MESSAGES

New message series: “Lift your eyes, live your life” Paul’s Letter to the Philippians
Pastor Manuela shares her message “Expressing Thanks”, Philippians 1:1-11. Even though imprisoned, Paul was thankful to God and to the Philippians for their prayer and support. Paul’s message to them – and to us today – is that God, who has begun a good work in us, will bring it to completion when Jesus returns. Let us continue to trust God as He continues to complete us – a work in progress!

Pastor Manuela shares her message “To God Be The Glory” Psalm 111:1-5, 9-10 Even though blinded at a young age, Fanny Crosby was able to transform her weakness into a blessing as she became one of the most prolific hymn writers in US history. Pastor Manuela asks us to ponder these two questions: Are we able to be content and find joy even in hard circumstances? Do we glorify God with our lives? For the question worksheet click here.

FPCL welcomes Jacob Fruchtman from the Jews for Jesus Ministry as he shares his message “To Remain Faithful”, 1 Timothy 12-17. Through the testimony of one man, 27 members of Jacob’s family became Messianic Jews. Each experienced the transformative power of God’s mercy and grace. As we follow Jesus we are called to serve him faithfully and to share his redemption with others.

God sent Jesus to pay the debt for our sins.  If we believe, confess and repent, we are assured of an eternity in Heaven. Have you ever heard this simple message said differently – maybe with something added or taken away? Learn the Gospel Truth with Elder Jane Moore’s message “Jesus + Anything Else = False Gospel”.

“Small but impactful! (How Great Thou Art)” Psalm 8:1-5.

Pastor Manuela shares the story of the hymn “How Great Thou Art” by Carl Boberg, who was inspired to write the words after witnessing a severe storm and the remarkable beauty after. We may be small compared to the expansiveness of the universe, but we are precious to God who knows and loves us. Share the good news of God’s greatness to others!

Pastor Manuela shares her message “Who is it about anyways?-The Heart of Worship” from John 4:20-30.

Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well that His Father is seeking people to worship him in spirit and truth. Worship is a time to find rest for your soul and to be refreshed. Worship is our response to His love for us. Worship is all about Jesus!

Pastor Manuela’s new message series begins her new message series: “Our Souls Sing”  

When we are able to experience the freedom that salvation in Christ Jesus brings, joy erupts, our life is transformed and we are made anew! Pastor Manuela’s message “Exuberant Joy – Exuberant Action” shares the story of how Charles Wesley renewed his faith with the realization that we are saved by God’s Grace alone. In celebration he wrote the hymn, “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”. 

Pastor Manuela brings her message “Foolishness and Wisdom” using the Parable of the Ten Virgins found in Matthew 25:1-13. All of the women waited expectantly for the bridge groom, but only half were ready when he came in the night. Are you prepared for our Lord Jesus when He comes again? Invite Jesus into your heart today!

Are you reading the signs of the world today or are you following Jesus? Jesus shared the Parable of the Signs and Yeast with his disciples in Matthew 16:1-12. His instructions were to be vigilant for false teachings, much like yeast which spreads quickly and destroys. Learn the steps to stay close to Jesus and God’s Word, seeking truth and fleeing what is false.

Pastor Manuela continues her series of The Parables with her message “How is debt and love connected” using the Parable of the Two Debtors from Luke 7:36-43. Have you accepted the priceless gift of forgiveness – a debt you can never repay? Embrace the immense joy of what God has given!

Pastor Manuela shares her message from Matthew 13:47-52, The Parable of the Net. God wants us to “throw out the net” wide to our family, friends and community sharing the Good News of the Gospel. Then God will do the sorting. Are you ready to take that step?

Ever found a fine pearl? Pastor Manuela shares her message from Matthew 13:45-46, The Parable of the Pearl. God is forming us into a fine pearl when we endure the hardships and pain of life. God’s power is made perfect in weakness. When we become aware of the preciousness of God’s love, He fulfills all of our needs!

