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[There is no ark, it was just a story used to teach people.]

I am not trained in the ways of preaching, but I will offer this as a useful perspective when reading/interpreting the bible.

There were many authors of the Good Book. Each author had a different target audience. Many books in the Old Testimate relayed stories and teachings that communicated the lesson to folks of that time in a way that they could relate to. Also, all author's translations are the best interpretation of the ancient languages.

Was there an Adam and Eve? I don't know, I believe the earliest believers needed a clear explanation of human existence and that symbolism likely effectively communicated it in terms that humans 4,500 years ago could make sense of. I do not believe the message in Genesis is intended to explain exactly how humans came to be as much as it is that God created everything and our existence is at the Lord's pleasure. Our existence on earth is not to be one of leisure pleasantries but to endure hardships and make choices as we develop our souls in preparation for our welcome back to "The Garden of Eden." Genesis is filled with sin and misery.

Did the sea part to allow the Israelites flee Egypt? Maybe. It may be more likely that the Egyptians were days behind the fleeing Israelites and the see was shallow enough to cross followed by an earthquake, floods, etc. One way or another, Moses, with the inspiration and power of God, led the Israelites in a cunning, daring and yes, miraculous escape against all odds.

Noah's ark? Maybe a regional story that demonstrates God's grace for those that believe. I believe Noah survived a flood that likely wiped out a local population. He was close to God and may have even built a boat for his family and his herds at the direction of God prior to the storms and floods. Over the years, the story may have evolved to include all of the planet.

I believe that the bible is the word of God. Written by mere mortals to mere mortals. It is the playbook for our existence and the how to manual to shape your soul in eager anticipation of our afterlife with our Lord. We have but 80+/- years to get our Sh** straight and along the way overcome life's challenges. We each will get to bare a cross and prove ourselves worthy. The Lord was kind enough to give us directions. I believe we call it the Bible.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. The first person I have ever met that thinks exactly how I do with regard to the Bible.

What if God gave you infinite knowledge of the unverse, and a vocabulary of a bronze age shepherd? How would you communicate this knowledge to other bronze age shepherds? Wonder if I would do better than the authors of the Bible?