Send us a text

I am Marben Bland, Pastor Of Greater Bethel AME in Athens, Georgia with a Living The Word Moment.

On most Sundays, I wind down by watching an episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show on MeTV. The one I watched recently was from 1965 Van Dyke was 40 then. Now, in December 2025, he turns 100 the last surviving adult cast member. You know time marches on.

Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Life is brief. Most of us won’t see 100, but every day is a gift a chance to live wisely, love deeply, and serve faithfully.

No matter our age or season, we can manage our time well, steward our resources, and surrender fully to God’s leading.

Let’s make our lives count not someday, but today.

For More Great Content Go To Marben Bland.com

Send us a text

Three Faith Lessons From Juneteenth
I am Marben Bland, Pastor of Greater Bethel AME Church In Athens, Georgia with a Living The Word Moment.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free...” – Galatians 5:1

Juneteenth, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This painful delay reminds us that truth, though declared, must be received to take root.

As we reflect on this historic moment, we uncover timeless spiritual lessons that speak to our walk with Christ today:

1. Freedom Delayed Is Not Freedom Denied
Even when justice is slow, God’s promises stand. Habakkuk 2:3 — “Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”

2. Truth Must Be Proclaimed
Like those who carried the news to Galveston, we are called to proclaim truth and justice. John 8:32 — “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

3. Remembering Builds Hope
In Scripture, remembrance is a sacred act that fuels our hope. Deuteronomy 6:12 warns, “Be careful that you do not forget the Lord.” When we remember what God has done, we are strengthened to trust what He will do.

Let us be truth-bearers, justice-seekers, and hope-builders—because Christ not only sets us free, but calls us to help others walk in that same freedom

For More Great Content Go To Marben Bland.com

Send us a text

I am Marben Bland, Pastor Of The Greater Bethel AME Church In Athens, Georgia with a Living The Word Moment

In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus speaks to the raging sea: “Peace! Be still!” And suddenly, the wind ceased, and the sea was calm. This is a reminder that even when chaos surrounds us, Jesus is present, powerful, and in control.

One hundred years ago, civil rights hero Medgar Evers was born. His pursuit of justice stirred storms across Mississippi. When he was assassinated on June 12, 1963, the nation grieved. Yet in the face of unspeakable loss, his widow Myrlie Evers stood firm. With grace and resolve, she became a voice of calm amid racial unrest, a modern echo of Christ’s peace.

Whatever storm you are facing—be it injustice, grief, or fear—know that the same Jesus who calmed the sea can calm your soul. Trust Him. Even in the darkest night, His peace can still calm the storms in our lives.

For More Great Content Go To Marben Bland.com

Send us a text

I am Marben Bland, Pastor of the Greater Bethel AME Church In Athens Georgia with a living the Word Moment.

Have you ever heard the praise “What would Jesus do?” So, the question is “how can I ask what Jesus would do if I don’t know who Jesus is?”

The answer begins with relationship. Before we can imitate Jesus, we must first meet Him. Jesus in Matthew 4:19 is inviting us when he says Come, follow me”

Jesus is not a distant figure to study, but a Savior to know. In John 10:14, Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” When we seek Him for answers—we discover His heart, His ways, His love.

To ask “What would Jesus do?” is powerful, but it only makes sense if you know His voice. Open your Bible. Pray. Join a community of believers. Begin to know Him for yourself.

Then, asking what Jesus would do won’t be guesswork—it will be a response born from knowing the character of Jesus, knowing the power of Jesus and knowing the love of Jesus.

For More Great Content Go To Marben Bland.com

Send us a text

Ministry In Strange Places: I am Marben Bland Pastor of Greater Bethe AME in Athens Georgia with a living the word moment

In Acts 16:9-15 Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading for help. Though Philippi was familiar, Paul obeyed the Holy Spirit’s call and journeyed into the unknown. There, instead of finding crowds, he found a woman—Lydia—gathered by the river for prayer. Through Paul’s obedience, Lydia and her household were baptized, becoming the first European converts to Christianity.

This Pentecost week, we’re reminded that the Holy Spirit will lead us beyond our comfort zones. Like Paul, we will be called to minister in unfamiliar places—to speak hope where we’ve never spoken, and to meet people we never expected.

God’s message to us is clear we are not to fear ministry in strange places for the Holy Spirit has already gone clearing the way before us.

For More Great Content Go To Marben Bland.com

Send us a text

When a Great People Lift Up a Great God, Everything Becomes Greater" is now streaming!

Recorded live at Greater Bethel AME Church, Pastor Marben Bland takes us on a powerful journey of faith, remembrance, and celebration. From honoring the heroes of Memorial Day to uplifting the legacy of the AAPI community, this message reminds us that our true greatness is found when we lift up the greatness of God.

Drawing from 2 Chronicles 20 and the testimony of King Jehoshaphat, Pastor Bland challenges us to respond to fear with faith, trials with praise, and uncertainty with trust. When we magnify the Lord—even before the battle is won—our courage multiplies, our witness grows, and our strength deepens.

🎧 Tune in now and be refreshed, inspired, and empowered.

For More Great Content Go To Marben Bland.com

Send us a text

On Sunday, May 18, 2025, Rev. Rosalind Turner, pastor of Ebenezer AME Church in Greensboro, GA, delivered a soul-stirring message from Genesis 21:14–19. Through the story of Hagar, Rev. Turner reminded us that even in the wilderness seasons of life—when resources are scarce, spirits are weary, and direction feels lost—God is still present.

She spoke directly to the emotional weight women carry in silence and encouraged us to release the burden and trust God's provision, protection, and power. This sermon was a timely call to faith, healing, and hope.

🎧 Listen, share, and be reminded: You are never alone—God is still there.

For More Great Content Go To Marben Bland.com

Send us a text

He Has Gone to a New Neighborhood
🕊️ A Eulogy for Donarell Green III
📍 Greater Bethel AME – Athens, GA | 🗓️ May 15, 2025
🎤 Delivered by Rev. Marben Bland

Brother Donarell Green III lived a life shaped by the call of God—to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. In this stirring eulogy, Rev. Bland reflects on how Brother Green answered that call through family, service, and faith.

🔹 Called to challenge injustice with love and courage.
🔹 Called to raise a family grounded in excellence and integrity.
🔹 Called to serve—on school boards, in government, and in the movement for justice.
🔹 And ultimately, called home to the “neighborhood” where peace, joy, and rest abide.

The question now is: How will you answer God’s call on your life?
🎧 Listen, reflect, and be moved to action.

For More Great Content Go To Marben Bland.com