Jesus used many parables such as “The Mustard Seed” to teach his disciples. Pastor Manuela brings a modern parable of “The Growing Church” to illustrate how the church can come to life if we let the seed of the Kingdom of God grow among us.

Reading from Genesis 39:6-8a; 11-14 & 19-23, Pastor Manuela tells of Joseph’s resilient faith in overcoming the many perils of his life. God allows for good things to come out of bad, but in His timing. Be assured that God is in control! Letting go is just as important as holding on. Let go and let God!

Pastor Manuela shares her message “Jacob: Persevering Faith” Genesis 32:22-31. Jacob wrestled with God and was blessed. Learn how we also can be blessed by the challenges of life. Perseverance, with God’s help, strengthens our faith and helps us to grow.

Pastor Manuela shares her message “When Faith Develops” from Genesis 1:1-2; Acts 2:1-6; 12-17. The Holy Spirit was present at the beginning of Creation, at Pentecost and is present in our world today. Where are we being led by The Holy Spirit as the Church of Jesus Christ in Levittown?

Pastor Manuela Kauer shares her message: “Noah, Obeying Faith” Genesis 6:5-14; 17-22. Noah built the Ark according to God’s instructions and because of his faith, Noah’s family and the animals were saved. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He will provide when we walk in faithful obedience to Him. Take the step today! Trust God to change you, our community and our world.

Pastor Manuela shares her message “Abraham: Trusting Faith” from Genesis 12:1-3. Abraham surrendered his life to God, left all behind and was blessed. When God calls you out of your comfort zone, do you have the faith to take that step? Let go of your lingering doubts and let God guide you into a new stronger, relationship in Him!

Pastor Ruby Davis shares her message “Where are they” from Jeremiah 29:10-14; 2 Chronicles 7:11-16. Where are the people of God who acknowledge Him in Word AND Deed? As believers, let us walk the walk (and not just the talk) as we share God’s love in our home, workplace, school and community.

Pastor Ruby Davis shares her message “He will never leave you” from Joshua 1:1-9; Hebrews 13:1-6. Using stories from scripture, we can be assured that the Spirit of the Living God is always with us. Let us spread the good news!

Pastor Manuela shares her message “A New Commandment” from John 13:34-35 and 1 John 4:7-16. We love because God first loved us. God’s love was revealed when he sent Jesus to atone for our sins. God gives us many opportunities each day to show His love to others. Take the step and partner with Our Heavenly Father today to love one another!

Pastor Ruby Davis shares “He Left a Message” from Luke 24:1-24. After finding the tomb empty, Mary ran to tell the others. The women, as well as Peter and John, saw the linen coverings but couldn’t help noticing the placement of the facecloth. It was folded and put to the side – as if to signify the owner was not yet finished. Jesus left this as a message for all of us, that He will be back. Let us cling to the hope and promise of the risen Savior until his return!

Resurrection Sunday

Pastor Manuela shares her message “A Stopover that Changed Everything” from John 20:1-12. Discover anew how Jesus made a “stopover” to bring hope, joy and strength to his followers on that first Easter morning. That hope is alive and well in the lives of believers today. We no longer need to fear the future – the stone has been rolled away. Jesus is alive! He is risen indeed!

Pastor Manuela Kauer shares her message “Living Well under God” using the words of King David in Psalm 139. Even though God knows us better than we know ourselves, we still want control of our lives. When we make a mess of things, God lifts our soul and puts us back on track to live our lives well under Him.

Pastor Manuela shares her message “Responding to Whose Expectations?” from Matthew 4:1-11. Are you following the expectations of the world or of God? Walk with Jesus as he was tempted and discover what is most important. Then turn to God and make it “on earth as it is in heaven”.

Pastor Manuela Kauer shares her message “Believing God” from Isaiah 43:1-5a. God is WITH YOU and FOR YOU when you walk through the storms and dark valleys. Hold on to that Truth and Believe!

Using the story of the profit Elijah from 1 Kings 19:1-11 “Being True before God”, Pastor Manuela shares the importance of being silent before God to receive the gift of grace. As we allow ourselves to be known in solitude, we discover and embrace a deeper connection with Him.

