Mystery – The Church As a Boat

Jesus and the Apostles often used symbols and word paintings to illustrate the nature and identity of the church.  These pictures help return a sense of mystery and awe over the “sacred secrets”  which make up the grace-filled body over which Jesus is head.

This lesson begins by looking at a symbol used not by Jesus or inspired writers, but by first and second century Christians.  History reveals that they often sketched a boat and sail to identify where they were gathering.  This lesson will begin by showing the significance of this symbol that endured literally for centuries.

Then our examination will ask,  “But why a boat?  What reasons exist for choosing this symbolism?”   Those who have given themselves to studying these metaphors suggest two possibilities as to why early followers of Jesus would have selected this figure.  The first possibility  – that it has its origins within the activity of Noah’s ancient rescue vessel – the ark.  This would mean those saved by the blood of Jesus, felt a similarity to those saved by water during the great deluge.

In this study we will examine some issues which may indeed help understand the mystery of the church by perceiving it as the modern-day ark.

Click on the play button below to begin this lesson.

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