< 10 DECLARATIONS
FAMILY.
We declare that Heaven’s Government on earth is FAMILY.
With God’s love at the centre, people, communities and nations belong and flourish.
Key Scriptures: Psalm 68:5-6, Ephesians 3:14-15
Family
Ephesians 3:14-17 For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. (NIV)
Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” (ESV)
Ephesians 1:5-6 He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. (NIV)
See also Ephesians 2:19-22 (NKJV)
God’s love
1 John 4:8,16 God is love. (NIV)
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (NKJV)
Exodus 34:6-7 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.” (NIV)
See also 1 Corinthians 13:4-13
People, communities and nations belong and flourish
Psalm 68:5-6 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land. (ESV)
Jer 29:11 ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ (NIV)
Commentary
The Greek word for “family” is derived from the Greek word for “father”. By saying “family” we are affirming God as our Father. The Hebrew word for family “mishpahhah” can mean everything from the smallest family unit, to a clan, a tribe and a nation. Family is God’s organising principle for promoting life throughout creation - intended to be a safe place where plans are birthed, developed and supported. God’s desire is the restoration of families, communities and nations, and is made possible through the work of the Cross.