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.
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What does it mean when God says, “Behold, I am making all things new”? In this Easter message, All Things New, Pastor Tyler Lynde explores the stunning vision of restoration found in Revelation 21:1-8. This isn’t just about going to heaven—it’s about the complete transformation of creation, relationship, and experience.

Tyler begins by showing us that God’s plan is not to repair the broken world, but to recreate it. The new heaven and new earth will be free from natural disasters, decay, and death. As beautiful as parts of our current world may be, they are merely glimpses of what’s to come. Revelation 21 opens our eyes to the breathtaking scale of God’s restoration—where everything wrong is made right.

But it’s not only the physical world that will be renewed. Tyler highlights the restoration of relationship at the core of the passage: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.” Since the fall, humanity has been separated from God, but in the new creation, this relationship will be fully restored. No more barriers, no more distance—just perfect communion with our Creator.

Then there’s the emotional restoration. “He will wipe away every tear… death shall be no more… neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain.” This vision offers a powerful contrast to the world we live in now—a world filled with suffering, anxiety, and loss. Tyler reminds us that in Christ, we don’t just look forward to healing—we’re promised complete renewal.

Most importantly, this newness isn’t only for the future. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” When we respond to Jesus in repentance and faith, God begins His renewing work now. Through the Holy Spirit, we’re empowered to live differently today, even while we wait for the ultimate restoration.

But Tyler also doesn’t shy away from the urgency of the moment. Revelation 21 ends with a warning for those who reject this invitation. Eternity is on the line, and we’re called to respond—to repent, believe, and receive the free gift of salvation.

This message is a celebration of the resurrection, a call to transformation, and a reminder that the best is yet to come.

We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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What does real repentance look like? In this message from The Passion Project series, Pastor Scott Wiens explores Nehemiah 9—a powerful account of how the people of God responded after hearing the law of the Lord read aloud.

Scott walks us through the covenantal structure of the passage, revealing three key movements: Perspective, Remembrance, and Response.

It begins with Perspective. The Israelites spent a quarter of the day reading God’s Word, followed by confession and worship. They acknowledged God’s greatness and re-centered their hearts around His sovereignty. This wasn’t a ritual—this was a reorientation. As Scott explained, without seeing ourselves rightly before God, true repentance is impossible.

Then comes Remembrance. Nehemiah 9 recounts Israel’s long history of rebellion, but also God’s unmatched faithfulness. The people didn’t make excuses or hide their sin. Instead, they laid it bare. Again and again, they had turned away from God, experienced judgment, cried out, and received mercy. Scott reminded us that honest remembrance isn’t meant to bury us in guilt—it’s meant to lift our eyes to grace. As Romans 2 tells us, it’s God’s kindness that leads us to repentance.

The final step is Response. The people didn’t just confess—they committed. They entered into a covenant, pledging to walk in obedience moving forward. And while we know the Israelites would fall again, Scott pointed us to the hope we now have in Christ: the promise of a new heart and a new spirit within us. Through the Holy Spirit, God empowers us to live transformed lives—not just momentarily moved, but continually changed.

Scott also quoted R.C. Sproul, who said, “When we realize that we have offended God, we must feel this rupture of our soul.” That rupture is not condemnation; it’s a holy discomfort that leads us to the arms of Jesus. If you’re feeling that tug—if you’re weary from carrying sin on your shoulders—Jesus invites you to come and find rest.

This message isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a present-day call. God still draws us back. He still speaks through His Word. And He still transforms hearts.

Watch or listen now and let Nehemiah 9 shape your perspective, stir your memory, and invite your response.

We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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Join Pastor Kelly Kinder in The Passion Project for Revival at the Water Gate, where the aftermath of Jerusalem’s swiftly rebuilt walls sets the stage for a spiritual revolution. Nehemiah may have orchestrated the external restoration, but Kelly highlights how Ezra steps in to guide the internal renewal. At the heart of this story is a gathering at the Water Gate—a communal hunger for God’s Word that sparks a deep, lasting transformation.

Rather than being forced, men and women crowd together because they long to hear Scripture read aloud. For six straight hours, they listen, fully engaged. Kelly emphasizes that this remarkable focus underscores the people’s desperation for divine truth. By demanding, “Bring the Book,” they acknowledge the one source capable of healing their spiritual emptiness.

Ezra’s elevated wooden platform symbolizes the rightful place of God’s Word—lifted above all human opinion. As he opens the Scriptures, the people stand, then bow in reverent worship. Thirteen Levitical priests circulate, ensuring everyone grasps the meaning behind the text. Understanding triggers a tidal wave of tears, revealing both awareness of their distance from God and renewed hope in His mercy. Kelly points out that Scripture can mirror our brokenness and simultaneously move us toward joy, reminding us that true strength lies in “the joy of the Lord.”

