What if the change you’ve been praying for isn’t meant to happen around you—but in you?

In A Promise and a Signature, part of The Passion Project series, Pastor Mark Medley explores Nehemiah 10 and the deeply personal process of spiritual transformation. While the early chapters of Nehemiah focus on rebuilding walls, chapters 8 through 10 reveal God’s true renovation project: rebuilding His people from the inside out.

Mark traces how transformation begins when we encounter the Word of God. In Nehemiah 8, the Israelites rediscover Scripture, and it cuts through apathy like a sword. As they listened, conviction stirred. In chapter 9, that conviction led to heartfelt repentance. They weren’t just sorry—they were surrendered. They owned not only their sin but the generational patterns of rebellion that had marked their history.

Then comes chapter 10, where the people draw up a covenant—signing their names to a fresh commitment to God. They vowed to honor Him in every area of life: their relationships, their time, their business practices, their finances, their worship. Their zeal was real. Their desire to change was genuine.

But Mark doesn’t stop there. He points out what history reveals: they would fall short again. Their passion couldn’t carry the weight of lasting obedience. Paul’s words in Romans 7 ring true: “I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep doing.” We’ve all been there.

So what’s the answer?

Mark points us to the better covenant—sealed not with ink, but with blood. The new covenant in Christ isn’t dependent on our promises to God but on His promise to us. As Hebrews puts it: “I will put my laws on their hearts… I will remember their sins no more.” Jesus is the one who both initiates and completes our faith.

If you’ve been exhausted by trying harder, this message is for you. Let go of striving and receive what Jesus has already accomplished. Believe the promise. Live from the promise. Because real transformation begins where self-effort ends.

We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Subscribe to our Podcast & YouTube channel to find past sermons, classes, interviews, and more!
Find us on Facebook & Instagram