The Upper Room Fellowship Teaching: Joe Sutton

2 Samuel 12:24 - 13:39

Joe Sutton — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 10:30:00 +0000

2 Samuel 12:24 - 13:39

Series: Samuel

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Sunday Morning

Date: 1st February 2026

Passage: 2 Samuel 12:24-13:39

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In today's study we consider the contrast of God's true love with the false, fake or weak love of Amnon, David and Absalom. The love of God is bound up in His provision of discipline, by which we know we are His sons and daughters.

Christmas 2025 - Jesus Transforms

Joe Sutton — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 10:30:00 +0000

Christmas 2025 - Jesus Transforms

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Sunday Morning

Date: 28th December 2025

Passage: Luke 2:1-52

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In today's message, we look at the several lives transformed by the infant Jesus Christ in Luke chapter 2. We also share a few words on the timing of the birth.

The slides from the sermon can be found at this link:https://faithlife.com/13535739/bulletins/442270553

Christmas 2025 - The Magnificat

Joe Sutton — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 10:30:00 +0000

Christmas 2025 - The Magnificat

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Sunday Morning

Date: 21st December 2025

Passage: Luke 1:46-55

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In today's seasonal message, we briefly talk through the introduction to Luke's gospel before focusing on The Magnificat. We see how Mary draws from two of the Psalms to frame what is happening to her in terms of God's covenant with Israel. As we do, we ponder the significance of the fact she speaks in the past tense of future things, and are challenged about what a "blessed" or "favoured" life really looks like.

2 Samuel 12:1-23

Joe Sutton — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 10:30:00 +0000

2 Samuel 12:1-23

Series: Samuel

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Sunday Morning

Date: 30th November 2025

Passages:

2 Samuel 12:1-23
Psalm 51:1-19

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In today's message we look at the prophet Nathan's parable that brings conviction to David. His sins were egregious and harmful to many, but David will repent when faced with the truth through Nathan. He repented and is forgiven, and yet severe consequences remain upon him and his house.

2 Samuel 10-11

Joe Sutton — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 10:30:00 +0000

2 Samuel 10-11

Series: Samuel

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Sunday Morning

Date: 16th November 2025

Passage: 2 Samuel 10:1-11:27

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In today's message we continue studying through 2 Samuel. We see David's response to the offensive actions the Ammon, and how his time victory in battle was the time of his defeat, spiritually speaking, as he sins greatly with Bathsheba.

2 Samuel 8-9

Joe Sutton — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 10:30:00 +0100

2 Samuel 8-9

Series: Samuel

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Sunday Morning

Date: 5th October 2025

Passage: 2 Samuel 8:1-9:13

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In today's message we look at a summary of David's victories over the surrounding nations - which God is doing through David to establish His people and to fulfil His promises in chapter 7. Then we look at the incredible chesed - kindness - that David shows to Mephibosheth. In both of these chapters we see clear pictures of Jesus Christ, the Son of David.

Link to the map about the Six Day War: https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/map-of-the-events-leading-to-the-six-day-war-1967 Link to the article about the Six Day War: https://cbnisrael.org/2022/06/09/fulfilling-gods-promises-the-miracles-of-israels-six-day-war/

2 Samuel 6

Joe Sutton — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 10:30:00 +0100

2 Samuel 6

Series: Samuel

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Sunday Morning

Date: 7th September 2025

Passage: 2 Samuel 6:1-23

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In today's message we study through chapter 6 of 2 Samuel, where we see what happens when people are casual with God. Sincerity is no substitute for obedience!

2 Samuel 5

Joe Sutton — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 10:30:00 +0100

2 Samuel 5

Series: Samuel

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Sunday Morning

Date: 31st August 2025

Passage: 2 Samuel 5:1-25

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Apologies for the poor audio quality today.

In today's study we review 2 Samuel 5, where David is anointed king over all Israel at last. He captures the city of Jerusalem and is enabled by God to defend Israel against the Philistines.

Eulogy for Dr Eilat Mazar: https://armstronginstitute.org/344-dr-eilat-mazar-queen-of-jerusalem-archaeology-has-died Another from the Times of Israel: https://www.timesofisrael.com/fearless-pioneering-biblical-archaeologist-eilat-mazar-dies-at-64/ Interview with Dr Mazar: https://web.archive.org/web/20070120125149/http://www.momentmag.com/olam/Apr06/MOM-2006-04_mazar.html

2 Samuel 3-4

Joe Sutton — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 10:30:00 +0100

2 Samuel 3-4

Series: Samuel

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Sunday Morning

Date: 3rd August 2025

Passage: 2 Samuel 3:1-4:12

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In today's message we continue in this transitionary period, as the reign of Saul's household diminishes and the reign of David begins. We cover the death of two prominent men: Abner and Ish-Bosheth, both of whom David honours in spite of the rivalry.

