Audio files of Sunday talks
Click on any of the links below to enjoy our recent Sunday talks.
We provide a Zoom link for those who wish to join our meetings remotely - click here to request the Zoom link for the meeting.
|
November 24, 2024
Free for freedom 2 Tim Sparkes Bible reference Galatians 5. |
This week, we delve into the concept of freedom, posing significant questions and contemplating what it is that liberates us.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
November 17, 2024
Free for freedom Tim Sparkes Bible reference Galatians 5.1 |
The Apostle Paul was intimately familiar with the notion of being confined and imprisoned. He exhorts us to acknowledge the perils of enslavement to sin as opposed to yielding to God's grace and embracing the ensuing freedom.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
November 10, 2024
Love one another Tim Sparkes Bible reference John 13.34 |
Peter was a figure of strength. Jesus demonstrated His love for us in His interactions with Peter, being patient yet resolute. Ultimately, Peter was transformed by Jesus' approach. John's Gospel instructs us to love one another as Jesus has loved us.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
November 3, 2024
Strong and kind Tim Sparkes Bible reference Neh 8.10 |
In Nehemiah, it is taught that we should not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is our strength. This passage invites us to consider the meaning of this statement and its application in life. It also reveals that kindness is essential and becomes evident when we draw strength from the Lord.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
October 27, 2024
God's peace Tim Sparkes Bible reference John 14 |
This week we explore three verses on God's peace. It is a gift we hardly recognise and feels at times, totally unattainable. So how do we get peace? We begin to unpack this big topic.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
October 20, 2024
Change of heart Tim Sparkes Bible reference Psalm 84 |
We can go from strength to strength if we chose to follow the path that God has for us. Even our darkest moments can become as the light. Our spirit's are safe with Him, but we choose what we do with our minds.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
October 6, 2024
Search me Tim Sparkes Bible reference Psalm 139 |
We may sometimes say sorry for causing offense to someone, but how often would we ask if there is any offensive way in me? This is what the Psalmist did. It takes trust and humility to be this vulnerable. We can trust someone who knows and loves us. Psalm 139 gives us an illustration of God's heart for us.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
September 29, 2024
Interactions Tim Sparkes Bible reference Luke 17 |
Another look at the story of Jesus healing the ten lepers. Whatever happened to the one who came back to thank Jesus? We are not given anymore details, but we know in that brief interaction with Christ, his life would have been set on a very different path. We have the opportunity to chose to interact with Him on a daily basis
Click here to download the talk
|
|
September 22, 2024
Only one came back Tim Sparkes Bible reference Luke 16 and 17 |
Both stories covered in this week's talk could leave us feeling condemned. We have to understand the message behind each one and learn to be mindful of what God is saying.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
September 8, 2024
Saved not Judged Tim Sparkes Bible reference Romans 15, |
Accepting the gift of our salvation can be difficult if we wrestle with feeling unworthy. Paul explains that Christ was not sent to judge the world, rather to save it. If someone knows and loves you they will speak up when you are going wrong. We have to acknowledge this for what it is and respond accordingly.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
September 1, 2024
Maturing a different way Tim Sparkes Bible reference Romans 15, Ephesians 4 |
What does it mean to bear with one another? A difficult challenge to act as Christ to the people closest to us. By the renewing of our mind we become mature and allow God's heart to overcome our will.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
August 25, 2024
Romans 15 Tim Sparkes Bible reference Romans 15 |
An inspiring story brings the truths within Romans 15 to life. The choices we make to put God first enable us to push forward with endurance and hope as we glorify God.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
August 18, 2024
Rekabites 2 Tim Sparkes Bible reference Jeremiah 35, Matthew 16 |
A second look a the the story of the Rekabites. They were obedient to their forefathers instructions. God uses these people as an example of what it means to make good decisions to put Him first in our lives.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
August 4, 2024
Rekabites Tim Sparkes Bible reference Jeremiah 35 |
The story of the Rekabites is a sharp reminder of God's desire for us to obey Him. He has what is best for us if we are able to put our trust in Him. We have to surrender our Will.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
July 28, 2024
Idols Tim Sparkes Bible reference 1 John 5 |
A final look at 1 John. We are warned against having idols in our lives. This is anything that replaces God's truth. We discover how our minds can mislead us and set us on a path away from God. It is worth challenging some of the thought processes.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
July 21, 2024
Truth substitute Tim Sparkes Bible reference 1 John 5 |
We can become a watered down, weakened version of ourselves if we chose to not recognise God and the place He can have in our lives. This week we recognise our place as His children and the impact that this can have. We are also aware of what can replace God if we don't have his understanding.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
July 14, 2024
Unobserved ways Tim Sparkes Bible reference Luke 17 |
Making connections with people can be challenging and social situations can be awkward. However, there is an unseen power at work in our lives that is not burdensome. It has the ability to enable us to be all we can be to reflect the love of God.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
July 7, 2024
Love made complete Tim Sparkes Bible reference 1 John 4 |
What does it mean to be loved? We need to begin to understand the difference between love and God's love. When we do, we have the chance to live in the good of God's love. How would you describe yourself now, and would it be different if God's love was the defining influence?