Yet this revival doesn’t stall at emotional catharsis. The very next day, leaders return to study further, discovering a forgotten command about celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles. Their immediate obedience results in overwhelming joy, demonstrating that revival extends beyond initial conviction to ongoing action. Kelly stresses this crucial progression: from hearing and understanding the Word to letting it radically shape everyday life.

Throughout his message, Kelly draws parallels to our world today, where spiritual famine abounds but genuine hunger for God’s Word can still spark a profound awakening. Whether you’re yearning for personal renewal or longing to see transformation ripple through your community, the pattern remains the same: approach Scripture with reverence, humility, and an open heart, and then align your actions with its commands. As Kelly reminds us, it all starts with one simple step—“Bring the Book”—because revival finds its truest spark when the Bible moves from neglected text to guiding light in our lives.

We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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In The Passion Project, Pastor Kelly Kinder explores the reality of feeling physically full yet spiritually empty—and how biblical fasting can reignite our hunger for God. Kelly, known just as Kelly when he dives into Scripture, draws from passages like John 4 and Matthew 6 to demonstrate that giving up physical sustenance positions us to receive the far greater nourishment of God’s presence and power.

Kelly begins by distinguishing fasting from merely “not eating.” Instead, it’s the intentional act of refocusing our attention on the Lord, echoing David Mathis’s insight that fasting is a tool designed to channel our “holy discontent” in a fallen world. Throughout history, from the early church’s twice-weekly fasts to present-day disciple-making movements abroad, believers have embraced this practice as a catalyst for revival. Kelly notes that such devotion cultivates an environment where we “partner with God to bring the kingdom into our midst.”

Digging deeper, Kelly identifies four key benefits of fasting. First, it creates opportunities for kingdom encounters, as seen when Jesus prioritized His Father’s will over food in John 4. Second, it carries a special reward. Drawing on Matthew 6, Kelly points out that Jesus promises God’s reward for those who fast sincerely. Third, fasting fuels spiritual power over opposition. Kelly highlights Jesus’ words about certain challenges that can only be conquered “by prayer and fasting,” illustrating how addictions, shame, and unbelief often loosen their grip when confronted with this discipline. Finally, fasting paves the way for the kingdom to expand beyond us. Kelly asks if our churches might remain stagnant because we haven’t tapped into the dynamism that comes from persistent prayer and fasting.

By weaving in practical considerations—like examining motives, choosing a specific type of fast, and clinging to God’s promises—Kelly paints a clear picture of how to step into this life-changing practice. The heart of the matter isn’t legalism but longing: are we hungry enough for God to temporarily forsake lesser appetites? As 1 Corinthians 4:20 reminds us, the kingdom is about power rather than mere talk, and fasting is one avenue God uses to unleash that power. If you’re yearning for deeper spiritual breakthroughs—for yourself, your family, or your community—Kelly challenges you to pick up this ancient practice and rediscover a form of worship that can reshape your faith.

We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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Join Pastor Tyler Lynde in The Passion Project series as he unpacks “Starting Over” from Nehemiah chapters 6 and 7—a moment where ancient wall-building meets profound heart-restoration. While Jerusalem’s walls were completed in a miraculous 52 days, Tyler shows that this physical accomplishment was merely the gateway to a more significant spiritual renewal. Enemies like Tobiah and Sanballat couldn’t stop the work, but the real test came in maintaining faithfulness after the wall’s completion.

Tyler outlines four key practices for those longing to rebuild what’s broken in their own lives. First, he highlights the importance of being watchful, paralleling Nehemiah’s appointment of guards at the city gates. Vigilance is crucial when temptations, doubts, or discouragement threaten to undo our progress. Second, being worshipful redirects us from our obstacles to the greatness of God. As Psalm 126 reminds us, joy fills our mouths and hearts when we recognize how the Lord has worked on our behalf.

The third practice is accountability. Nehemiah entrusts Jerusalem’s oversight to godly individuals, underscoring how spiritual mentors and healthy leadership keep us anchored. In a culture that often underestimates church roles, Tyler reminds us that biblical authority can guide us toward lasting transformation. Finally, being counted involves a personal decision to align with God. Tyler cites the genealogical record Nehemiah compiles and connects it to Revelation 20: the ultimate “roll call” is about having our names written in God’s book of life. We can’t rely on external successes alone; genuine renewal demands a heart fully surrendered to Christ.

Throughout his message, Tyler acknowledges the inevitability of opposition. Whether it’s the negativity of others, internal fears, or the relentless nature of life’s challenges, starting over isn’t a smooth road. Yet Tyler points to God’s unshakable faithfulness, a theme that runs from Nehemiah’s day straight into our own. Every believer can tap into the same grace that empowered Nehemiah’s team to overcome obstacles and build something enduring.

