Breathing Life

Intro

Good morning!

We are glad to be here, and to be able to share.

You have a beautiful church, a great community of believers here.

This morning I want to take a walk through a subject that I hope will be helpful...

Then at the end I’m going to speak to the fathers.

Scripture

Turn in your bible s to Genesis 2…

Genesis 1:1–5 ESV

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

This morning we could take time to read this whole section… I’d encourage you later to read this… skip down to Genesis 2 Verse 7.

Genesis 2:7

“Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.”

When we look at scripture, there is this interwoven theme, of life and death.

A mega theme I call it.

Even from the first pages of scripture… where God’s spirit hovers.

There hovers life...

From that mighty moment in history began to flow everthing created that you and I see around us.

The beauty of nature and spring time, the varying seasons.

The varied creations of mammals, fish, and.

Life

Add story here about life

Where theres life there is growth.

Where there’s death there is .......

Life in our created world is a vivid display of God’s creativity, breath, and sustaining power. From the vast migration of monarch butterflies that travel thousands of miles during migration, to the way a single tiny acorn can grow into a towering oak, creation whispers of divine design and purpose. In coral reefs, where each creature plays a role in a delicate ecosystem, or in the way sunflowers turn their faces to follow the sun, we see that life is not random—it is responsive, ordered, and intentional. Even the humble honeybee, with its tireless work pollinating crops, supports entire food chains, that without our world . Consider the salmon, born in freshwater streams, journeying thousands of miles to the ocean, only to return against all odds to the very stream where life began.

Among the most remarkable examples is the African baobab tree, often called the "Tree of Life." Found across the dry savannahs of sub-Saharan Africa, these trees can live over 1,000 years and store thousands of gallons of water in their massive trunks, allowing them to survive extreme drought. But their life-giving power goes far beyond themselves. Elephants chew their bark to access moisture during dry seasons. Baboons and other primates feast on their vitamin-rich fruit, while birds, bats, and bees rely on their blossoms for nectar. Humans too draw nourishment and medicine from the baobab's bark, leaves, and fruit. The baobab isn’t just surviving in a harsh environment—it is sustaining an entire community of life around it. In this way, the baobab becomes a vivid image of God’s sustaining grace—quietly, constantly offering provision, shelter, and life in the midst of dryness.

Many Scriptures on Life/Death

Proverbs 4:20–22

“My son, be attentive to my words... For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.”

2 Corinthians 3:6

“For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

John 20:22

“And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” 🡺 Jesus literally breathed on His disciples—this breath symbolized the new spiritual life and the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Ezekiel 37:5–6 (Valley of Dry Bones)

“Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.” 🡺 God's breath brings revival and resurrection to what was dead.

Death

In our world we also see the effects of death and sin in our world.

🔻 1. Physical Death – The Universal Fate

“It is appointed for man to die once…” (Hebrews 9:27)

Death is embedded into the cycle of our lives—but it was not the original design (Genesis 1-2). It entered as an intruder through sin (Romans 5:12), and now defines the finiteness of all things under the curse.

Cells decay, Bodies break down, animal or fish species go extinct

We delay death, mourn it, fight against it, and yet we cannot escape it.

🔻 2. Spiritual Death – Separation from God

“You were dead in your trespasses and sins…” (Ephesians 2:1)

Physical death is tragic—but spiritual death is worse.

Spiritual death means a soul alive in body but disconnected from God, walking through life blind, numb, and lost.

People can be functional yet spiritually lifeless

There can be underneath… Apathy, addiction, and anxiety are symptoms of a deeper disconnection

Spiritual Death here is not cessation—it is disconnection

This form of death is not always obvious but it’s always present for those who haven’t been reconciled back to God.

🔻 3. Relational Death – The Death of Trust, Love, and Unity

“What God has joined together, let no one separate…” (Matthew 19:6)

From marriage, to people, to communities in our world.

Death isn’t just in bodies—it’s in marriages that fall apart, friendships that die from betrayal, families broken by resentment, and churches split by division sometimes from petty, small things. The relational death caused by sin mirrors Eden’s first rift: Adam and Eve hid from God and each other that caused their relationship to begin the path towards death.

When death comes in: Communication dies, Forgiveness dies, Compassion and Grace for the other person dies

Sometimes the invisible wounds we carry that are left untreated can create lasting divides, often can be passed from generation to generation. The curse through death, continues across generations.

