Anticipating AT1–August 14, 2020

As the pandemic wears on, our humanity is showing up in ways that make us cringe. Rage/anger. Depression. Weight gain. Substance abuse. Other addictions we hope to keep hidden. God, in the Garden of Eden, brings us so much reassurance. Rather than condemning Adam and Eve for sinning, the Divine question is non-threatening: “Where are you? I want to be with you.”

We’re so glad you’ve found Anticipating AT1. To keep our hope alive that one day we will be back together again, we are providing virtual meetings, with a new edition every Friday. Anticipating AT1 is 10-15 minutes long, and can be viewed at any time. We hope it prompts personal reflection, and is a discussion catalyst with your family and friends as you talk with them in the safe ways you connect during these unusual times.

Paul Richardson introduces this week’s edition of Anticipating AT1. Our message of reassurance is presented by Pastor Chris Oberg. Jammie Karlman brings us Adventist trending news. And stay by to listen to a beautiful Bach number played by Joel Ruybalid.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean to you to live as God’s friends, rather than God’s subjects, or worse yet, God’s disappointment?

2. If you knew that God doesn’t condemn you for falling far short of Heaven’s perfection, how would that change your hiding from your Forever Friend now?

3. How can we choose an outlook of the pure joy God offers even when the world disappoints us or we disappoint ourselves?

Be well, and love well.