Reaction to Faith, Hope, and Luck Round 1

 I do apologize that this first reaction from the first video was so long forthcoming. But, we are here and I will say that I'm pretty stoked. Faith, Hope, and Luck is an online study by Pastor Andy Stanley. The first lesson Better Odds contained much spiritual truth about Christians in all areas of life in our country today. Let's dive in a little bit and see what we can learn from this video.
1) Experiential faith vs. Mature Faith
  I will say that Andy presented a lot of good ideas and truths in this discussion, so it can be easy to miss something. He described experiential faith as having one's faith changed and altered based on your life experiences. For example your faith could be full of life and energized after you come back from a meaningful, spiritual retreat, but your faith can easily fall away after you receive some terrible health news from your doctor. There are countless other examples of both experiences and events in life that can either strengthen or diminish an experiential faith. 
 Stanley highlights this classic struggle very well and even suggests that many believers go through this tension almost on a daily basis. Part of the dangers of an experiential faith can be found in Jesus' account of the parable of the sower. A few things to note in this classic parable:
1) This is one of the few parables that Jesus actually explains in great detail. Most of the parables of Jesus are left unexplained, but oddly enough Jesus tells everyone what the meaning behind the sower is. Why does he explain just this one? Well, my view is that the truth and power behind the parable is so powerful that Jesus wanted to make sure no one missed it: in our faith journey we all believe in the same and Lord and Savior, but if our faith falls on rocky soil or we allow weeds to grab our heart then troubles can emerge.
  Take the time to develop a regular prayer life and relationships with Christians who are both stronger and weaker than you in the faith. Remember to be patient, because the Christian life is a marathon not a sprint.
2) The word of God should and does travel everywhere! The word travels to those who genuinely want a life change and to grow a deep faith, but it also goes to people who just want a quick fix to be happy. So, my encouragement to you is be an example of a deep mature faith. Be honest in all situations, learn to season your words with grace and love, work hard, love your family, and the list can go on and on. Human beings learn very well from example, and you could be a great example of what God is doing in your life. In the time when many people make new year's resolutions can you or your family make a resolution to more intentionally live out your faith?

Stanley goes on to quote Hebrews 4:14 as the scripture verse of his message.