🔻 4. Ecological Death – A Groaning Creation

“The whole creation has been groaning…” (Romans 8:22)

Death affects the earth itself. Ecosystems collapse. Living things die. Once rich soil can become barren. Water that once was life giving can be polluted. This is not just environmental—it’s theological. The earth was cursed alongside man (Genesis 3:17-19). Creation longs for renewal.

Natural disasters destroy, mud slides, hurricanes, and flooding affect our world.

Here, death seeks to undo systems God created to sustain life.

🔻 5. Emotional and Mental Death – Hope Deferred

“A crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)

Some people feel dead long before they die. Depression, trauma, bitterness, or isolation cause a kind of living death—a shutdown of joy, purpose, or even self-worth.

Despair whispers that life is no longer worth living, Loneliness can feel isolating and bitter.

These deaths aren’t easily seen—but they’re deeply felt.

It could be we now feel sadness.

If your like me… apply to myself.. or a story of death and decay.

Today there’s hope.

God wants to “BREATHE LIFE”

Lets Flip DEATH around...

🔄 1. Physical Death → Physical Resurrection & Renewal

“He will wipe away every tear… and death shall be no more.” (Revelation 21:4)

In Christ:

Bodies are not discarded—they’re resurrected.

Sickness gives way to wholeness.

Graves become temporary holding places.

Even in death, life has the final word (1 Corinthians 15:54–55).

🔄 2. Spiritual Death → Spiritual Rebirth

“Even when we were dead… God made us alive together with Christ…” (Ephesians 2:5)

In Christ:

The spiritually numb are made alive by grace.

The disconnected find intimacy with God.

Our hearts of stone are replaced with hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26).

What was lost in Eden is restored in Christ—daily communion with the Father.

🔄 3. Relational Death → Reconciliation & Restoration

“He has broken down the dividing wall of hostility…” (Ephesians 2:14)

In Christ:

Marriages are healed, families restored.

Forgiveness flows instead of bitterness.

Divides between races, cultures, and generations are reconciled by grace.

The cross reconciles us to God and each other.

🔄 4. Ecological Death → Creation’s Renewal

“The desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus.” (Isaiah 35:1)

In Christ:

Creation groans now, but it will sing later.

A new heaven and new earth await (Revelation 21:1).

The lion will lie with the lamb; the earth will be healed of its curse.

God doesn’t abandon creation—He restores it.

🔄 5. Emotional and Mental Death → Emotional Healing & Hope

“He restores my soul…” (Psalm 23:3)

In Christ:

Depression bows to hope.

Anxiety yields to peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:6–7).

The crushed spirit is revived by His presence (Psalm 34:18).

He gives “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning…” (Isaiah 61:3)

🔄 6. Eternal Death → Eternal Life

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life…” (John 3:36)

In Christ

Death is no longer an end—it’s a doorway to eternal life.

The second death has no power over those sealed in Christ (Revelation 2:11).

Eternal life begins now through knowing God (John 17:3).

We inherit everlasting joy, presence, and peace with God.

Then apply to first individuals then summarize with fathers.

Lets Apply This

Sermon Illustration: "The Tree That Holds Life"

In the dry, sun-scorched plains of sub-Saharan Africa, where rain may not fall for months and the earth cracks with thirst, stands a tree that looks almost upside-down—its roots seem to stretch toward the sky. It’s called the baobab tree.

To the casual traveler, it may seem strange or even dead. But the locals know better. That tree is a wellspring of life.

The baobab can store over 30,000 gallons of water in its thick trunk, acting like a reservoir during seasons of drought. Elephants chew its bark to extract moisture. Baboons climb its limbs to feast on its vitamin-rich fruit. Birds and bats drink nectar from its blossoms. Humans use its bark for medicine, its pulp for food, and its hollow trunks—even as shelter or schools. In the harshest place, it stands tall, silently sustaining life all around it.

And here’s the point:

Fathers

A godly father can be like that baobab tree.

He may not always be flashy. He may not be loud. But in the dry seasons—when everything feels like it's falling apart—his rootedness in God becomes life-giving to those around him. His words refresh. His actions shelter. His consistency feeds souls.

You may not see the fruit immediately. But your children, your spouse, your coworkers—even your community—drink deeply from the life God is storing in you.

For some here -

You

JP NEEDS TO PICKUP HERE AND CHECK THIS… IT MAY NOT BE ACCURATE… BEGIN HERE NEXT TIME AND DO A READ THROUGH.

