What Happens if We Neglect the Work of God Haggai 1:1–11 Signs of a desolate church: Few conversions Inadequate finances low percentage of attendance at worship Half-hearted worship Few outsiders brought to church outreach activities by members Dwindling support to missions. 1. When a church is desolate, it is often because God's people aren't actively building. (Haggai 1:2-4) 5 Keys about Building a Church God calls all his people to help build his church. 1 Cor. 15:58 God's ultimate priority for his people is that we would advance his active, saving presence in the world. Matthew 6:33 We build the church by being disciples and making disciples. Matthew 28:18-20 We build the church by being faithful managers of our spiritual gifts. Ephesians 4:11-16 To ignore God's calling and neglect this work is a sin. - Matthew 25:14-30; James 4:17; 1 Corinthians 4:2 2. Some believers neglect to build God's church because they are more interested in building their own “house.” (Haggai 1:4,9) 3. God may discipline those who neglect his church. (Haggai 1:5-6,9-11) God may dry up our lives, causing us to lack or find no satisfaction in the things of this world. The purpose of God's discipline is to stir us up to fulfill our calling and to support his saving work in the world. God's discipline is always in love and for our highest good. We should carefully examine our lives to see if they have been “dried up.” 4. If you have neglected God's work, the answer is to submit yourself fully to Jesus Christ and plan diligently and prayerfully how to build his church. (Haggai 1:7-8)