Truth must be seen first!

When the lookout of one ship encounters another ship coming over the horizon, the first part seen is the mast. The flag is flown from the mast in order that the identity of the ship may be determined quickly.The truth of the ships identity is on the mast.The mast is the truth bearer. Shrouds and stays support the mast. Truth must have support. Certainly a ship may fly a flag that does not reveal its true identity, and this has been done. But then, the mast no longer reveals the truth, i.e., the mast is no longer the truth bearer, and therefore the shrouds and stays no longer support the truth, but support deception. Jesus Christ is the truth."I am the way, the truth, and the life!" ( John 14:6) Further, God's word is the truth. "Your word is the truth." (John 17:7) Finally, "After all, the church of the living God is the strong foundation of truth." 1 Tim. 3:15 This all sounds very good. Jesus, the Bible, and the Church, the mast, shrouds and stays. The perfect picture of the truth. A fine ship indeed. But wait. The Prophet Isaiah says something is wrong. "Your ships rigging is loose, its mast shaky, and its sail not spread." Is. 33:23 Our ship is well past its righting moment! We have sailed into a tempest. What has gone wrong?