What does a plant need for life?

Do different plants need different things? In the same way spiritually we are all different people, we have different things that motivate, passions, desires, all initially planted there by God.

My comments or outline:

Breathe life by having a strong marriage

Breathe life by being consistient

Breathe life by being dependable and trusted

Breathe life by sharing faith stories

share stories of how god helped you in your day.

5. Breathe life by making relationsips hole

Breathe life by providing well

Breathe life by protecting strong

Breathe life by preventing pain

Psalm 103:13 ESV

As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

Your daughters need to be protected and loved.. maybe a bit extra then boys. :)

Your sons need their minds guarded and guided.

God needs men to rise up and protect their marriages, homes, and communities.

Breathe life by priorizing what’s important.

Breath live by praying often.

God is the lifeblood of your soul.

Feed your soul, and your marriage, and the natural spillover will happen in your family.

1. Breathe Life through your PRESENCE

Scripture: “He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers…” – Malachi 4:6 Biblical Example: Job

Job was present and involved in his children's lives—even offering sacrifices on their behalf in case they had sinned (Job 1:5). His spiritual and emotional presence mattered in their everyday life.

Ever been around someone and it felt like they were draining the life out of you when you were around them?

Ever been in town or in the community and you observed an interaction with a father and a child… and things weren’t clicking… it wasn’t healthy.

If you want healthy relationships with your kids when they are older, it begins with connecting with them now. And later, and in the future.

Be there when your able for the games, the events, the small moments too.

2. Breathe Life through your FAITH in GOD.

Scripture: “The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.” – Proverbs 23:24 Biblical Example: Abraham

Abraham walked with God and obeyed Him, modeling faith in action. God chose him “that he may command his children… to keep the way of the Lord” (Genesis 18:19). His pursuit of God became a generational foundation.

🔹 3. Initiate Reconciliation: Your Leadership Heals Divides

Scripture: “As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18 Biblical Example: Jacob and Esau (through Jacob's initiative)

Though they were estranged for years, Jacob humbled himself and sought reconciliation, sending gifts and bowing before Esau (Genesis 33:3–4). His repentance and vulnerability healed a broken relationship.

🔹 4. Steward Your Space: Shape an Environment Where Life Can Grow

Scripture: “The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!” – Proverbs 20:7 Biblical Example: Noah

Noah built more than an ark—he built a place of safety and salvation for his family by obeying God (Genesis 6:18–22). In the midst of a corrupt world, his integrity saved his household.

5. Breathe Life through your DISCIPLINE and LOVE

Scripture: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4 Biblical Example: Isaac (blessing Jacob and Esau)

Isaac’s spoken blessing carried lifelong weight. His words shaped destinies (Genesis 27). Though deceived, the moment illustrates the lasting power of a father's words—they cannot be taken lightly.

🔹 6. Lead with Eternity in Mind: You’re Shaping Legacies

Scripture: “You shall teach them diligently to your children…” – Deuteronomy 6:6–7 Biblical Example: David (preparing Solomon to build the temple)

Though David couldn’t build the temple himself, he provided the resources and the vision for Solomon to complete it (1 Chronicles 28:9–10). He passed on not just instructions—but purpose.

Lastly - a final word of encouragement -

Fathers - God is your Provider and Protector

Matthew 7:11 – “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”

Psalm 68:5 – “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.”

God shows his love through disicipline

Hebrews 12:7-9 – “God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?”

God is our Abba! Cry out to Him!

Romans 8:15 – “You have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’”

Galatians 4:6 – “God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’”

Application or Story

CONCLUSION

You know, God wants all of us to grow.

He wants us to grow in our relationships, in our marriages, in our families.

He wants to breathe life into our communities, our homes, our circumstances, our situations.

Even if our circumstances, our homes, our situations don't change in the moment, He still is the author of life.

It began in the beginning, in the beginning God.

God created.

He created the heavens and the earth. It was formless and void. Darkness was over the face of the waters. And then, it says, God breathed. When God breathes, He always brings life.