When we turn to God we find our true identity. Pastor Manuela shares in her message “A Desire for God” that when we place our desires before Jesus, He brings clarity to our lives. What are you seeking from God today?

Pastor Manuela shares Lenten Devotional Day by Day Session 6 from Matthew 16:21-23; where Peter rebuked Jesus when he was told Jesus must suffer and die. Knowing God’s will and finding time to listen is often a struggle for us. What might be one way your busyness blocks you from communing with the living God?

Pastor Manuela shares Lenten Devotional Day by Day Session 5 from Genesis 32:22-26; 30, where Jacob wrestles with God. In what ways has God put your life plans out of joint so that you might depend on him?

Pastor Manuela Kauer brings Lenten Study Session 4: “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality” Day by Day from 1 John 2:15. “Do not love the world or anything in the world.” What does that mean to you? Each of us is always searching for some peace in the midst of our daily life. Find that peace as you sit with Jesus in this short devotional.

Pastor Manuela Kauer brings Lenten Study Session 3: “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality” Day by Day Morning/Midday Office from Jonah 1:1-4. From the belly of the fish Jonah is forced to be silent and reconnect with God. What internal or external storm may God be sending into your life as a sign that something is not right spiritually?

Join Pastor Manuela Kauer for Lenten Study Session 2: “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality” Day by Day Morning/Midday Office (page 22) How could you make more room in your life for silence in order to listen to God? Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:22-23

Join Pastor Manuela Kauer for Lenten Study Session 1: “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality” Day by Day Morning/Midday Office (page 21) What is blocking the way for you to experience God more fully? Scripture: Mark 11:15-17

The struggles that we face in life, whether physical or spiritual, are difficult and real. The good news is that we do not have to face them alone! As believers we are fully protected with the armor of God. Find out how with Pastor Manuela’s message from Ephesians 6:10-20.

Pastor Manuela shares her message “Darkness from Light” from Ephesians 5:8-14. As children of the light, let us choose to live in the New Reality – living in the light while showing God’s love and forgiveness to those who are in darkness.

Pastor Manuela Kauer shares her message “Words That Destroy or Give Life” from Ephesians 4:25-5:2. Words can have a powerful impact on others in our lives. In world that is filled with anger, gossip and cruelty, let us join together to bring kind, compassionate and caring words to encourage others, and to heal all of us.

Pastor Manuela shares her message “Unity versus Uniformity” from Ephesians 4:1-26.  Even though we do not always agree with one another, we can count on the unity of our church family when we are in need of the love and care of Jesus.

Pastor Manuela Kauer shares her message “A Before and an After” from Ephesians 2:1-10. In Paul’s encouraging letter, he tells the new believers that through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, God entered into our broken condition, allowed us to be renewed, and then repurposed us to do good works for God’s glory.

Pastor Manuela Kauer shares her message “Count Your Blessings” from Ephesians 1:3-14.  Through this encouraging letter written by the Apostle Paul, we can look with new eyes to see the abundant blessings God has given us.

Now that Christmas has past and the New Year is arriving, we wonder what will the New Year bring? How should we respond to the push of the world? Do we make resolutions or trust in Christ? Listen as Elder Jane Moore shares her message from 2 Peter 3:8-10; 11-15 and Wonder No More!

Pastor Manuela shares her message on how something extraordinary took place on Christmas Eve all those years ago. The birth of Jesus in a manger changed our understanding of God. God showed us that he desires to have a personal relationship with each one of us. Through God’s grace, forgiveness, acceptance and love, He continues to change the world.

Pastor Manuela shares her message “The Cost of Christmas” John 1:1-5; 10-14. God opened his heart and sent his son Jesus to us. Are you willing to give the gift of restoring a lasting relationship? Let this season of advent be one of giving and receiving precious gifts.