If you’ve been feeling like your faith is on shaky ground, or if you’re wondering whether it’s too late for a fresh start, Tyler’s insights from Nehemiah offer hope. Starting over is possible because God’s heart is always for renewal. With watchfulness, worship, accountable leadership, and a personal connection to Christ, you can discover that your broken walls aren’t the end of the story—they’re just the beginning of a redemptive journey with God.

We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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Join Pastor Scott Wiens in The Passion Project as he unpacks “The Enemy’s Playbook,” drawn from Nehemiah 6. Scott shows how Nehemiah, determined to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls, confronts four key tactics the enemy still uses today: subtlety, frequency, attacks on integrity, and anxiety.

Scott begins by revealing how the enemy loves to mask destructive intentions as logical compromises. Nehemiah’s adversaries invite him to a meeting that appears harmless but is actually a setup, illustrating that our most dangerous temptations often come packaged in a cloak of reasonableness. Scott cites 2 Corinthians 11:14, where Satan is described as an angel of light, highlighting the importance of staying spiritually alert.

Next, he explains that the enemy’s persistence can wear us down. Much like Sanballat sending four identical messages to Nehemiah, modern temptations don’t always disappear after one refusal. Scott reminds us how vital it is to maintain our spiritual disciplines—prayer, studying Scripture, and surrounding ourselves with godly counsel—so we don’t cave in when the same lure returns at a weaker moment.

False accusations comprise the third tactic. Nehemiah faces unfounded rumors intended to tarnish his character and draw him away from his mission. Scott notes that in our daily lives, slander or misunderstandings can quickly consume us, distracting us from God’s priorities. However, Nehemiah simply denies the lies, identifies the motive, and goes right back to work—an inspiring example of trusting God to vindicate us rather than spending all our energy defending ourselves.

Finally, Scott addresses the crippling power of anxiety and fear. A hired prophet warns Nehemiah of a death threat, coaxing him to hide in the temple. Today, anxiety is rampant, and Satan capitalizes on our fears to keep us from pursuing God’s call wholeheartedly. Yet Philippians 4:6-7 promises a peace surpassing understanding when we pray with gratitude. Scott underscores that recognizing the enemy’s ploys allows us to stand firm, relying on God’s strength instead of our own.

Throughout The Passion Project, Scott keeps coming back to Nehemiah’s unwavering resolve. By studying these ancient tactics, we learn that the enemy’s playbook hasn’t changed, but our defense is strengthened by abiding in Christ. When we remain aware of subtle temptations, relentless pressure, unfair criticism, and anxious thoughts, we’re equipped to overcome each scheme and continue building the spiritual walls of our lives in God’s power.

We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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In this installment of The Passion Project, Pastor Neil Silverberg walks us through Nehemiah 5, revealing how internal injustice can derail even the most determined community. Neil, simply called Neil when he’s teaching, underscores that while rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls was a monumental task, neglecting to show economic justice threatened to undo it all. Families poured their time and effort into construction, yet they found themselves going hungry, mortgaging fields, and even selling children into debt slavery—all because wealthy Jews were charging interest in direct violation of God’s law.

Neil shows how Nehemiah responds with righteous anger, but not rash words. Before confronting the nobles, Nehemiah “took counsel with himself,” choosing his approach carefully. The question at hand was bigger than just lost property; it was about the community’s covenant identity. If God had freed them from Egyptian bondage, why were they now enslaving one another financially? By reminding everyone to “walk in the fear of God,” Nehemiah addresses the spiritual roots of the crisis. His bold confrontation hits home, and the wealthy immediately repent, restoring land and forgiving debts. Their united “Amen” and praise to God mark a turning point—a reminder that transformation is possible when hearts bow to the Lord’s standards.

Neil then highlights the sacrificial leadership Nehemiah models. Despite serving as governor, Nehemiah refuses his rightful food allowance and instead feeds 150 people daily out of his own pocket, laboring on the wall just like everyone else. This resonates with Jesus’ message in Matthew 20:26-28, where greatness is found in serving, not dominating. In a single chapter, we see a blueprint for genuine revival: passionate confrontation of injustice, humility in leadership, and a renewed commitment to God’s ways.

For us today, Neil points out, the story begs a crucial question: does our faith change how we treat others, especially those in need? Nehemiah 5 suggests that real spiritual renewal can’t sidestep financial ethics. If our community thrives outwardly but is compromised internally by exploitation or indifference, God’s redemptive purpose stalls. By walking in the fear of God and embracing generosity, we can restore not just broken walls, but broken hearts and relationships. Whether in families, churches, or broader society, this blend of justice, repentance, and love stands as a potent force for transformation.

We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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