2 Samuel 1:17 - 2:32

Joe Sutton — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 10:30:00 +0100

2 Samuel 1:17 - 2:32

Series: Samuel

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Sunday Morning

Date: 22nd June 2025

Passages:

2 Samuel 1:17-27
2 Samuel 2:1-32

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After the death of Saul, what comes next? We study through David's surprising lamentation over Saul and Jonathan, and then we look at the early reign of King David, anointed over Judah only and prefiguring the future kingdom split. We consider Ish-Bosheth - the man of shame - a rival king appointed over the northern territory. In the civil war there are no winners, and Abner tries his best to make peace. In the end, our attention is drawn to the true Davidic King - Jesus Christ - Who will soon set up the only perfect kingdom!

Pool of Gibeon

3 John

Joe Sutton — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 10:30:00 +0100

3 John

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Sunday Morning

Date: 1st June 2025

Passage: 3 John 1-14

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Join us for a short devotional study through John's letter to the beloved Gaius. We see that John's aim is to bring encouragement to Gaius, who is labouring to serve missionaries who come and stay. We study the Greek words that lay behind the crucial concepts of truth and love, and we consider the wonderful encouragement found in the knowledge that all our work for the Lord is done in His energy, will bring His results, and will result in rewards.

The Word of God for Everyone

Joe Sutton — Sun, 25 May 2025 10:30:00 +0100

The Word of God for Everyone

Series: Understanding the Bible

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Sunday Morning

Date: 25th May 2025

Passages:

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In the final message of this series, we explore how to study the Bible for ourselves. Discover the interconnectedness of Jesus Christ and Scripture, the role of the Holy Spirit, and practical study techniques to unlock God's Word for everyone. Are you ready to "stand under" the authority of Scripture? Are you ready to invest time in learning how to conduct an inductive Bible study or a word study? We cover this and more in today's message.

Some Useful LinksRemember Me Bible Memorisation app Precept Ministries Blue Letter Bible Logos Bible Software

The Nature and Reliability of Scripture

Joe Sutton — Sun, 18 May 2025 10:30:00 +0100

The Nature and Reliability of Scripture

Series: Understanding the Bible

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Sunday Morning

Date: 18th May 2025

Passage: Genesis 5:1-32

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In today's message we delve into the nature and reliability of Scripture, exploring the canon, inerrancy, and God's design in distributing key doctrines throughout the Bible. And we conclude by looking at some compelling evidence for the Bible's supernatural origin and its prophetic relevance in contemporary times.

From Manuscripts to Modern

Joe Sutton — Sun, 11 May 2025 10:30:00 +0100

From Manuscripts to Modern

Series: Understanding the Bible

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Sunday Morning

Date: 11th May 2025

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In part 3 of our series on Understanding the Bible, we ask: how did the Bible get from ancient manuscripts to your modern translation? Join us as we explore textual criticism and the art of translation, revealing why we can be confident in the Bibles we read today. Uncover the fascinating journey of Scripture across centuries!

Useful links:

The History of Scripture

Joe Sutton — Sun, 04 May 2025 10:30:00 +0100

The History of Scripture

Series: Understanding the Bible

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Sunday Morning

Date: 4th May 2025

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Dive into the fascinating history of the Bible! Today in part 2 of our 5 part mini-series, we explore how Scripture was compiled, the ancient languages it was written in, and how God has preserved its accuracy across millennia. Discover the miraculous nature of this unified book!

The Compilation of Scripture: how did the books of the Bible come into being?

The Languages of Scripture: which languages were originally used? Did writing really exist as early as the books are purported to have been written?

The Preservation of Scripture: how did God safeguard the Bible text from corruption? What documents exist today?

Link to sermon notes in Logos Bible Software (Also available in MS Word format attached to the sermon).

Some websites and resources mentioned in the message:

Jeff A. Benner's website: https://ancient-hebrew.org/
Link to the Alphabet Chart mentioned
https://hebrew4christians.com/

The History of Revelation

Joe Sutton — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 10:30:00 +0100

The History of Revelation

Series: Understanding the Bible

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Sunday Morning

Date: 27th April 2025

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Ever wondered how the Bible came to be? Joe Sutton kicks off a fascinating 5-part series exploring the history of God's revelation, from direct speech with Adam and Eve to the scriptures we hold today. Discover why God wants us to KNOW Him, not just know ABOUT Him, and how the written word became His primary means of communication. We conclude looking at the incredible privilege we have to hold the Bible in our hands today, along with the Holy Spirit given to help us understand it!