Click here to download the talk
|
|
June 30, 2024
God is love Tim Sparkes Bible reference 1 John 4 |
Do we grieve the Spirit of God? Are we aware of what is being done in our hearts? Have we closed the door in our hearts? If God is love then we can trust He is working for our best. We can afford to hear the message and respond to it.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
June 23, 2024
Hearts at rest Tim Sparkes Bible reference 1 John 3 |
Do we judge ourselves too harshly? Do we view ourselves negatively? If so, it is very difficult to show love and acceptance to other people. Understanding ourselves and having God's view of who we are sets us free to show His love. We look at a different way of doing things this week. Are you up for the challenge?
Click here to download the talk
|
|
June 16, 2024
Children of God Tim Sparkes Bible reference 1 John 3 |
What does it mean to be a child of God, and what impact does it have on our view of life? When we realise we are deeply loved it has to influence our choices. The Christian faith can become a pressure if we try to manage it ourselves. God will give you one thing to do!
Click here to download the talk
|
|
June 9, 2024
Stone in your shoe Tim Sparkes Bible reference 1 John 2. 7- 28 |
If someone has a injured back or walks with a limp, their discomfort and limitations are obvious. It is less obvious to see the issues of the heart. perhaps we have the equivalent of a stone in our shoe. It might be time to remove it!
Click here to download the talk
|
|
June 2, 2024
1 John 2 Tim Sparkes Bible reference 1 John 2. 1-6 |
The way to walk with God is to be obedient. His love is made complete in us when we do as He wants. Perhaps there are areas of our lives where we need to respond differently. Perhaps we need to ask some tough questions of ourselves.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
May 26, 2024
What is written Tim Sparkes Bible reference 1,2,3 John, Revelation 1 |
The introductions to John's letters teach us the importance of considering how we respond to God's word. If we have witnessed who God is in our lives then we must respond and make the necessary changes that He requires.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
May 19, 2024
Bigger heart Tim Sparkes Bible reference Matthew 7, Psalm 119, 1 Kings |
In 1 Kings 4:9 (KJV) the phrase 'largeness of heart' is used to describe what God gave to Solomon. The Psalmist in 119: 32 also states 'you will enlarge my heart' We consider what this means and continue to use the verses in Matthew 7 as a reference point.
|
|
May 12, 2024
Firm Foundation 2 Tim Sparkes Bible reference Matthew 7, Psalm 51 |
We take another look at having our foundations in God rather than trying to stand under our own strength. We also consider the changes that are needed in order to have a clean heart. Psalm 51 gives us the insights and encouragement.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
May 5, 2024
Firm Foundation Tim Sparkes Bible reference Matthew 7 |
Matthew 7 has the story of the house that stood frim and the house that collapsed. In both cases it was related to the foundations they were built upon. We tackle the issue of how our foundations can be strengthened .
Click here to download the talk
|
|
April 28, 2024
Matthew 5 Tim Sparkes Bible reference Matthew 5 |
Jesus words in Matthew 5 give us encouragement to live lives according to God's high standards. God knows we will make mistakes and get it wrong, but that must not be the determining factor in our lives.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
April 21, 2024
Home church 2 Tim Sparkes Bible reference Matthew 4 and 6 |
A second look at Jesus words to hunger and thirst. When we commit to putting God first He has a way of revealing to us what is in our hearts. We must be prepared to look, We ask a probing question to see what is in our hearts.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
April 14, 2024
Food for thought Tim Sparkes Bible reference Matthew 4 and 6 |
Jesus spoke of relying on God rather than on bread alone. He also said we were to hunger and thirst for righteousness. We look into these challenging passages and begin to unpack their meaning and the impact it can have on our lives.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
April 7, 2024
'Though he slay me' Stephen Hall Bible reference Job 13 |
'Though he slay me, yet will I hope in Him.' Job 13, 15. Stephen shares his personal experiences of God's faithfulness during testing times. An encouragement to seek God in all we do.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
March 31, 2024
Easter Sunday Tim Sparkes Bible reference Luke 24 |
Easter Sunday is a celebration of all that we believe! In this talk we remember how Jesus met with the two on the road from Emmaus, and appeared to the disciples. In breaking the bread they recognised Him. What a moment in history! what does it mean for us today?
