Matthias warns that external works or miracles mean nothing without a repentant heart and submission to God’s will.This teaching invites reflection on repentance, sincerity in faith, and the readiness to prioritize God over temporary worldly pursuits.#LifeOfHosea #ChristianRepentance #FaithAndObedience #SpiritualLessons #GodsMercy #ProphetHosea #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

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the lessons from the Temptations of Christ as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. He explains that temptations are allowed by God as a means for spiritual growth and reliance on Him. Fr. Matthias emphasizes that temptations come to everyone, even the strongest and holiest, and often occur during times of weakness, such as fasting. He highlights that God permits these challenges to test, purify, and teach believers to pray with fervency.Fr. Matthias also discusses the reality of spiritual warfare, reminding viewers that the world is a battlefield where the devil seeks to lead believers astray. The temptation of Christ serves as both a model and a warning to remain vigilant and persistent in faith. This message is particularly relevant for those undergoing the Great Fast, encouraging perseverance and dependence on God's mercy throughout spiritual struggles.#TemptationsOfChrist #SpiritualWarfare #FaithInChrist #ChristianSermon #GreatFast #PrayerAndPerseverance #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

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his detailed exploration of Leviticus chapters 20 to 22, focusing on the penalties for lawbreakers and the conduct expected of priests. He examines God’s commandments regarding forbidden relationships, idolatry, and ritual purity, emphasizing the serious consequences for those who transgress these laws. Fr. Matthias explains the role and responsibilities of the priests as representatives of Christ, outlining the restrictions placed on them to maintain holiness in their service.He also discusses the significance of distinguishing between clean and unclean, the importance of upholding God’s statutes, and the purpose behind the Old Testament punishments. Fr. Matthias addresses the transition from Old Testament law to New Testament grace, and the ongoing call for accountability within the community. This study offers a comprehensive look at God’s design for holiness and the priestly vocation in the context of covenant faithfulness.#LeviticusStudy #OldTestamentLaw #PriestlyConduct #BibleStudy #ChristianTeaching #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

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues his study of Leviticus, focusing on chapters 18 and 19, which address laws of sexual morality and ceremonial statutes. He explores God’s instructions to the Israelites to distinguish their practices from surrounding nations, especially regarding prohibited familial sexual relationships, adultery, and idolatry. Fr. Matthias explains the spiritual and physical reasons behind these laws, including the consequences of sin and the importance of holiness.He also covers statutes related to social justice, such as fairness in judgment, caring for the poor and stranger, and ethical business practices. The teaching highlights the biblical foundation for loving one’s neighbor and not holding grudges. Fr. Matthias discusses the reasons behind prohibitions on mixing seeds, animals, and fabrics, as well as warnings against practices like divination and tattooing linked to pagan rites.The talk provides historical context for these commandments and connects them to both Old and New Testament teachings on morality and holiness.#LeviticusBibleStudy #ChristianMorality #BiblicalLaws #Holiness #FaithAndObedience #OldTestamentTeaching #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

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Leviticus chapters 15 to 17, focusing on the laws of bodily discharges, the Day of Atonement, and the significance of blood in atonement rituals. He examines distinctions between natural and disease-related discharges, highlighting the role of sin offerings and ritual washing. Fr. Matthias explains the detailed procedures of the Day of Atonement, including the high priest’s entrance into the Holy of Holies, the use of two goats—one sacrificed and one sent into the wilderness as a scapegoat—and symbolic connections to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.The teaching also addresses the prohibition against offering sacrifices or consuming blood outside designated practices, emphasizing the importance of the Tabernacle as the central place of worship. Fr. Matthias concludes by discussing how some Levitical laws relate to hygiene, symbolism, and moral principles, clarifying which laws Christians continue to observe.#LeviticusBibleStudy #DayOfAtonement #ChristianTeaching #BloodInTheBible #BiblicalSacrifices #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

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Leviticus chapters 12 to 14, focusing on the rituals surrounding childbirth and the laws of leprosy. He examines the Old Testament’s ceremonial concepts of cleanliness, explaining how childbirth was associated with ritual impurity due to original sin, and discusses the significance of circumcision and purification offerings. Fr. Matthias also clarifies the various conditions described as “leprosy” in Scripture, including skin diseases and mold in garments or houses, and the priest’s role in diagnosis, quarantine, and purification rites. He connects these Old Testament practices to New Testament teachings, emphasizing their symbolic meanings related to sin, repentance, and restoration within the community. The study highlights how these laws served both spiritual and practical purposes, portraying God’s patience and mercy toward sinners, and offering insight into the continuity between Old Testament rituals and Christian sacramental life.#LeviticusStudy #BibleStudy #ChristianTeaching #OldTestament #FaithAndPurity #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

In this teaching, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the life and mission of the prophet Hosea, focusing on his unique role as a prophet who was commanded by God to marry a harlot as a living symbol of Israel’s unfaithfulness. Fr. Matthias explains the cycle of the Israelites’ fleeting faithfulness and highlights the importance of building a faith founded on commitment rather than emotions.He discusses the challenges of true faithfulness, drawing parallels with biblical figures like Job, King David, and the three youths in the fiery furnace, emphasizing that spiritual maturity is revealed through perseverance in trials and consistent virtue rather than transient feelings. Fr. Matthias also addresses the alignment of mind, will, and heart in discerning God’s will, encouraging disciplined spiritual growth through repentance and steadfastness.This message invites reflection on the nature of faith, the trials that test it, and how believers can grow deeper in their relationship with God.#ProphetHosea #ChristianFaith #SpiritualGrowth #BiblicalTeachings #FaithfulnessInChrist #ChristianPerseverance #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