Restoring God's Design for Family
Pastor Dan Walker, PhD, MDiv
Voting with a Biblical Worldview – Part 3
Introduction
We’re continuing our series called "Voting with a Biblical Worldview," and today, our focus is "Restoring God’s Design for Family."
When we look around us, it’s easy to see that families today are under pressure. The enemy has been working overtime to dismantle and distort the family unit, and it has had real consequences—broken homes, children growing up without parents, confusion over marriage and gender. But I’m here to tell you that God’s plan for the family hasn’t changed. There is hope. God’s design for the family is still the foundation that brings stability, health, and blessing.
In America today, we are witnessing a deep crisis in the family. Over 18 million children are growing up in single-parent homes. Divorce has become commonplace, and many families are struggling just to stay intact. Cultural shifts have led to confusion around what family even means, with more and more people redefining marriage and gender according to their own preferences.
This has led to an increase in same-sex marriages and a blurring of gender roles. And these trends aren’t just cultural—they have deep and lasting impacts. When we look at the effects, we see that broken families often lead to increased rates of poverty, mental health struggles, and even crime. The breakdown of the family affects children in profound ways, leaving them without the stability and support they need.
Proverbs 14:34 (ESV): "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people."
In neighborhoods where fatherlessness and family instability are common, we see the tragic consequences—higher crime rates, substance abuse, and a sense of hopelessness. It’s no wonder that the Bible tells us:
Psalm 127:1 (ESV): "Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain."
A family that is not built on the Lord’s foundation cannot stand.
Yet, even in the midst of all these troubling statistics, there is hope. God’s design for the family has never changed. From the very beginning, God had a plan, and His plan still holds true today. He designed marriage to be a covenant between one man and one woman, and He created us male and female—distinct, yet perfectly complementary.
It’s this design that brings life and stability to families, and ultimately, to our communities and our nation. Despite the brokenness we see around us, God is calling His people to be part of the solution.
Isaiah 58:12 (ESV): "And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in."
This is God’s promise to us, church. We are called to be the ones who rebuild and restore. We are called to raise up strong families—families that honor God’s original design.
Honor God’s Blueprint for Marriage and Gender
God’s blueprint for the family began at creation.
Genesis 1:27 (ESV): "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."
Every human being is created in God’s image. Male and female—each uniquely reflects God’s nature. We see that this design is unchangeable; it’s embedded into our very DNA.
God’s intention for marriage is that it be a covenant between a man and a woman, a reflection of His unity and love. This covenant is more than just a relationship—it’s a divine calling to represent God’s love on the earth, raising children who will know and serve the Lord.
Genesis 2:24 (ESV): "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."
Marriage, as defined by God, is a covenant between one man and one woman. It was created to reflect unity, love, and His design for the family. Together, the man and the woman are to raise up godly children to represent God on the earth.
Marriage is not just about a man and a woman—it is about the two of them in covenant with each other and with God.
God’s design for marriage is beautifully reflected in:
Ephesians 5:25 (ESV): "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."
The love that a husband is called to show his wife is sacrificial—it’s a love that gives everything, just as Jesus gave everything for us. And wives, the submission spoken of in Scripture is not about inferiority; it’s about honoring the leadership of a husband who is laying down his life in love. When husbands and wives live this out, it’s a powerful testimony of Christ’s love for His church.
Application
To honor God’s design for family, we need to affirm these truths in our own homes. We must embrace God’s original blueprint—that marriage is a covenant between one man and one woman, and that He created male and female, each with a purpose.
As believers, it’s our responsibility not only to live this out but also to advocate for it in our community. This means that when we vote, we vote for leaders and policies that protect God’s design for family. When we honor His blueprint, we position our families to receive His blessing, and we become a beacon of hope to those around us.
Defend the Sanctity of Family Structure
The family is the foundational building block of our society.
Proverbs 24:3–4 (ESV): "By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches."
God’s wisdom is the foundation of a strong family, and His understanding gives it stability. Every family that builds itself on the wisdom of God’s Word will find strength, peace, and love, regardless of whether they are believers.
When families honor God’s principles, they become a source of blessing to those around them. Even non-believing families who follow these principles will find themselves closer to the heart of God, as His ways naturally draw people toward His truth and love.
However, we are seeing a rise in voices trying to redefine family and marriage in ways that do not align with God’s Word. The enemy is actively at work, and we must stand firm against these distortions.
Romans 1:26-27 (ESV): "For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another."
These verses show us that moving away from God’s plan results in consequences that affect individuals and society. Romans 1:26-27 (ESV) clearly teaches that same-sex relationships are contrary to God’s plan.
But even as we hold fast to this truth, we must also extend the love of Christ to every person. The gospel is not about condemning—it’s about saving. Our role is to share God’s truth with compassion, pointing people toward His love and His grace.
God’s design for marriage was established right from the beginning. Jesus Himself reaffirmed this:
Matthew 19:4-6 (ESV): "He answered, 'Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh"? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.'"
