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In 1973, while aiming to surpass Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record, Hank Aaron signed a historic endorsement deal with Magnavox, a leading American electronics company known for manufacturing televisions and home entertainment systems. During a time when major consumer brands seldom chose Black athletes as national spokespeople, Aaron’s character and excellence made him a trusted figure for mainstream America. His contract became a cultural milestone, paving the way for future generations of Black athletes to venture into business, branding, and influence. Jesus in Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” When we walk in integrity, God can use our platforms and positions to break barriers and open doors for ourselves and others.

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The final command of Jesus is made in Matthew 28:19, and it could not have been clearer: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” These were not just parting words—they were marching orders for every believer. Yet today, distractions pull our attention in a thousand directions. We fill our schedules with activity, but often neglect our true assignment: teaching, baptizing, and guiding others to follow Christ. The Great Commission is not just about church membership but about transformation—walking with people until they grow into mature disciples. The challenge before us is to refocus, reclaim our purpose, and resist the pattern of distraction. When we realign our hearts with Jesus’s mission, we become active participants in God’s redeeming work, advancing His Kingdom one disciple at a time.

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

When God called Moses from the burning bush in Exodus 3, Moses didn’t have the best résumé. He doubted his speaking skills, questioned his worth, and even considered refusing the mission. But what mattered most wasn’t his ability — it was his availability. God assured Moses, “I will be with you.” Through his willingness to show up, Moses became the leader who brought Israel out of Egypt.

God often works through those who simply say, “Here I am.” Your availability allows God’s power to work through your life, no matter your skill level. Don’t underestimate what God can do with a willing heart. The best ability is to be ready when He calls.

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In a culture obsessed with payback, Romans 12:19 reminds us: “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Pastor Marben Bland explores how God’s justice is measured, holy, and sure, unlike our human impulses toward revenge.

Drawing inspiration from James Brown’s “The Big Payback,” current political cycles, and biblical examples, this sermon urges us to trust God’s justice and resist the world’s patterns of grievance.

Main Points:
1️⃣ Retribution belongs to God — not us (Romans 12:19; Deuteronomy 32:35).
2️⃣ Transformation through renewing the mind (Romans 12:1–2) breaks strongholds of bitterness.
3️⃣ Resistance over retribution — God calls His people to stand with the oppressed and act righteously.
4️⃣ True freedom comes through atonement and reconciliation, not revenge.

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Amos warned Israel about being dazzled by wealth while ignoring justice… and wow, doesn’t that sound like today? From tech billionaires to luxury living, glitter can blind us. But God is calling us higher. 🙌

Here are the takeaways:
👉 Don’t be fooled by glitter—choose godliness.
👉 Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by standing in solidarity with our brothers and sisters.
👉 Walk the path God calls us to: give generously, pursue justice, and set your mind on eternal things.

At the end of the day, glitter fades—but God’s love and justice remain forever. 💜

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The late 19th-century Gilded Age was marked by dazzling wealth, towering mansions, and rapid industrial growth—but beneath the glitter lay poverty, injustice, and exploitation. Today, many describe our time as a new Gilded Age: technology and wealth abound, yet inequality, division, and spiritual emptiness persist. Amos warned Israel of a similar danger—lounging in luxury while neglecting God’s call for justice and compassion (Amos 6:1–10). The prophet reminds us that true greatness is not measured in comfort but in faithfulness.

Even now, God offers us hope: when we align our hearts with His Word, we shine beyond the glitter of temporary wealth, living as agents of His eternal kingdom.

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In this powerful 5-minute message, Pastor Marben Bland reflects on the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk. While mourning Kirk’s life and praying for his family, Pastor Bland calls us to look deeper—at the dangers of Christian nationalism, the poison of racism, and the tragedy of gun violence.

Main Points You’ll Hear:

• What Scripture teaches when people called by God turn away from God (1 Samuel).
• The dangerous ideology of Christian nationalism and why we must reject it.
• Outrage at racist remarks by Charlie Kirk about Black leaders and pilots.
• Mourning Kirk’s death while also remembering Breonna Taylor, Trayvon Martin, and all victims of gun violence.
• A reminder: “The godly may trip seven times, but they will get back up again. One disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.”

🎧 Listen now to hear how faith challenges us not to fight fire with fire, but to rise with courage, truth, and love.

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In Luke 10:38–42, Jesus affirmed Mary’s choice to sit at His feet—breaking cultural barriers and showing us that women and men are equal in God’s Kingdom.

In this sermon, Pastor Marben Bland reminds us:
1️⃣ Equality begins with invitation—welcoming others as equals.
2️⃣ Equality honors the right to learn—education lifts us all.
3️⃣ Equality corrects cultural distractions—keeping Jesus as the main thing.
4️⃣ Equality means choosing what matters most—the Word of God.

Hear stories of Barbara Jordan, Lisa Cook, Mary & Martha, and Marben’s granddaughter all pointing to God’s timeless truth: He made us equal.

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