Click here to download the talk |
|
March 24, 2024
Palm Sunday Tim Sparkes Bible reference Matthew 21, John 12.49, John 5.19, Matthew 4.4 |
At Easter time we are reminded of the fact that God's heart for us is demonstrated through Jesus' actions and words. As we look to Christ to be the example of how to live, we are encouraged to learn God's language so we can hear Him in our everyday lives.
Click here to download the talk |
|
March 10, 2024
Stood before God Tim Sparkes Bible reference Genesis 4 |
The story of Cain and Abel brings us some important challenges. Have the roles we have adopted or the circumstances we live in replaced who we really are in God? In this week's talk we ask how well we know ourselves? Will we even recognise ourselves as we stand before God?
Click here to download the talk |
|
March 3, 2024
Context for choice 3 Tim Sparkes Bible reference Genesis 3 and 4 |
On our third visit to Genesis 3, we spend time looking at the way God dealt with the guilty parties after the fall. We discover the impact on our relationships today and understand what can be done to reverse the effects of Sin. We also see God's grace in one of the most compassionate verses in the bible. Genesis 3, 21 'The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.'
|
|
February 25, 2024
Context for choice 2 Tim Sparkes Bible reference Genesis 3 |
What we see has an effect on the way we think. But do we see things as they are? Adam and Eve were lured by the sight of the forbidden fruit and saw things differently once they ate it. We continue to see things from our blinkered and warped ways, but what if we began to accept God's truth?
Click here to download the talk |
|
February 11, 2024 Context for choice Tim Sparkes Bible reference Corinthians 2, 18 James 1,19 Genesis 1 |
Genesis sets the context for our existence with God, The relationship was broken but Jesus restored it. Through the Spirit of God we have the knowledge to choose how to respond to our current position. We have freedom to chose and A God who loves us. What will your choices be this week? Click here to download the talk |
|
February 4, 2024
One mind Tim Sparkes Bible reference Corinthians 1, 10 James 1,19 Genesis 1.27 |
What does it mean to have one mind? How hard is it to set goals to do what we know is good and right? We explore the challenges of being made in God's image but being corrupted.
Click here to download the talk |
|
January 28, 2024
God's heart through Jesus Tim Sparkes Bible reference Matthew 23 |
Once again, Jesus encounters opposition from the religious leaders. However, this time, he becomes angry at them because of what they stand for and what they preach. It is the opposite to His message. We must understand God's heart for us through the message of Jesus.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
January 21, 2024
God for now Tim Sparkes Bible reference Matthew 22 |
The Pharisees and Sadducees came after Jesus to trap Him. He was able to silence them and send them away amazed, with no more questions. Jesus dealt in absolute truth and gives us the opportunity to have the same truth in our lives. How will we respond to it?
|
|
|
January 14, 2024
Meeting God Tim Sparkes Bible reference Matthew 19,20 |
Jesus faced the same situations that we do. He got tired, hungry and fed up but his responses came from the relationship He had with His Father. We are challenged to consider the point at which God wants to meet us in our everyday lives.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
,January 7, 2024
Jesus' words and actions Tim Sparkes Bible reference Matthew 13, 14 |
Jesus faced the same human emotions and dilemmas that we do. He grieved when John the Baptist died. Jesus felt the need to withdraw to have time with His Father, but instead of solitude, he was faced with large crowds. We look at our situations and learn from his reactions.
Click here to download the talk |
|
December 31, 2023
A tough message part 2 Tim Sparkes Bible reference Matthew 2, Luke 2 |
A second look at the challenges that are found in the Christmas story. We recognise our own challenges and the good things that are produced in our lives from walking with God.
