St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church of Houston

Harmony of the Gospels [Covetousness & Watchfulness] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores Jesus’ teachings on covetousness, worry, and watchfulness as the Lord journeys toward Jerusalem. Fr. Matthias explains the difference between planning and worry, emphasizing Christ’s call to trust God for our needs rather than fixating on material possessions. Using examples from nature and parables, he highlights the importance of seeking the kingdom of God first and storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.Fr. Matthias also unpacks the call to be watchful and prepared for the Lord’s return, illustrating the consequences of neglecting spiritual stewardship and the blessings for those who remain faithful. He discusses the division Christ’s message brings and the necessity of repentance before judgment. The study concludes with reflections on faith, mercy, and the power of Christ’s healing.This teaching provides guidance on living a life centered on spiritual vigilance, trust in God’s provision, and readiness for the coming of the Son of Man.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

Harmony of the Gospels [The Light of the Body & What to Fear] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the metaphor of the eye as the lamp of the body, drawing from passages in Matthew and Luke to explain how spiritual vision affects the believer’s whole life. He examines the role of grace and inner purity in producing visible fruit that leads others to faith. Fr. Matthias then discusses the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, detailing their legalism, pride, and burdening of the people with harsh rules, contrasting their outward appearance with inward corruption. He highlights Jesus’ teachings on humility, servant leadership, and the consequences of rejecting true obedience.Fr. Matthias concludes with Christ’s instructions on fearing God over persecutors, trusting in divine protection, and boldly confessing faith in the face of opposition. This study connects Scripture with pastoral application, emphasizing authentic spiritual transformation and courageous witness.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

Decision Making in Marriage | SA&SP Couple’s Meeting (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the complexities of decision-making within marriage, emphasizing that marriage is a team effort where every choice impacts both spouses. He discusses how differences in decision styles can lead to conflict and highlights the importance of compromise, communication, and shared responsibility in making joint decisions. Fr. Matthias addresses common challenges like financial disagreements, the significance of prioritizing a spouse’s needs, and navigating emotional versus logical perspectives.He draws from Scripture, including Ephesians and Romans, to explain biblical roles in marriage and the need to lead with love, respect, and validation. Fr. Matthias stresses the value of patience in big decisions, preventing resentment, and maintaining unity over winning arguments. Practical examples illustrate how couples can foster understanding, trust, and harmony by putting love before self-interest in all decisions. This talk offers guidance aimed at strengthening marital relationships through intentional, Christ-centered decision-making.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

Harmony of the Gospels [Effective Prayer & The Sign of Jonah] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad continues exploring the harmony of the Gospels, focusing on effective prayer and the promise that God hears and responds to persistent prayer. He explains the meaning behind Christ’s teachings on asking, seeking, and knocking, emphasizing the relationship of trust believers have with God as a loving Father.Fr. Matthias then addresses accusations against Jesus by the Pharisees, who claim His miracles come from demonic power. He unpacks Christ’s response about a divided kingdom and the nature of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit as the unforgivable sin. The lesson includes explanations of demon possession, the return of unclean spirits, and how believers must maintain spiritual vigilance.Lastly, Fr. Matthias discusses the Sign of Jonah, illustrating Jesus’ death and resurrection as the ultimate sign, and compares the repentance of Nineveh and the Queen of Sheba with the unbelief of Christ’s contemporaries, urging a heart of repentance and faith.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

Harmony of the Gospels [The Good Samaritan & The Lord’s Prayer] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels by examining key passages from Luke, including the journey of Jesus toward Jerusalem. He begins with the parable of the Good Samaritan, highlighting the lawyer's challenge to Jesus about inheriting eternal life and explaining both the literal and allegorical meanings of the parable. Fr. Matthias shows how the priest and Levite represent the Old Testament law and prophets, while the Samaritan symbolizes Christ’s compassion and salvation through the Church.He then contrasts the attitudes of Mary and Martha to discuss the balance between service and devotion, emphasizing the priority of listening to Christ’s word.Finally, Fr. Matthias breaks down the Lord’s Prayer, emphasizing its role as a personal conversation with God, the meaning behind each petition, and the call for humility, forgiveness, and submission to God's will. This Bible study invites deeper reflection on love, prayer, and living out faith.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

