T.J. Green

Did you know your blood speaks? Ables blood cried out from the ground for justice. But Jesus’ blood cried out “FORGIVENESS.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭24‬
And we have come to Jesus who established a new covenant with his blood sprinkled upon the mercy seat; blood that continues to speak from heaven, “forgiveness,” a better message than Abel’s blood that cries from the earth, “justice.”

I hope this message encourages you and blesses you.

June 14 2026 - Pastor T.J. Green - Your Blood Speaks a Better Word (Edmonton Service) Podcast Episode · The Summit Red Deer Podcast · June 22 · 50m

“I’ve noticed that many arguments against women in ministry rely less on the totality of Scripture and more on a few isolated assumptions.

For example, some argue that the women at the tomb were merely sharing information, not proclaiming the gospel. But what exactly is the gospel if not the announcement that Jesus is risen?

The first people entrusted with the central message of Christianity were women. At a time when women’s testimony was often dismissed, God chose women to be the first witnesses and messengers of the resurrection. That wasn’t accidental. It was a statement.

Others point to the fact that Jesus chose twelve male apostles, but the Twelve were not simply church officers. They symbolized the twelve tribes of Israel. If choosing twelve Jewish men establishes an eternal rule for church leadership, then consistency would require church leaders to be Jewish as well. The symbolic purpose of the Twelve matters.

Others appeal to the Aaronic priesthood, yet the New Testament repeatedly teaches that Christ fulfilled and transcended the old priesthood. We no longer determine ministry by Levitical genealogy, temple service, sacrifices, dietary laws, or circumcision. Why selectively appeal to Old Covenant priesthood structures when the New Covenant has fundamentally transformed the conversation?

Then there is Paul. Yes, Paul contains a few difficult passages that deserve careful study. But Paul is also the one who commended Phoebe as a deacon (Romans 16:1), called Junia outstanding among the apostles (Romans 16:7), celebrated Priscilla’s teaching ministry (Acts 18:26), and described Euodia and Syntyche as women who contended alongside him for the gospel (Philippians 4:2-3).

Whatever we do with the difficult texts, we must also explain the women Paul clearly affirmed. And perhaps most importantly, we should listen to Peter’s interpretation of Pentecost: “Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.” (Acts 2:17) Not your sons only. Your sons and daughters.

The Spirit was poured out without regard to gender. In fact, Scripture frequently uses maternal imagery for the Holy Spirit. The Spirit hovers over creation, gives birth to new life, nurtures, comforts, and teaches. The Hebrew word ruach is grammatically feminine. While God transcends human gender, the biblical witness is richer and more expansive than many modern debates allow.

Jesus said that the Spirit would guide us into all truth (John 16:13).

The One who teaches, guides, empowers, and reveals Christ is not restricted by our cultural anxieties.

The deeper question is not whether women can lead. The deeper question is whether we trust the gifts and calling of the Spirit wherever she chooses to pour them out.

If God repeatedly calls, gifts, empowers, commissions, and speaks through women throughout Scripture, perhaps the burden of proof belongs not to those who affirm women in ministry, but to those who insist God does not.”

- Matthew Hester