What if everything you thought you knew about happiness and blessing was backward? In this sermon, Pastor Tyler Lynde kicks off our new series, “Red Letters,” with a deep dive into the Beatitudes from Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount. These words, spoken to a people desperate for hope after 400 years of divine silence, completely flip our modern understanding of what leads to a truly blessed life.

Jesus’s sermon wasn’t just a collection of nice sayings; it was a declaration of war against the world's value system. Where our culture says "blessed are the self-sufficient," Jesus says "blessed are the poor in spirit." While society often rewards the ruthless, Jesus promises blessing to the merciful and the meek. In this message, Tyler Lynde unpacks each of these radical statements, contrasting the fleeting mantras of our world with the eternal truth of God's Kingdom.

Discover why the Beatitudes are not a checklist of behaviors to earn God's favor, but a beautiful portrait of a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit. This is the core of the New Covenant—not relying on our own strength to follow external rules, but receiving a new heart and being empowered by God’s Spirit living within us. Tyler doesn't shy away from the hard truth that this path leads to a collision with the world, but he also reveals the magnificent promises attached to it: comfort, mercy, satisfaction, and being called a child of God.

Most importantly, see how Jesus himself is the perfect embodiment of every beatitude. He is both our example to follow and the enabler who makes it possible. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus secured every blessing He describes. Whether you're just exploring faith or have followed Jesus for decades, these ancient words carry fresh power to transform your perspective on what it truly means to live a blessed life.

We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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We live in an age of endless conversation. Tweets, posts, podcasts, news, and nonstop commentary flood our senses every day. But amid all the noise, how often do we pause to consider the power of the words we ourselves speak?

In this compelling message titled Taming the Tongue, guest speaker Dr. Clem Ferris walks us through James chapter 3 to help us understand the immense spiritual weight carried by our speech. Clem unpacks vivid imagery—bits in horses’ mouths, rudders steering massive ships, and the spark of a fire spreading uncontrollably—to show how the smallest part of our body can determine the course of our lives.

James doesn’t hold back. He says the tongue is “a restless evil, full of deadly poison,” and “set on fire by hell.” That’s intense. But Clem helps us see the real issue: the tongue itself has no ears—our heart does. And it’s what fills the heart that shapes the words that flow from our mouths.

The breakthrough comes not through external behavior tweaks, but through internal transformation. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” When our hearts are shaped by God’s Word, our words begin to reflect His character—words of life, truth, peace, and healing.

Clem ties this truth to Pentecost Sunday, reminding us that God’s first act in empowering the early church was to cleanse and commission their speech. The “tongues of fire” didn’t burn with destruction—they blazed with holy purpose. God wants to do the same with us today. The very mouths once used for gossip, sarcasm, or complaint can now be tools for encouragement and bold proclamation.

We also look to Jesus, who “opened not His mouth” even under accusation, choosing silent obedience to bear our sin. His restraint paved the way for our restoration. Now we’re invited to speak with a new voice—shaped not by the world, but by heaven.

You may not be able to stop the noise of culture, but you can decide what words will come from your lips. Let God’s Word dwell in your heart richly and speak life into your world.

We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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What does it mean to be empowered for missions—not just in theory, but in everyday life? In this special message, Ebenezer Asiamah shares his deeply personal journey from nightclubs in Ghana to Spirit-led evangelism across continents. It’s a story of transformation, calling, and the unmatched power of God to use ordinary people for extraordinary mission.

Eben’s story begins with a “prodigal son” moment—a turning point when he recognized his life was far from God. Through the guidance of a local pastor and a fresh hunger for the Holy Spirit, he found not only forgiveness but boldness to proclaim the gospel. From those early days preaching in village centers without electricity, to ministry work here in the U.S., Eben has lived the truth that missions begins when we say yes to God’s purpose and power.

Drawing from Acts 1:8, Luke 4, and Matthew 28, Eben outlines three foundational truths:
1. Mission is the heart of the Father. From Genesis, God has always been seeking the lost. Mission isn’t our idea—it’s His.
2. Mission is empowered by the Holy Spirit. Just as Jesus was anointed to do the Father’s work, we need the Spirit’s power to live and speak boldly.
3. Mission is our calling. Whether across the globe or across the street, every believer has a role in God’s redemptive plan.

Eben also walked us through practical responses to this call:
- Pray. Spend time before the Lord and let Him place His mission on your heart.
- Evangelize and disciple. Be a witness in your home, your church, your workplace, and beyond.
- Support missionaries. Through prayer and generosity, you can be part of what God is doing globally.

This isn’t about guilt—it’s about invitation. God’s mission is fueled by grace, and He desires to work through surrendered people like you.

The world is still full of “unpossessed land,” both spiritually and physically. But we go forward with Jesus’ promise: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me…and I am with you always.”

We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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The book of Nehemiah doesn’t end the way we might expect. After the victory of rebuilding the wall and a national spiritual renewal, chapter 13 brings us into deeply uncomfortable territory: everything falls apart.

In Pulling Our Hair Out, Pastor Kelly Kinder unpacks the closing chapter of Nehemiah and what it reveals about the fragility of human faithfulness. It’s not a fairytale ending—it’s a real-world snapshot of what happens when we stop tending to our spiritual lives.