Some useful links

1 Samuel 29-30

Joe Sutton — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 10:30:00 +0000

1 Samuel 29-30

Series: Samuel

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Sunday Morning

Date: 16th March 2025

Passage: 1 Samuel 29:1-30:31

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Covering two chapters we look at David's response to the traumatic raid of Ziklag, and consider what can learn about handling events in our lives that trigger emotions. What is the right way to handle difficult situations? How do we draw strength from God?

1 Samuel 26-27

Joe Sutton — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

1 Samuel 26-27

Series: Samuel

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Date: 16th February 2025

Passage: 1 Samuel 26:1-27:12

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In today's message we have a deja-vu moment as Saul again pursues David near the hill of Hachilah. Again, David proves his righteousness and does not allow Saul to be harmed, before escaping to King Achish of the Philistines.

1 Samuel 25

Joe Sutton — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

1 Samuel 25

Series: Samuel

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Date: 26th January 2025

Passage: 1 Samuel 25:1-44

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Today's message considers the narrative of the meeting of David with Nabal and his wife Abigail. We see David reacting strongly to insult, and it takes the wisdom, faith and courage of Abigail to intercede and avoid needless bloodshed.

1 Samuel 23

Joe Sutton — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

1 Samuel 23

Series: Samuel

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Date: 15th December 2024

Passage: 1 Samuel 23:1-29

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The tension rises as Saul continues to pursue David. David does not shrink from doing good, and saves the city of Keilah from the Philistines. As we consider this we discuss the subject of God's Middle Knowledge: His perfect awareness of counterfactuals and all possible outcomes. We discuss why this serves to highlight God's omniscience, providing a strong basis for our faith in difficult times.

1 Samuel 20

Joe Sutton — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

1 Samuel 20

Series: Samuel

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Date: 17th November 2024

Passage: 1 Samuel 20:1-42

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In this chapter we see David and Jonathan's plan to test Saul's disposition one last time. They commit to one another before David leaves Gibeah for the last time. We make our way through the text and consider some striking points of application.

1 Samuel 18-19

Joe Sutton — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0100

1 Samuel 18-19

Series: Samuel

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Date: 13th October 2024

Passage: 1 Samuel 18:1-19:24

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In today's study, following David's defeat of Goliath we David grow stronger while Saul grows afraid and seeks to eliminate him. We see a wonderful friendship arise between David and Jonathan.

1 Samuel 17

Joe Sutton — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0100

1 Samuel 17

Series: Samuel

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Date: 8th September 2024

Passage: 1 Samuel 17:1-58

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Our study this week is focused on 1 Samuel 17 and the battle between David and Goliath. Rather than a classic underdog story, we learn that this battle is a picture of Christ's once-for-all victory over Satan, and as the army of Israel was freed from slavery to Philistia by David, so we are saved from slavery to sin by the Son of David, Jesus Christ.

In the sermon we watched an excerpt from Sergio & Rhoda's video on David and Goliath, which you can watch here.

1 Samuel 15

Joe Sutton — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 10:30:00 +0100

1 Samuel 15

Series: Samuel

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Sunday Morning

Date: 14th July 2024

Passage: 1 Samuel 15:1-35

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Continuing in 1 Samuel, we read how Saul failed to fully obey God. In this study we cover the challenging topics of God's command regarding the Amalekites, the subject of self-deception, and in what sense God can change His mind.

1 Samuel 13-14

Joe Sutton — Sun, 16 Jun 2024 10:30:00 +0100

1 Samuel 13-14

Series: Samuel

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Sunday Morning

Date: 16th June 2024

Passage: 1 Samuel 13:1-14:52

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Continuing our study series in the Book of 1 Samuel, we read of Saul's battles and challenges during his early reign.

1 Samuel 10-12

Joe Sutton — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

1 Samuel 10-12

Series: Samuel

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Date: 28th April 2024

Passage: 1 Samuel 10:1-12:25

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Continuing our study in 1 Samuel we look at chapters 10 through 12, where Saul is confirmed as king in Israel, and Samuel's ministry begins to draw to a close.

1 Samuel 8-9

Joe Sutton — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

1 Samuel 8-9

Series: Samuel

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Date: 17th March 2024

Passage: 1 Samuel 8:1-9:27

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Continuing our study series in 1 Samuel looking at chapters 8 and 9.