Click here to download the talk |
|
December 24, 2023
A tough message Tim Sparkes Bible reference Matthew 2 |
The Christmas story is a tough one! The build up and fall out from Christ's birth seems to have unnecessary challenges. in this first part we set the scene and next Sunday we hope to bring some more understanding to God's way of doing things
|
|
December 17, 2023
Showing love Tim Sparkes Bible reference Matthew 1 |
A chaotic beginning to Jesus' life in the first chapter of Matthew's gospel demonstrates God's ways of doing things. He is not after perfection but the willingness to serve Him despite the circumstances. Perhaps there are changes to be made in our lives that will demonstrate our love for Him.
|
|
|
December 10, 2023
Eyes to see and ears to hear Tim Sparkes Bible reference Matthew 13 |
despite Jesus walking amongst the people and explaining the kingdom of heaven through parables, there were many who still could not see, hear or understand His message. We must understand His message to us today
Click here to download the talk
|
|
|
December 3, 2023
A step towards the greatest treasure Tim Sparkes Bible references -Matthew 13 |
Another look at Matthew 13 and Jesus' words teach us to make changes in our lives. We are encouraged to pursue what is important by praying a specific prayer.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
November 26, 2023
Living among the weeds Tim Sparkes Bible references - Matthew 13 |
A look into the parables reminds us of our current position. We can take hope from Jesus words and begin to see ourselves as God sees us.
Click here to download the talk
|
|
November 19, 2023
Depths of our hearts Tim Sparkes Bible references - Jeremiah 10:1-16 - Jeremiah 9:21-25 |
In our journey with God we have the truth of God's word and we have the Holy Spirit within us. Tim encourages us to allow God into the depths of our heart to change us.
Click here to download the talk.
|
|
November 12, 2023
God's grace and mercy Tim Sparkes Bible references - Psalm 143:1-2 - Hosea 14:9 |
Even though we have been made whole and experience Shalom in the Lord, we will still rebel and fall in our humanness. However, God's love is bigger than our mistakes, He still loves us and shows us mercy and grace.
Click here to download the talk.
|
|
November 05, 2023
Wisdom Tim Sparkes Bible references - Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - Proverbs 4:1; 5:1-2 - Colossians 3:12-14 |
How do we reconcile the words of Solomon in the early part of the book of Ecclesiastes and how do we cope with everything we see happening in the world around us? In Sunday's talk Tim reminds us that Solomon concludes to fear God and keep His commandments. Tim goes on to encourage us to rely on God and walk with Him.
Click here to download the talk.
|
|
October 29, 2023
An uncomfortable place (2) Tim Sparkes Bible references - Hosea 14:1-9 - Psalm 143 John 16:12-33 |
The Lord often takes us into difficult circumstances that will make us feel uncomfortable. Our challenge is to learn to walk in whatever the Lord has for us and rely on Him.
Click here to download the talk.
|
|
October 22, 2023
An uncomfortable place Tim Sparkes Bible references - Hosea 1:-4 - Hosea 14:1-9 |
Are you prepared to step out of the familiar and let the Lord shape you?
The Lord meets us in the uncomfortable places and enables us to see life through His eyes. That is where we will discover how much God loves us and where we will find peace. Click here to download the talk.
|
|
October 15, 2023
God's love Tim Sparkes Bible reference - Psalm 40:1-17 |
David drew closer to God in his desperation. We are safe in the Lord whatever we're facing. In His kindness the Lord can lift us above our circumstances and assure us of His love. He will never let us go.
Click here to download the talk.
|
|
October 08 2023
Harvest Sunday Tim Sparkes Bible references - Isaiah 43:1-2; 64:15 - Hebrews 8:7-12 |
When did you last feel like you were standing in deep waters or walking through the flames? The Lord uses these uncomfortable situations to strengthen our foundations. When we're prepared to step out with Him we won't be burnt by the flames or swept away by the waters because we have the Lord's laws written on our hearts.
Click here to download the talk.
|
|
October 01, 2023
Beyond your comfort zone Tim Sparkes Bible references - Leviticus 24:10-22 - Hebrews 8:7-12 |
God's heart for His people and His message to His people are always grounded in love. He wants to push us to places beyond our comfort zones and to let go of the things we hold on to.
Click here to download the talk.
|
|
September 24, 2023
Do not harden your hearts Tim Sparkes Bible references - Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 2:1-4; Hebrews 3:12-15 |
Tim encourages us to fight for our walk with the Lord and to hang on to what we know of Him. The Lord wants to connect with us in the depths of our hearts.
Click here to download the talk.
|
|
September 17, 2023
Good, Bad, Good (2) Tim Sparkes Bible references - Psalm 78:55-72 - Psalm 79:1-13 |
When the storms of life hit are our foundations solid - or are our hearts divided?
Tim encourages us to use the challenges, the bad bits of life, to find out what is in our hearts and to let God strengthen us and live in His goodness. Click here to download the talk.
|
|
September 10, 2023
Good, Bad, Good Tim Sparkes Bible references - Psalm 125:1-2; Psalm 126:1-3; Psalm 128:1-2; Psalm 127:1-2 |
What does it mean to fear the Lord, to walk in obedience to Him?
