Sermons on Overcoming Despair:

Because Of The Cross

Contributed by K. Edward Skidmore on Dec 9, 2014

Using the general outline from Robert McGee's book "Search for Significance" this message reveals the four ways the cross overcomes the false belief systems of people living under the cloud of guilt, shame, self loathing and blame.

Because of the Cross I Corinthians 1:18 (Outline from Robert McGee, Search for Significance) INTRODUCTION: The God of the Bible is the complete opposite of the kinds of gods human beings tend to invent. The gods that humans concoct are impressive, powerful, victorious, and even dangerous. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Restoring God's Masterpiece Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 25, 2023

Sin marred and disfigured God's masterpiece. But the Bible is one long narrative of how God sought to restore that which was damaged. Has God completely restored His masterpiece now... or is that yet to happen?

OPEN: One of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous paintings was called “The Last Supper.” It was painted on the wall of the Sistine Chapel, and Da Vinci was sure that the unique painting style he used would create a masterpiece that would last forever. It didn’t quite work out that way. The painting ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:14-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Disciple Peter - Slip Leads To Slide - Part 3 Of 4 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jul 14, 2022

The unimaginable happens. Peter denies his Lord. Peter should not have been in the court in the first place, and certainly not with the enemy, warming himself. Peter led himself into temptation. Failure can teach us valuable lessons and we look at overcoming temptation

THE DISCIPLE PETER - SLIP LEADS TO SLIDE - PART 3 OF 4 THE CHARACTERS IN JOHN’S GOSPEL UNINTENTIONAL FAILURE --- SLIP LEADS TO SLIDE --- FAILED BY MY OWN WORDS -- WHY DID HE STAY? John 18 v 10 “Simon Peter therefore having a sword, drew it, and struck the high priest’s slave and cut off ...read more

Scripture: John 18:10-11, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, John 18:14-27, Matthew 26:75, Mark 14:71-72  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Woman With Weak Eyes Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jun 2, 2023

Because of her "ugliness" (weak eyes) Leah was unnoticed, unwanted & unloved… and unmarried. She was literally a rejected woman. How did God help her overcome her rejection?

A lady was walking down the street on her way to work & saw a parrot in a pet store. She went in to admire the bird, and suddenly the parrot spoke to her, “Hey lady. You’re ugly.” Well, the woman was deeply offended, and she stormed out of the store. But on her way home, she thought she’d ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 29:16-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Not Home Yet: Rejoicing In Suffering

Contributed by C Jordan on Sep 3, 2017

Suffering is going to come, but it doesn’t have to overcome you. We can cast our cares upon Jesus, because He cares for us, and experience God’s abundant hope, peace and joy.

NOT HOME YET: REJOICING IN SUFFERING INTRO TO SPEAKER: It’s been a quiet spring break with Liza and Hannah on a mission trip in Mexico, and Austin on a mission trip in Uganda. Caleb’s at home but working most of the time. NOT HOME YET: Lyrics by Steven Curtis Chapman “To all the travelers, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-6

Denomination: *other

How The Gospel Can Inspire The Church Series

Contributed by Chris Appleby on Aug 7, 2008

Encourage one another with the greatness of the hope that is ours. This hope is so great that it’s all we need to motivate us. It’s a hope that will keep us from the fear of death, keep us from despair, because it promises God’s power to be with us moment

Someone suggested that today’s service is bit like a funeral, or at least a memorial service and the passage we’re looking at today might reinforce that idea. But I hope that’s not how you see it. This is meant to be a celebration of good ministry that’s happened over a long period of time and ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

The Book Of Lamentations – Part 36 – Hopeless People In A Desperate Situation. Great Sadness In The World - Chapter 4:17-19 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Aug 22, 2025

It is sad when people lose hope and just wait for their end. We look at the great sadness of the survivors in Judah after the Babylonian destruction. We examine repentance, and the seriousness of sin. What can we do for despairing people? Let us not turn away from honesty in this.

THE BOOK OF LAMENTATIONS – PART 36 – HOPELESS PEOPLE IN A DESPERATE SITUATION. GREAT SADNESS IN THE WORLD - CHAPTER 4:17-19 The next 4 verses move back to the details of the suffering of the survivors and we take this verse by verse - PART [17]. A HOPELESS SITUATION – DESTITUTE AND ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 4:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4, Jeremiah 37:5-9, Lamentations 4:18, 2 Corinthians 13:5, Revelation 6:3-8, Revelation 6:12-17, 2 Timothy 3:1-4, Lamentations 4:19, 2 Timothy 3:12-13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Prayer Of Gethsemane Series

Contributed by Chris Anderson on Mar 10, 2023

Jesus clearly knew God’s will, and yet he had intense angst and the deep feeling of despair that came from actually obeying God’s will. This sermon is intended to equip you for those moments where DOING God’s will, is really really hard.