He brings truth. He brings clarity. Sometimes, He brings conviction. He brings testing. But the whole goal of it all is to bring life, to bring change, good change, into our lives. If we think about each of our stories, in the beginning, Adam fell. He didn't fall to himself. He fell into sin and away from God. It broke fellowship. It broke relationship. It broke his daily communion in the garden with God, to the point where God said, Adam, where are you? Eve, where are you? Any time we sin, we break fellowship. Any time we sin, it hurts others. The ripple effects of Adam and Eve have been felt all throughout time itself even, throughout even to you and me. That means that when we sin, when we do wrong things, it has ripple effects for our marriages, for our families, for our town. It affects things. It brings darkness into the world, into our world again, and now we're left grappling.

Light and darkness has been a part of life, but God wants to breathe life into all of our stories.

He wants to breathe life into this church.

He wants to breathe life into this community.

He wants to heal marriages.

He wants to restore broken relationships with God.

He wants to offer hope through his good news, the gospel, that Jesus came, that Jesus died, that Jesus rose again, and that Jesus conquered death, hell, and the grave, offering us current and eternal hope.

2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)

“All Scripture is God-breathed (theopneustos) and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…”

This verse is the only time the exact Greek word theopneustos appears in the Bible, and it affirms that Scripture itself originates from God’s very breath.

It’s great being a dad… you have many innocent but also funny moments -

A child and his father were visiting an elderly neighbor. They were raking the neighbor's leaves, organizing the neighbor's garage, putting the trash out, and performing other small jobs around the neighbor's house. The child had not really seen the elderly neighbor up close, but on this day the child was going to meet the neighbor up close for the first time. When the child met the neighbor up close he asked the neighbor how old he was, and the father was flabbergasted by his child's question and attempted to apologize to the neighbor, but the neighbor laughed and said that was ok, the child is curious. The elderly neighbor told the child he was 92 years old. The child had a look of unbelief and asked the neighbor, "Did you start at the number one?"

Illustrations:

1. The Underwear Investment

Bill Cosby humorously noted that for Father's Day, he gave each of his five kids $20 to buy him a present. They bought two packages of underwear, each containing three pairs, and each child wrapped one pair as a gift. The sixth pair went to the Salvation Army. Cosby joked that he ended up with new underwear while his kids walked around with $90 of his money. sermonillustrations.com

2. The Next Diaper

After bringing their first baby home, a wife suggested her husband try changing diapers. He replied, "I'm busy; I'll do the next one." The next time the baby needed changing, she asked again. He looked puzzled and said, "I didn't mean the next diaper; I meant the next baby!" ministry127.com

3. Homework Help

A teacher, appalled by a student's homework, said, "I fail to understand how one person could make so many mistakes." The boy replied, "But it wasn't just one person. My dad helped!" ministry127.com

4. Father's Day Obedience

One father remarked, "Father's Day is that one time of the year when I get complete obedience from every member of my family. I tell them not to spend a lot of money on me—and they don't." ministry127.com

5. The Wrong Employer

Three young fathers were in a hospital waiting room. The first was told his wife gave birth to twins; he exclaimed, "I play ball for the Minnesota Twins!" The second learned he had triplets and said, "That's amazing! I work for 3M." The third man fainted. When he regained consciousness, he said, "I work for 7Up." ministry127.com

6. Fishing with Dad

Charles Francis Adams, a 19th-century political figure, wrote in his diary: "Went fishing with my son today—a day wasted." His son, Brook Adams, also kept a diary and wrote on the same day: "Went fishing with my father—the most wonderful day of my life!" sermonillustrations.com+1ministry127.com+1

7. Just Like Dad

Cal Ripken Jr. shared a story about his children. His daughter taunted her younger brother, saying, "You're just trying to be like Daddy." Cal asked, "What's wrong with trying to be like Dad?" Reflecting on this, he realized that striving to emulate his father was a guiding principle in his life. sermonsearch.com

8. The Pickle Jar Opener

Erma Bombeck recounted a story of a little girl who didn't think much about her father until he passed away. She remembered him as the one who opened pickle jars no one else could, wasn't afraid to go into the basement, and always brought the car around when it rained. His quiet presence had a profound impact. sermonillustrations.com

9. The Daddy Doll

A young girl, unsure of what fathers do, would play with her "daddy doll" by saying, "I'm going off to work now," and then throw him under the bed. After her father's funeral, she retrieved the doll, dusted it off, and placed it on her bed, realizing how much she missed him. sermonillustrations.com

10. The Bee Sting

A father and son were driving when a bee flew into the car. The son, allergic to bee stings, was terrified. The father caught the bee in his hand and then released it. The son panicked again, but the father showed him the stinger in his hand, saying, "I took the sting so you wouldn't have to."