Welcome to Gospel in Life. Why does the Bible talk about money so much? How we think about and use our money is one of the most common subjects throughout Scripture. And the Bible tells us something striking. You cannot experience deep spiritual growth without putting your money and your attitude toward it in God's

hands. Listen as Tim Keller shows us why generosity is not optional for Christians, but a vital

mark of authentic faith.

Our scripture reading tonight is from the book of Luke chapter 14, verses 7 through 24.

When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable. When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited.

If so, the host who invited both of you, will come and say to you, give this man your seat.

Then humiliated, you will have to take the least important place.

But when you are invited, take the lowest place so that when your host comes, he will say to you,

friend, move up to a better place. Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests.

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Then Jesus said to his host, when you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors.

If you do, they may invite you back, and so you will be repaid.

But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the cripple, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.

Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid

at the resurrection of the righteous. When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to

Jesus, blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God. Jesus replied,

A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time

of the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, come, for everything

is now ready. But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, I have just bought a field,

and I must go and see it. Please excuse me. Another said, I have just bought

five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me. Still the other said,

I just got married, so I can't come. The servant came back and reported this to his master.

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