If you’ve been around Christian circles for any length of time, there is a considerable amount of frustration in trying to determine God’s will. For some, it’s because we love the Lord and want to please him, so we want to make sure we’re making right choices that would honor him. But for others, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:36-46

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

My Times Are In Your Hands

Contributed by John Gaston on Sep 17, 2025

If you watch the nonstop news, you might be tempted to despair! David faced a period of discouragement. In Psalm 31 we see David's hard plight but watch as he wrestles to trust & find hope and victory in God. It points us how to do it.

MY TIMES ARE IN YOUR HANDS Ps. 31:15 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: YOU KNOW YOU’RE IN TEXAS IN JULY WHEN… 1. The best parking place is determined by shade instead of distance. 2. Hot water now comes out of both taps. You can make sun tea instantly. 3. You learn that a seat belt buckle makes a ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 31:9-24

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Killing Giants In Our Lives

Contributed by Roger Spackman on Nov 7, 2005

Overcoming depression, phobias and disapoinment through applying the principles of David and Goliath! God can turn your ’scars into stars’ and ’your tragedies into triumphs’! Uplifting and very encouraging sermon. Full PP slides available.

Goal/purpose This message is one of encouragement for our people to press into God with the difficulties of life. To receive instruction from the Word of God in being able to gain perspective on our problems. To see life from God’s point of view and not be overcome with despair when difficulties ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:1-58

Denomination: Baptist

Just Around The Corner – Is Victory!

Contributed by John Gaston on May 28, 2018

You’re PREDESTINED TO GLORY! You have a future so bright, so awesome, so wonderful that your mind can’t even conceive it! God has put his overcoming nature within us; we are going to win!

JUST AROUND THE CORNER – IS VICTORY! 1 John 5:4-5 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. One day a big Hulk of a guy got onto a bus. Standing 6'8" tall and built like a wrestler, with arms hanging down to the ground, he glared at the driver and said, "Big John doesn’t pay!" 2. Naturally, the bus ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:4-5

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Pride - The Greatest Sin

Contributed by Matthew Oliver on Jun 20, 2002

Many of the failures of todays world to enact the gospel are the result of human pride. Only by God’s grace through self-denial can we hope to overcome

20 June 2002 Evening Prayer St John the Evangelist Cold Lake Psalm 85 1 Samuel 2:27-36 Matthew 18:10-20 An anonymous man of God prophesies to Eli about his fate and the fate of his sons for their failure to follow God – you see Eli’s Sons are taking more than their share of the sacrifice and are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:10-20, 1 Samuel 2:27-36

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

How To Face Incredible Odds Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Aug 14, 2004

We can overcome incredible odds in life when we put our trust in (1) His awesome power, and (2) His amazing love, for us!

Last week - we look at Peter’s walk upon the water and learn 2 things: 1. We experience the power of God when we take the first step... Put our feet to work, we will see God at work in our lives. 2. Our faith in God grows through experiences with Him in these STEPS - take it step by step. Faith in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:11-17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Finding Christ In Spite Of The Barriers

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Feb 20, 2008

Christmas sermon discussing how the Magi overcame many obstacles to find and worship Christ and how we can help others overcome barriers to Him as well.

Finding Christ in Spite of the Barriers Matthew 2:1-12 December 16, 2007 NOTE: THE ME/WE/GOD/YOU/WE FORMAT USED IN MY MESSAGES IS BORROWED FROM ANDY STANLEY’S BOOK, "COMMUNICATING FOR A CHANGE." Me/We: Top 10 Reasons why there was no room for Joseph and Mary in the Inn. 10. The Roman Government’s ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Wesleyan

The Second Word Series

Contributed by Charles Cockroft on Feb 25, 2008

The study on Angel Ministry is not just a time of something to tickle our minds with like Bible trivia. It is an important study to help you live an overcoming, victorious life

Angel Ministry #3 Commissioning, Second Word The study on Angel Ministry is not just a time of something to tickle our minds with like Bible trivia. It is an important study to help you live an overcoming, victorious life. Most Christians consider Angels as Old Testament ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 13:1-24

Denomination: Assembly Of God