Pastor Manuela Kauer shares her message for the first week of Advent with The Annunciation to Mary by the angel Gabriel. Through the example of Mary’s great faith, we can “Expect the Unexpected” in our lives, making God our priority even in difficult times. Let us prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of our Savior!

Pastor Manuela Kauer shares her message from Acts 16:9-15. Learn the steps to “Live Outside the Lies” that keep us from sharing the Good News of the Gospel to friends, family and the community.

Pastor Manuela Kauer shares her message “Living Outside for God” from Acts 10:1-5; 9-16. God brings Cornelius, a Roman Centurion and the Apostle Peter together to show us how we are to love our neighbors as well as those we believe are our enemies – despite our differences. God will use our obedience and generosity as he used theirs to glorify His name.

Pastor Manuela Kauer shares her message:
“Living Outside Rejection” from Acts 8:26-40
God does not let us alone in our journey of “rejection” whatever it is and for whatever reason it has come about. He walks with us and invites us to be closer to Him in those times. Find out how God partners with us to find a way to turn things around.

Pastor Manuela Kauer shares her message on how we can move beyond conflict to wise solutions that will bring us new life in Christ. Acts 6:1-7

Pastor Manuela shares her message on how we can live outside materialism by working together to stand in contrast to the world by putting others first, loving our enemies and storing up treasures not on earth but in heaven. Acts 4:32-35

How do you face your realities and fears? Join Pastor Manuela Kauer as she shares her message “Living Outside Fears” from
Acts 4:1-4; 9-12. When we invite God into the picture, we can live outside our fears and be empowered to face the challenges of life.

Elder Ken Fravel shares his message on the Day of Pentecost from Acts 2:1-12. Just like the early believers, we too can become empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring the good news of the Gospel to others, and to discover the ministry God has planned for us.

Pastor Manuela Kauer shares how we must live outside our assumptions to help us “Break the Walls” of the church in bringing hope, love and the Good News of the Gospel to the community and beyond. Acts 1:1-11

Pastor Manuela Kauer shares how you can live a fuller life when you are connected with God and with each other.

Pastor Manuela Kauer shares her message on how we can “Surf the Wave” through life’s ups and downs when we are connected with one another and with our church family.

God did not create us to experience life alone.  It is important for us to connect with one another to flourish as people, develop as a community, and grow in our faith. Find out how Growth Groups can encourage one another, celebrate life’s accomplishments, observe traditions and create new ones, and rejoice together when God answers their prayers. Take the step. Growth your faith. Make the connection with your God and church family.

1st Corinthians Chapter 13 is well known as the wedding scripture.  Elder Jane Moore shares her message on how Paul’s letter can be used in our daily lives. 

Our God loves and provides for us, but He also has expectations as well. First Presbyterian of Levittown’s Ken Fravel shares how the bible tells us what we need to know to get ready for the best vacation ever – eternity.

First Presbyterian of Levittown’s Jackie Addis shares her personal reflections referencing the beloved scripture John 15:5. As followers of Jesus, we can grow in our faith and bear much fruit when we stay connected to Him.

Great is thy Faithfulness!

All of us have experienced times of sadness and lament in our lives. Pastor Manuela shares how the beautiful hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness”, written by Thomas Chisholm, shows us how we can be strengthened when we put our faith and hope in our Lord.

Just as I Am

Pastor Manuela Kauer reveals how the healing touch of Jesus is available to each one of us and is as close as our own breath. Using the verses of a beloved hymn, Jesus invites us to “come just as you are” with our fear and doubts, and see how He can transform you!

Surprise – How Deep the Father’s Love for Us

Our modern world points us to ourselves, our wants, desires, our feelings. Marketing targets us with the goal of selling what is not necessary, of hiding the One who provides us all we really need. In this series we are going to learn through songs, hymns, and Word, how to shift our attention to that Creator and Maker of all who continues to surprise us. This time the focus will be on the Lord more than on ourselves!

Faith

Pastor Ruby Davis shares verses from the Holy Word on how our FAITH can stand OUT LOUD and CLEAR when we Speak it…Believe it…and Receive it!