We struggle when we try and make everything work ourselves. However, the Lord loves us so much that He renews our minds and hearts so we can walk more closely with Him. Click here to download the talk.
|
|
September 03, 2023
Of one mind Tim Sparkes Bible reference - Philippians 2:1-11 |
When we walk with the Lord and He works in our hearts we build connections with each other, and with the Lord. We learn to trust Him and we become one in spirit and of one mind.
Click here to download the talk.
|
|
August 27, 2023
The Spirit of God Tim Sparkes Bible references - John 14 - Philippians 2:12 |
Tim encourages us to have a servant heart and allow the Spirit of God to clear out our hearts so that we can walk more closely with Him.
Click here to download the talk.
|
|
August 20, 2023
Peace within Tim Sparkes Bible references - John 14 - Philippians 2:12 |
Jesus encouraged his disciples to be at peace and to not let their hearts be troubled. We have the Holy Spirit who lives within and will teach us when we obey and journey with Him - so our hearts can be at peace.
Click here to download the talk.
|
|
August 13, 2023
Obedience Tim Sparkes Bible references - Philippians 2:5-16 - Colossians 3:1-17 |
What is your main goal in life? What drives you?
Asking these questions can change our lives. Understanding who we are in Christ, that we're loved, forgiven and set free, can change our perspective. Tim encourages us to determine what the Lord is saying to each of us and to be obedient to it. Click here to download the talk.
|
|
August 06, 2023
Perfect peace Tim Sparkes Bible references - Isaiah 26:3 - Colossians 2:16-19 - Philippians 2:5 |
When we look at who Christ is and put Him at the centre of our lives, we're able to see things from His point of view. Christ at the centre of our lives is the way to live at peace in the midst of the storms which rage around us.
Click here to download the talk.
|
|
July 30, 2023
The Word of God Tim Sparkes Bible references - Colossians 1:3-5 and 15-24 - Malachi 3:16-17, 2 Kings, chapter 21 |
Tim asks what is the biggest priority in our lives. Is it following God and giving the Word of God its rightful place? When we give the Word of God its rightful place in our lives other people will see God at work through us.
Click here to download the talk.
|
|
July 23, 2023
Rooted and built up in God Tim Sparkes Bible reference - Colossians 1:24-2:7 |
Tim encourages us to expect the Lord to take us on a journey and let Him use us. In that way our faith will become rooted and built up in Him.
Click here to download the talk.
|
|
July 16, 2023
Deep roots Tim Sparkes Bible references - Colossians 2:6-7 - James 4:9-10 - 1 Peter 1:3-9 |
God longs for us to connect with Him at depth and for our roots to go deep in Him. We will then be able to reflect the heart of God to the people close to us.
Click here to download the talk.
|
|
July 09, 2023
Wisdom and knowledge Tim Sparkes Bible reference - Colossians 2:1-7 |
Tim encourages us to become rooted and grounded in God and thereby to grow in wisdom and knowledge.
Click here to download the talk.
|
|
July 02, 2023
A heart for the Lord Tim Sparkes Bible reference - James 5:7-20 |
Tim encourages us to have a heart that matches the principles contained in the book of James. As we walk with the Lord we will understand His heart and can then bring truth to the world around us.
Click here to download the talk.
|
|
June 25, 2023
Submission to God Tim Sparkes Bible reference - James 3:1 - 4:12 |
The solution to the fallen and broken world in which we live - and to our own struggles - is to submit to God. Our tongue can then become the means by which the Lord's love and blessing can flow out to others.
Click here to download the talk.
|
|
June 18, 2023
Connecting Tim Sparkes Bible references - James 1:1; 1:20; 4:1; 4:7-10 |
In order to connect with one another the Lord wants us to walk with him. He will reveal our hearts to us and we will then be free to share God's love with others.
Click here to download the talk.
|
|
June 11, 2023
Belief in God Tim Sparkes Bible reference - James 2:18,19,26 |
Belief in God means that we will grow in trust and confidence in God as we face difficult situations. We can then bring God's truth to those around us.
Click here to download the talk.
|
|
June 04, 2023
Faith and deeds Tim Sparkes Bible reference - James 2:20-26 |
We are called to be servants of God first and foremost, to do what God has called us to do and we don't need to be anything else. Tim encourages us to take a step forward in faith and serve God.
Click here to download the talk.
|
|
Copyright © 2014-2023 Halesworth Community Church. All rights reserved.
Registered Charity No: 1125417 Privacy policy |
|