Ian Vail

For as were the days of floods, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage… and they did not know until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. Jesus (Matthew 24:37-39)

The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence. The Earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena. Carl Sagan

Don’t adopt the attitude of a wit and don’t be caught witless. Make sure you have all your wits engaged when the end comes. Actually a bit before the end would be better. Ian

A fire broke out backstage in a theatre. The clown came out to warn the public; they thought it was a joke and applauded… I think that’s just how the world will come to an end: to general applause from wits who believe it’s a joke. Søren Kierkegaard

And don’t forget Revelation 21:6-7 cf 21:8 nor Revelation 22:14 cf 22:15 which I have given you above. I trust it is clear enough for you now! The difference is between your name being listed in the Lamb’s book of Life or not.

Then I heard another voice calling from heaven, “Come away from her, my people. Do not take part in her sins, or you will be punished with her. Revelation 18:4

Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed. Revelation 16:15 (Contrast this with the following verses to 21).

The smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever, and they will have no relief day or night, for they have worshiped the beast and his statue and have accepted the mark of his name. This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently, obeying his commands and maintaining their faith in Jesus. Revelation 14:11-12

Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand. Anyone who is destined for prison will be taken to prison. Anyone destined to die by the sword will die by the sword. This means that God’s holy people must endure persecution patiently and remain faithful. Revelation 13:9-10

The nations were filled with wrath, but now the time of your wrath has come. It is time to judge the dead and reward your servants the prophets, as well as your holy people, and all who fear your name, from the least to the greatest. It is time to destroy all who have caused destruction on the earth. Revelation 11:18

In chapters 2 and 3 he warns everyone who has ears in each of the 7 churches that they must listen to what the spirit is saying to the churches (all seven churches), that’s why they’re all together in one general letter. Then he tells them there are rewards for persevering until the end. [Seven times] Pay attention. Ian

But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9

I saw you covering yourself. But I know the secrets of your heart. You can’t hide anything from me. I know everything about you and I still love you. Jesus (after John 1:48)

Whenever we resort to covering ourselves we only complicate our lives and do things which keep us from the only One who can save us. Ian

At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. Genesis 3:7

The leaves will continue to bring healing not to individuals but to the nations, those entities which have historically been at odds and at war with one another. Gordon D. Fee

What is sorely needed after human empires ravaged the nations is the promotion of communal harmony between the tribes and nations. Bruce M Metzger