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In The Courage to Say Thank You, Pastor Marben Bland reminds us that gratitude is more than good manners—it is a bold act of faith. Preaching from Luke 17:11–19, he shows how only one healed leper had the courage to return to Jesus and give thanks, and that gratitude made him whole, not just healed. Pastor Bland connects this powerful moment to Christ the King Sunday, teaching that Jesus is sovereign—ruling over time, nations, creation, sickness, and sin.

The sermon highlights three godly forms of influence: influence through light (letting our light shine in a dark world), influence through experience (using our years and wisdom to bless others), and influence through winning souls (guiding others to Christ).

We are challenged to let our gratitude become influence—returning to God with a thankful heart and using our lives to point others toward His glory.

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In Luke 17:11-19, ten lepers are healed, but only one—a Samaritan—returns. His gratitude goes beyond manners; it is worship that points others to God. Jesus’ question, “Where are the nine?” challenges us to see that thanksgiving is a public testimony. Gratitude strengthens relationships, deepens faith, and opens the way for more of God’s work. It takes courage to stop, turn back, and say, “God did this.” When we praise God openly, our witness lifts weary hearts and boosts wavering faith. The Samaritan’s thanks became a proclamation, and Jesus gave him not only healing but wholeness. Today, when God provides, protects, or gives us breath, respond with courageous gratitude. Your “thank you” is worship, witness, and a signpost pointing to the glory of God.

Join us as we worship the Lord live and in person at Greater Bethel, 140 Rose Street in Athens, Georgia. Our worship day starts with breakfast and Church School at 9:45 AM, followed by the 11:00 AM worship service. The service is live-streamed on Facebook, YouTube, and our website www.gbaathens.org

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I am Marben Bland, Pastor of the Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Athens, Georgia, with a “Living The Word Moment.

The New York Times reports that the American penny has died. It was 232 years old. The Treasury Department cited irrelevance and high costs as the reasons for its end. In today’s economy, nothing can be bought with a penny anymore, not even penny candy. At 3 cents per penny, it no longer made sense to keep minting them.

The death of the penny, which during its peak had a significant cultural influence, reminds us that we are also mortal, as Job 14 tells us our days are few and full of trouble. John 3:16 shows us that Jesus came to earth to save us from sin and death.

However, the question is, what are we doing with the life that Jesus saved? Are we living our lives as singer Jill Scott tells us, like it’s “golden”? On Thursday at 7:00 PM ET, during our Bible study, we will discuss three keys to living a golden life: first, loving God well; second, producing well; and third, leaving well. Visit our website www.gbaathens.org for details on how to join us. So, until then, blessings, peace, and love.

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This Sunday, Pastor Marben Bland delivered a powerful sermon titled “A Pentecost Person,” reminding us that Pentecost isn’t just a moment in Acts 2 — it’s a movement we are called to live every day.

Just like the 3,000 who heard Peter preach in their own language, we too are invited to be transformed by the rushing wind of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Bland challenged us with a bold question:

Will you be part of the 3,000 who step forward… or the 90,000 who walk away?

A Pentecost Person is committed to four things:
Reach. Grow. Care. Serve.
We reach those who don’t know Jesus.
We grow through time, talent, and giving.
We care for our members with the same intentionality Amazon knows its customers.
We serve our community—because love must look like something.

This week, reflect on what it means to be moved, empowered, and transformed by the Spirit.
Are you a Pentecost Person?
We invite you to watch, reflect, and step into this calling with us.

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I am Marben Bland, Pastor of the Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Athens, Georgia, with a Living The Word moment.

Jonathan, son of King Saul, demonstrated the ultimate sacrifice through loyalty and faith — not to his father’s throne, but to his friend David. His devotion was rooted in righteousness, choosing God’s purpose over personal gain.

Rodney Maxwell Davis, a Marine from Macon, Georgia, also embodied that same spirit of sacrifice. Raised in the deep Jim Crow South, he laid down his life during the Vietnam War, throwing himself onto a grenade to save his fellow Marines — without regard to their race or background.

On this Veterans Day, we honor all who wear the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Every day, in places near and far, they represent the very best of our nation — men and women willing to give the ultimate sacrifice, just like Jonathan and Rodney, out of love, faith, and courage.

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Prayer isn’t just words; it’s a living conversation with God. In this message, The Reverend Marben Bland reminded us that The Lord’s Prayer is more than a ritual; it’s our foundation for every kind of prayer petition, lament, confession, praise, and intercession.

When we pray earnestly, God listens. Whether we’re asking for daily bread, seeking forgiveness, or standing in the gap for others, prayer transforms our hearts and strengthens our faith.

Learn the prayer. Live the prayer. Teach the next generation to pray.

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In this powerful message from Philippians 1:21, Rev. Marben Bland reminds us that death isn’t the end for believers — it’s the doorway to eternal life.
Drawing from childhood memories, Paul’s letters, and today’s real-world challenges, the sermon reveals how faith in the resurrection leads us to live out God’s grace with purpose and compassion.

We are called to believe, repent, and live out our faith, reflecting Christ’s love through action — caring for the poor, the hungry, and the sick.
Death is not defeat; it’s the start of our forever home with the Lord.

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