Why is God always referred to as a man? :: Gospel Outreach Report: SOUTHAMPTON

Why is God always referred to as a man? Is a question we sometimes receive on the streets. This can be asked for a number of different reasons, but how would you answer this question?

A team of us (this time we had ten people) did a Gospel outreach in Southampton today (Friday). (an Open Air Mission outreach, headed up by Josh Williamson.)

"God is a Spirit" John 4:24

It was encouraging today to have a such a big team. We were once again joined by Paul Adams from OAC USA, after joining us yesterday in Salisbury. We were also joined by a couple of guys who are quite new to the group, which is encouraging to see such zeal.

Two young men wanting a free Bible

At the start of the outreach, two young men came to the table, both wanting a free Bible. I asked them if they had read any of the Bible and they said "a little." I then asked them what the theme of the Bible is and they replied that it was to do with peace and doing good things. I was able to

share with them a very brief overview of the Bible by sharing the Good News of Jesus and how it is for us as individuals. They were greatful and I told them of a summary flyer that is included in the front of the Bible.

Please pray for these two young men. There seems to be a lot of young people who are interested today in the Gospel.

Why is God always referred to as a man?

I didn't have much by way of conversations today. But one other conversation really stood out - with an elderly lady (pictured below). To be honest, I really don't know why she stopped at the table. She started looking at items. I asked her if she had read the scriptures and she said she had read some. She did not want anything from the table and left with nothing in the end.

I tried to bring the message of the Gospel to her, but every time I did, she would raise objections.

"I have a problem with ___________________" would be a standard response. I have a problem with people telling me what to do. I have a problem with what sin is. I have a problem with God etc. She delighted to tell me of a prayer she has made up towards some higher power that she believes in.

One point she raised was "I have a problem with why is God always referred to as a man."

Every time I tried to respond to her "problems" I would be faced with other objections and the conversation would go nowhere.

Upon reflection, I am not sure I would have given her an adequate answer for the objection "Why is God always referred to as a man?"

Always in the school of Christ

Poor recall, forgetfulness and just simply not knowing how to answer someone - these are realities I face when being in conversation with people on the streets. In this instance I think, forgetfullness and / or just not knowing how to answer this lady were my reasons why I don't think I would be able to give her a good answer. I could point to "God is a Spirit" John 4:24. But this does not directly deal with the scriptures that speak of God as male (Father specifically).

Can I encourage you to check out CARM.

CARM stands for the Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry. It’s a longstanding, nonprofit, non-denominational Protestant apologetics organisation. Founded by Matt Slick. Its mission is to equip Christians, defend the faith, and reach the lost for Jesus.

Christians should visit because it’s a trusted hub for learning, defending, and sharing the faith in a thoughtful and practical way. I have gone to this website many times to quickly find Biblical answers to questions when witnessing to people.

If you spend any time witnessing to people, you will come across questions and objections that you will struggle to answer.

In terms of responding to the objection about God being male, here is what I have learnt from CARM on the matter:

God isn’t male or female, because He isn’t a physical being – He is spirit, not flesh and blood. Yet in the Bible, God is always spoken of in the masculine. This is mainly because of how God the Father relates to Jesus, the Son, who was born as a man.

In biblical culture, the man carried the role of authority and represented his family. For example, even though Eve sinned first, the Bible says sin entered the world through Adam, because he had that representative authority. This idea is called Federal Headship.

In the same way, Jesus – as a man – represents us before God. That’s why Scripture refers to God as “Father” rather than “Mother”, linking authority with the male role in the Bible.

Looking back on the conversation, I suppose I could have just responded with "He is not always referred to as a man..." and then quote John 4:24 - that He is Spirit.

How would you respond to the objection "Why is God always referred to as a man?" Comment below!

Today many conversations were had and literature handed out. Please take a moment to pray for those who were offered God's mercy found in Christ alone.

To find out more about what went on while we were in Southampton today, you can read another report from Josh Williamson by clicking here.

For His Glory,

-Nigel, Printing Evangelism