“If you hear it said about one of the cities the Lord your God is giving you to live in that wicked men have arisen among you and have led the people of their city astray, saying, ‘Let us go and worship other gods’ (gods you have not known), then you must investigate it thoroughly. If it is true and it has been proved that this detestable thing has been done among you, you must certainly put to the sword all who live in that city. Destroy it completely, both its people and its livestock.” – Deuteronomy 13:12-15
Understanding Family Altars
Family altars are places of sacrifice, worship, and sometimes even curses that can bind generations. When we talk about breaking family altars, we are addressing issues of spiritual warfare and inheritance that can deeply affect us. We understand the importance of family in God’s plan, and that our spiritual lineage can shape our present and future. As a community, we need to recognize these altars of negativity and dysfunction that may have been established in our families. It’s essential for us to gather strength and wisdom to break the ties that bind us to past generational sins. We have the power, with God’s help, to dismantle these altars and restore God’s design for our families, promoting healing and righteousness. Our families should be places where the love and guidance of Christ prevail.
Deuteronomy 13:12
“If you hear it said about one of the cities the Lord your God is giving you to live in that wicked men have arisen among you and have led the people of their city astray.” – Deuteronomy 13:12
Joshua 24:15
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15
Proverbs 22:6
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord. – Isaiah 54:17
Jeremiah 31:29-30
“In those days, people will no longer say, ‘The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.’ Instead, everyone will die for their own sin; whoever eats sour grapes— their own teeth will be set on edge.” – Jeremiah 31:29-30
The Generational Impact
We often overlook how the actions and beliefs of our ancestors can impact our lives and the lives of our children. Breaking family altars means recognizing that the decisions made by previous generations might not align with God’s word. Just as God promised a blessing to those who obey, we can also inherit curses from past disobedience. Though this might sound discouraging, it is not hopeless. With God’s strength, we can break these cycles. We believe in freedom for ourselves and our descendants. By committing to serve God fully, we can create a new family legacy, one rooted in faith, love, and obedience to His commands. Our decisions today can pave the way for blessings in future generations.
Exodus 20:5-6
“You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” – Exodus 20:5-6
Galatians 5:1
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1
Psalms 103:17
“But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.” – Psalms 103:17
Ezekiel 18:19-20
“Yet you ask, ‘Why does the son not share the guilt of the father?’ Since the son has done what is just and right and has been careful to keep all my decrees, he will surely live. The one who sins is the one who will die. The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them.” – Ezekiel 18:19-20
Proverbs 4:7
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” – Proverbs 4:7
Spiritual Weapons for Breaking Altars
We need to harness the spiritual tools given to us in the fight against established family altars. We are not powerless against these influences; we have the Holy Spirit to guide us, prayer to sustain us, and the word of God to fortify us. As we stand in prayer and seek God’s intervention, we can actively dismantle negative patterns and influences. Through faith-filled prayers and declarations, we can break the chains of bondage that have been formed over generations. It is within our rights as children of God to reclaim the spiritual territory that belongs to us. We also need to surround ourselves with loving believers who can join us in this fight, sharing wisdom and encouragement along the way.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” – 2 Corinthians 10:3-4
Ephesians 6:11-12
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” – Ephesians 6:11-12
Psalms 144:1
“Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.” – Psalms 144:1
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
1 Timothy 6:12
“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” – 1 Timothy 6:12
Establishing New Altars of Worship
Breaking family altars isn’t just about tearing down the old but also about building anew. We have an incredible opportunity to set up altars that honor God in our homes. Establishing a new altar means creating an environment where God is glorified, His word is cherished, and prayer is a daily routine. We can transform our spaces into places of worship where family members come together to seek God, share blessings, and grow spiritually. As we build new altars, we invite God’s presence into our family lives. These altars reflect our commitment to serve Him and encourage a legacy of faith for those who follow.
Psalms 34:3
“Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.” – Psalms 34:3
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:20
Psalms 127:1
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” – Psalms 127:1
A Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17
Seeking Deliverance and Healing
It is crucial for us to seek healing and deliverance from the effects of family altars. These altars may have caused pain, division, or hardship within our families. We can turn to God for deliverance, asking Him to release us from curses, strongholds, and negative influences. He is eager to heal those wounds and restore our family relationships. Through His power, we can transition from despair to peace. By seeking help through prayer, the word of God, and fellowship with other believers, we begin to experience true freedom. We should encourage one another to pursue emotional, physical, and spiritual healing, believing that God desires wholeness for us all.
Psalms 107:20
“He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.” – Psalms 107:20
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” – Isaiah 61:1
John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36
Jeremiah 30:17
“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord, because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.” – Jeremiah 30:17
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
Restoring Our Families’ Spiritual Heritage
To completely break family altars, we must also focus on restoring our families’ spiritual heritage. This restoration means reclaiming God’s original intent for our lives and rediscovering the blessings He has in store for us. By studying His Word and sharing our testimonies, we affirm our commitment to navigate our family’s future by God’s principles. We must teach our children the ways of the Lord, ensuring that God becomes the cornerstone of our family. In doing so, we establish a legacy of worship that can pass from generation to generation, nursing the faith and illuminating the path of righteousness.
Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” – Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Psalms 78:4
“We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” – Psalms 78:4
Proverbs 13:22
“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.” – Proverbs 13:22
1 Corinthians 11:1
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 11:1
Final Thoughts
Managing the impact of family altars can feel overwhelming, but we are reassured that we can break free from the generational sins that bind us. Together, we carry the authority and strength to dismantle these altars through prayer, dedication, and continued faith in Christ. As we tear down negative influences, we simultaneously have the opportunity to build new altars that worship and honor God. We can also seek healing for ourselves and our loved ones, ensuring that we create a foundation of love, unity, and faith as we embrace our spiritual heritage. It brings us peace to know that we do not have to carry the weight of the past into our futures.
Let’s not forget the value of coming together in faith and prayer, as our collective strength empowers us to restore our families. Only through Christ can we create a legacy worth passing on. For further guidance on related topics, take a look at leading your family and leaving family after marriage. These resources can inspire and uplift us as we walk in faith together.