While Nehemiah was away, spiritual compromise crept back in. The temple was misused. Ministry was neglected. The Sabbath was disregarded. Marriages were defiled. Nehemiah didn’t ignore it—he confronted it with courage and clarity.

Kelly walks us through the four areas Nehemiah had to clean house:
1. Compromise in Purity
An enemy of God, Tobiah, had been given residence in the temple. Nehemiah threw him out—literally. It’s a powerful image of what it means to cleanse our lives from subtle spiritual compromises.

2. Neglect in Giving
The Levites and temple servants weren’t being supported, so they left their ministry posts. Nehemiah restores order and calls the people to recommit their resources. It challenges us to consider whether we’re faithfully supporting God’s work.

3. Disregard of the Sabbath
The people had returned to doing business on the day God had set apart for rest and worship. Nehemiah shuts the city gates and calls the people to honor what God designed for their good.

4. Defilement of Marriage
Intermarriage with foreign nations had diluted their spiritual identity. Nehemiah’s response is intense—but so is the danger of spiritual compromise through unaligned relationships.

Kelly doesn’t sugarcoat it: spiritual decline is rarely sudden—it’s usually subtle. Like a tire with a slow leak, you don’t notice the danger until you’re stuck. That’s why vigilance matters.

The final words of the book—“Remember me, O my God, for good”—are a humble reminder that even the most faithful leaders need grace. And that grace is found not in our performance, but in Christ, the perfect covenant-keeper.

If you’ve noticed a spiritual leak in your life, this message invites you not to shame, but to restoration. God is ready to meet you where you are—and rebuild what’s been compromised.

We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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What if your joy could be heard far away? That’s exactly what happened in Nehemiah 12, where the people of God celebrated with such exuberance that their joy echoed beyond the city walls. In this message, Joy Filled Living, Pastor Tyler Lynde walks us through what true, contagious joy looks like—and how we can live it out today.

Tyler begins by unpacking the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is circumstantial; it fades as quickly as it comes. But joy is enduring—it takes root in our relationship with God and grows through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. In Nehemiah 12, we don’t just see a community celebrating a successful construction project—we see a people restored by God, rejoicing with a depth that external circumstances can’t touch.

Tyler identifies three essential elements that shaped this joy-filled celebration: an attitude of gratitude, a heart of worship, and a firm understanding that joy comes from God.

The first is gratitude. The Israelites gave thanks not just because the walls were finished, but because their hearts were full. Tyler reminded us how easy it is to slip into negativity, but how Scripture calls us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thess. 5:18). Gratitude transforms our perspective and aligns us with the joy God wants to give.

Next is worship. Nehemiah 12 describes music, singing, and processions around the city. Worship wasn’t a side note—it was the center of the celebration. Tyler emphasized that when we choose worship—even in hard seasons—God meets us there. Psalm 16:11 says, “In Your presence is fullness of joy.”

Finally, Tyler reminds us that joy is a gift. Nehemiah 12:43 says, “God had made them rejoice with great joy.” This wasn’t manufactured; it was God-given. And it wasn’t limited to leaders or men—it included women and children, showing us God’s joy is for everyone.

Jesus Himself endured the cross “for the joy set before Him” (Heb. 12:2). That joy? Us. Through Him, we’re offered not just salvation, but joy that strengthens us, sustains us, and overflows to others.

Whether you’re celebrating or struggling, this message is a call to reclaim the joy that’s already yours in Christ.

We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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What if the world could see your faith lived out—unfiltered and unhidden? In Living in Glass Houses, Pastor Tyler Lynde explores Nehemiah 11 and the powerful call for believers to live lives of visible holiness.

As Jerusalem’s walls were rebuilt, the city still needed to be filled with people willing to live there. While the leaders led the way, others had to be chosen by lot to repopulate the holy city. Tyler unpacks why so many hesitated: living in Jerusalem meant living under constant watch. It was a city set apart, and living there came with heightened expectations. The parallels to modern Christian life are striking—we too are called to live as a “city on a hill,” with our lives pointing others to God.

Holiness is not optional for the believer—it’s our identity. But it doesn’t begin with behavior; it begins with God. Tyler points to Isaiah’s vision in chapter 6, where the prophet encounters God’s holiness and is immediately undone. That same holiness still transforms today. As Scripture teaches, everything God is and does is utterly holy—and those who belong to Him are called to reflect that.

Drawing from 1 Timothy 4:12, Tyler breaks down five areas where holiness shows up: speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Holiness isn’t just about avoiding sin—it’s about becoming like Christ in every aspect of our lives.

But here’s the freedom: we don’t have to manufacture holiness ourselves. Tyler reminds us that Jesus, the only one to live a perfectly holy life, offers His holiness to us through the cross. And through the Holy Spirit, we’re empowered to live in a way that’s not just outwardly different, but inwardly transformed. Romans 8 says the same Spirit that raised Christ now lives in us—that’s the power we rely on.

Living transparently, with nothing to hide, isn’t about performance—it’s about reflection. When we live holy lives, others get a glimpse of Jesus. And in a world filled with pretense, that kind of authenticity is deeply compelling.

The question is: will we embrace our “glass house”? Will we accept the call to holiness, not as a burden but as an opportunity to shine with the light of Christ?

We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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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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