'Why is the House of God Forsaken?'

Aim: To be those who honor Christ by maintaining His house.

Doctrine: Asking the right question leads to renewed vigor in the church. This is because convicted hearts seek change that shows itself in living worship.

Exegesis: Some steps toward restoring God's forsaken house: identify the practical problem (with an attitude of grace) (vv. 10-11); faithfully participate in the church's ministry (vv. 12-13); reflect on God's work through us (with praise of His greatness) (v. 14).

Further application: How we move from a forsaken to a healthy house of God: by understanding that constant vigilance must be maintained through a faith that is fed by a cleaned and well-ordered church.

Key phrase: v. 11a ''So I contended with the rulers, and said, 'Why is the house of God forsaken?'''