Ronnie McBrayer

Welcoming Weakness, Part 2

In this talk Ronnie wraps up his thoughts on Paul's thorn in the flesh, sharing a deeply personal story. In the conclusion, especially the last several minutes, he speaks directly to the unrest in the US today, and the opportunity we all have to learn from it.

Welcoming Weakness, Part 1

The "Achilles heel" has always been the place of weakness that people protect, hide, or fear will be their undoing. For the Apostle Paul, this was a "thorn in the flesh," but rather than something to worry over, he saw weakness as the pathway to grace and strength. Part 1 of 2.

The Way Out

In this timely talk, Ronnie takes a realistic, practical view of hardships, saying, "The only way out is through - the only chance we have is to press on - the only path is day by day - and sometimes the most defiant, faith-filled thing we can do is get up in the morning and put on our shoes. Sometimes life boils down to survival, and then survival is enough."

The Time of the Preacher

Using the Preacher of Ecclesiastes - and the Preacher of Willie Nelson's "Red Headed Stranger" - Ronnie creatively talks about the "meaninglessness" of life. He plots a course for finding purpose and fulfillment in chaotic times.

A History of Hope

In this timely talk, Ronnie talks about the different understandings of hope, from Pandora to the Apostle Paul. He equates hope with "meaning" - finding necessary purpose and significance for living.

The Great Unmasking

The word "apocalypse" gets thrown around a lot these days. It's appropriate, as the word doesn't mean, "the end of the world." It means, "to reveal...to unveil...to unmask." Listen to Ronnie's talk about how the current crisis reveals our true character.

Easter Laughs

Turning to the Psalms for this year's Easter talk, Ronnie picks up a tradition from the Eastern Orthodox Church: One of telling jokes in the aftermath of the resurrection, as Easter will always get the last laugh.

Dominus Flevit

Jesus wept twice in the New Testament: 1) At the grave of his friend, Lazarus; 2) And on Palm Sunday as he approached the city of Jerusalem. Ronnie challenges the listener to embrace this gift of grief for Palm Sunday, 2020. This year, while the celebration of Holy Week continues, it is also a time to take inventory of our world and our own hearts.

Wounded Healers

"Broadcasting" from the Upper Room (aka Ronnie' office turned studio during these days of quarantine), Ronnie speaks on Jesus' willingness to take on the wounds and sufferings of others. He challenges listeners to take up the wounds of the healers and helpers who are working so hard in the face of the Coronavirus outbreak. The text from Matthew 8 is read by Anna Balfour. 

Simply Strong

Taking words spoken to Joshua in Joshua 1, Ronnie McBrayer delivers honest, heart-felt encouragement for these unprecedented days.