1 Samuel 4-5

Joe Sutton — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

1 Samuel 4-5

Series: Samuel

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Date: 3rd March 2024

Passage: 1 Samuel 4:1-5:12

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Continuing our study through 1 Samuel with a review of chapters 4 and 5.

1 Samuel 1:11 - 2:11

Joe Sutton — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

1 Samuel 1:11 - 2:11

Series: Samuel

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Date: 18th February 2024

Passage: 1 Samuel 1:11-2:11

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Continuing in 1 Samuel, we see the birth of Samuel, and his mother Hannah's song of worship in response.

1 Samuel 1:1-11

Joe Sutton — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

1 Samuel 1:1-11

Series: Samuel

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Date: 11th February 2024

Passage: 1 Samuel 1:1-11

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Beginning our verse-by-verse study through 1 Samuel, we look at Hannah's difficult season through which God brought Samuel to her and to Israel.

Matthew 7 part 2

Joe Sutton — Sun, 10 Dec 2023 10:30:00 +0000

Matthew 7 part 2

Series: Matthew

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Sunday Morning

Date: 10th December 2023

Passage: Matthew 7:1-29

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Continuing our study through the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 7 part 1

Joe Sutton — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 10:30:00 +0000

Matthew 7 part 1

Series: Matthew

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Sunday Morning

Date: 3rd December 2023

Passage: Matthew 7:1-29

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Continuing our study series in Matthew.

Church Membership

Joe Sutton — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 10:30:00 +0100

Church Membership

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Date: 20th August 2023

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This message is a discussion on the purpose of the Church, the purpose of local church fellowships, and why we believe that formal membership is helpful, being a powerful way to work out our Biblical command to be "members of one another."

What is the church? Not primarily a building, but a body of people who profess and show evidence of salvation through God's grace. The Greek word ekklesia means an assembly or gathering.One Church, Local Churches: Jesus builds His church (singular), based on the profession of faith in Him and the foundation of the Scriptures. This is the global Church. There are also many local expressions of the church (plural).Purpose of the Church: To continue Jesus' ministry, to represent Christ to the world, and to preach the Gospel, teaching and building up believers in doctrine.Living as Christians: The Bible prescribes actions for Christians that can only be done within a local community. This involves commitment, serving one another, and mutual benefit."One Another" Verses: The New Testament emphasizes mutual duties: devotion, honour, seeking the same mind, love, not judging, building up, acceptance, and admonishment.Commitment & Care: Local fellowships require commitment to care for one another physically and spiritually, to watch out for each other, to hold each other accountable, to edify, to bear with, to pray for, and to admonish.Roles & Offices: Churches should have defined leadership. Paul instructed Titus to appoint elders. Spiritual gifts should be recognised and used for the benefit of the church.Church Discipline: Churches are called to discipline (admonish) one another, to correct and warn those going astray. Matthew 18:15-17 and 1 Corinthians 5 provide guidance on this process. This requires a clear delineation between those "in" and "out" of the church.Why Formal Membership? Essential for clarity on who is committed to the church, for leadership accountability, and for formalising commitment to service, giving, and receiving care within the fellowship.

Ruth 4

Joe Sutton — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Ruth 4

Series: Ruth

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Date: 18th June 2023

Passage: Ruth 4:1-22

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Concluding our study in the Book of Ruth as we study through chapter 4.

Ruth 3

Joe Sutton — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Ruth 3

Series: Ruth

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Date: 11th June 2023

Passage: Ruth 3:1-18

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Study through chapter 3 of the Book of Ruth.

Ruth 2

Joe Sutton — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Ruth 2

Series: Ruth

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Date: 4th June 2023

Passage: Ruth 2:1-23

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Study through chapter 2 of the Book of Ruth.

Ruth 1

Joe Sutton — Sun, 28 May 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Ruth 1

Series: Ruth

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Date: 28th May 2023

Passage: Ruth 1:1-22

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Study through chapter 1 of the Book of Ruth.

Ruth Overview

Joe Sutton — Sun, 21 May 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Ruth Overview

Series: Ruth

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Date: 21st May 2023

Passage: Ruth 1:1-4:22

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This study is an introduction to the the Book of Ruth. We will set the scene, read through the whole book, and understand the overall message and purpose of the book.

Judges 1:1-2:5

Joe Sutton — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Judges 1:1-2:5

Series: Judges

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Date: 15th January 2023

Passage: Judges 1:1-2:5

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Continuing our study through the Book of Judges.

Introduction to Judges

Joe Sutton — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction to Judges

Series: Judges

Teacher: Joe Sutton

Date: 8th January 2023

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Introduction to the Book of Judges by reviewing the Book of Joshua and setting the scene.