Harmony of the Gospels [Feast of Dedication & Sending the 70] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad continues the study of the harmony of the Gospels by exploring Jesus' ministry during the Feast of Dedication, also known as Hanukkah, and his journey toward Jerusalem. He explains the historical background of the feast, highlighting its origins in the time of the Maccabees and its significance as a celebration of the temple’s rededication.Fr. Matthias discusses Jesus’ declaration of divinity during the feast, his teaching about being the Good Shepherd, and the spiritual nature of faith as expressed in following Christ and receiving eternal life. The talk also covers the sending of the 70 apostles, emphasizing their mission to evangelize, rely on God’s provision, and persevere through rejection.The teaching highlights the unity of the Father and the Son, the authority given to the apostles over evil, and the importance of rejoicing in salvation over miracles. Fr. Matthias concludes by reflecting on the disciples’ unique blessing to witness Christ’s mission and the ongoing call to spread the Gospel.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

Youth Attitudes Toward the Church, and What We Can Do About It | The Harvest (Joe Costandy)

Joe Costandy explores the challenges facing youth engagement in the Church and examines secular research on declining Christian affiliation among younger generations. He discusses factors such as youth feeling unwelcome, perceiving the Church as restrictive, and struggles with relevance and intellectual doubts. Joe highlights studies showing the strong influence of family religious conversations on maintaining faith and explains that many young people have their moral and religious views shaped by age 12 or 13. He also addresses common reasons youth give for leaving, including disagreements with social issues and the experience of judgment within the Church. Solutions focus on encouraging open faith conversations at home, involving parents more deeply, and creating a welcoming church environment that connects faith to real life. Joe underscores the importance of teaching children that repentance welcomes them back into the community. This talk provides insight into youth attitudes toward faith and practical steps toward nurturing lasting connection to 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

Harmony of the Gospels [Woman Caught in Adultery] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad examines the harmony of the Gospels through the story of the woman caught in adultery, as recorded in John chapter 8. He explores the significance of Jesus’ interaction with the Pharisees, highlighting how Christ exposes their hypocrisy while upholding both the Mosaic law and divine mercy. Fr. Matthias explains Jesus’ teaching on salt and fire as symbols of purification and preservation, then delves into Christ’s declaration, “I am the light of the world,” emphasizing the spiritual freedom found in following Him. The discussion addresses themes of sin, judgment, salvation, and the identity of Christ as the Son of God, revealing the tension between worldly authority and divine truth. Fr. Matthias concludes by clarifying that salvation comes through faith in Christ, who frees believers from the bondage of sin, and calls for a life transformed by grace and obedience to God’s word.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

Harmony of the Gospels [Journey Towards Jerusalem] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the transition in Jesus’ ministry as He sets His face toward Jerusalem, marking a new phase leading to His crucifixion and resurrection. He discusses Jesus’ journey from Galilee to Judea, including interactions with His disciples, the rejection by Samaritans, and teachings during the Feast of Tabernacles.Fr. Matthias examines key Gospel passages highlighting the cost of discipleship, the urgency of following Christ, and the spiritual blindness of some who doubt Jesus’ identity as the Messiah. The talk addresses Jesus’ confrontation with Jewish leaders over the law and His assertion of divine authority, along with the division among the people regarding His true mission.This Bible study focuses on understanding the harmony of the Gospels, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the spiritual implications of Jesus’ teachings before His final journey to Jerusalem.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

Harmony of the Gospels [Back in Galilee] | Bible Study (Fr. Matthias Shehad)

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the harmony of the Gospels focusing on the section "Back in Galilee," where Jesus resumes His ministry. Fr. Matthias unpacks stories such as Jesus paying the temple tax through a miraculous catch of a fish, demonstrating both His divine identity and humility. He then examines the disciples' dispute about greatness in the kingdom of heaven, emphasizing Jesus’ teaching that true greatness is found in childlike humility and trust.Fr. Matthias also discusses Jesus’ approach to those who perform miracles in His name but are not among the disciples, highlighting the openness of the Holy Spirit’s work beyond the immediate followers. The session covers Jesus’ strong warnings against causing others to sin, especially children, and explains the parable of the lost sheep, illustrating God's care for every individual.The talk addresses conflict resolution within the Church, the authority of binding and loosing, and concludes with the parable of the unmerciful servant, teaching the necessity of forgiveness as modeled by God’s mercy toward us. Throughout, Fr. Matthias connects these passages to practical spiritual growth, humility, and community 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