Jesus pointed back to creation, reminding us that marriage is a sacred covenant, designed to unite one man and one woman. This unity reflects God’s plan for blessing, stability, and love in the family. When we honor this design, we experience the fullness of God’s blessing in our homes.
It’s important to remember that God’s principles are not just for believers—they are for everyone, and when anyone follows them, they experience the benefits of His perfect plan.
Application
Defending the sanctity of family structure means standing on the truth of God’s Word, even when it is countercultural. It means speaking out when we see attempts to redefine marriage and gender, understanding that these efforts lead people away from the blessing God intends for them.
This also involves having conversations with others that affirm God’s order for the family. Speak the truth in love, whether it’s with friends, neighbors, or colleagues. Let people see in us a reflection of God’s design—loving marriages, stable families, and joyful homes.
Additionally, we are called to support leaders and policies that protect and advance God’s plan for the family.
We must remember that we are in a spiritual battle, and the family is at the center of this struggle. The latest attacks in the form of transgender ideology and attempts to redefine gender are not just cultural trends—they are direct challenges to God’s created order.
As followers of Christ, we cannot remain silent. We must lovingly and boldly speak out against these lies, protecting our children and our communities from the deception that leads to confusion and brokenness.
There are three kinds of churches when it comes to addressing these issues:
- Churches that embrace the world’s definitions and abandon God’s truth—these are not true churches of Jesus Christ.
- Churches that avoid speaking on these topics out of fear or a desire to avoid controversy—these churches are missing their calling to stand for God’s truth.
- Biblical churches that are willing to take up their cross, speak truth, and change lives, cities, and nations—that is the kind of church we are striving to be: a church that honors God’s design, stands up for His truth, and reaches out in love.
Trust God’s Care for Every Family
We know that not every family situation is ideal. Some of us come from broken homes, some are single parents, and some are trying to raise children in difficult circumstances. But I want you to know that God sees you. He cares deeply for your family, no matter where you find yourself today.
Psalm 68:5-6 (ESV): "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."
God is a Father to the fatherless, and He promises to provide for those who trust in Him. If your family has been affected by brokenness, God wants to bring healing and hope.
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
As a church, we are here to help carry each other’s burdens. Whether it’s through prayer, practical support, or just being there for each other, we are called to be a family that lifts each other up. God uses His people to be His hands and feet, providing comfort and strength in times of need.
If your family is facing struggles, know that God has a plan of restoration for you. There is no family situation that is beyond the reach of His love and healing.
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Whatever you are going through, God is right there with you, ready to strengthen you, ready to bring healing and hope to your family. You don’t have to do this alone—God promises to uphold you.
No family is perfect; we all face struggles as we seek to follow Jesus. What matters is that we keep our eyes on Him, trusting His guidance and grace every step of the way. God’s love is powerful enough to restore relationships, bring peace to our homes, and fill us with hope. No matter what your family looks like today, God wants to bring His blessing and His presence into your home.
Application
If your family has experienced brokenness—whether through divorce, estrangement, or other difficulties—take heart. God is not finished with you. He is the One who rebuilds the ancient ruins and restores what has been lost. Begin by bringing your family to Him in prayer, asking Him to bring healing.
Be willing to forgive where forgiveness is needed and to ask for forgiveness where necessary. Trust that He has a good plan for you and your loved ones.
As a church family, we also have a role to play. We must bear one another’s burdens and support single parents, widows, and those who are struggling. This isn’t just a calling for a select few—it’s what we are all called to do as followers of Christ.
Let’s be the kind of church where no one feels alone, where everyone has a place to belong, and where we lift each other up in love and in prayer.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (ESV): "And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
There is no sin too great, no life too far gone that God cannot redeem. Whether it is adultery, homosexuality, or any other sin, God’s grace is available to all who repent and believe.
This is the message of hope that we have as the church—there is forgiveness, there is new life, and there is restoration in Jesus.
We must also remember that while we uphold God’s truth, we do so with the goal of seeing lives changed, not condemning those who are lost. Our calling is to extend the grace of God and invite people into a relationship with Him. We are not just defenders of God’s truth; we are ambassadors of His love and grace.
Conclusion
God’s design for family is perfect, and it brings blessing when we follow it. He desires for us to experience the fullness of His love in our homes and to build strong families that reflect His character.
As we look at our society today, we see that there is much work to be done. Families are under attack, and the enemy is doing everything he can to distort and destroy what God has established.
But we are not without hope. God is raising up His people to be a light in the darkness, to restore and rebuild what has been broken.
Isaiah 58:12 (ESV): "And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in."
This is our calling as a church—to stand up for God’s design, to be a voice of hope, and to bring healing to our community.
We must continue to honor God’s blueprint for family in our own lives, defend the sanctity of the family structure in our community, and trust that God will take care of every family—no matter the situation.
If you’re here today and you know that your family needs healing, I want to encourage you to take a step of faith. Bring your situation to God. He is the One who rebuilds what has been torn down and brings life where there has been loss.
If you’re not yet a follower of Jesus, today is a perfect day to start your journey with Him. No matter what your past looks like, God loves you and has a plan for you. When you turn to Him, He gives you a new identity and makes you a part of His family.
