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

The Beatles sang of “the fool on the hill,” a quiet figure mocked by the crowd but seeing the world with clarity. Scripture tells us the same truth: God’s wisdom often looks like foolishness to the world. Jeremiah was ridiculed for his warnings (Jeremiah 20:7). John the Baptist was dismissed as strange (Matthew 3:4). Even Jesus on the cross was mocked as powerless (Luke 23:35). Yet 1 Corinthians 1:18 reminds us: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

So let us pray to the Lord that, when others misunderstand us, please give us courage to stand on the hill of Your truth, smiling with the peace only You provide.

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In this sermon Pastor Marben Bland connects James Brown’s 1969 anthem “Open Up the Door and I’ll Get It Myself” with Mark 2:1–12, where friends refused to let a closed door keep them from Jesus. 🙌🏾

Listen to this message and discover how to open life-changing doors by:
1️⃣ Praying Boldly – asking God with courage and faith.
2️⃣ Persevering with Faith – not giving up when doors seem shut.
3️⃣ Leaning on Community – trusting others to help carry you to Christ.

Life-changing doors rarely open themselves—but God gives us the courage to create new ones.

Listen now & be encouraged!

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

This week, President Trump took the unprecedented step of removing Lisa Cook, the first African-American woman to serve as a Federal Reserve governor. Beyond politics, her dismissal raises a piercing question: Would this have happened if she were a white man?

Scripture is clear in Genesis 1:27 God created men and women as equals. Judges 4:4-5 introduces us to Deborah who judged Israel with from God authority. Luke 10:38–42 tells us how Mary sat at Jesus’ feet as a disciple. He affirmed her for doing so saying Mary had chosen “the better part”

From creation to Christ, to today God honors women as leaders, image-bearers, and disciples. Let us rejoice that we worship and serve the God of equality as we continue to pray for Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.

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

Not long ago, I was invited to a birthday party. The invitation said: “Don’t bring a giftyour presence is enough.” That simple line reminded me how powerful it is just to show up.

In Mark 2:1–5, Jesus returned to Capernaum and the house filled with people eager to see Him. A paralyzed man couldn’t get through the door, but his friends refused to give up. They tore open the roof and lowered him down. Impressed by their faith, Jesus healed him and forgave his sins.

That story reminds us: God isn’t asking for perfection. You don’t need fancy clothes, long prayers, or even deep Bible knowledge. John 3:16 tells us Jesus is the gift and your presence is enough.

And your presence is enough tomorrow at Greater Bethel AME in Athens. Join us at 9:45 AM for Church School and breakfast, and at 11:00 AM for worship as I teach from Mark 2: 1-5 in a message entitled Life-Changing Doors Don’t Open Themselves.

Can’t be there in person? Worship with us online at gbaathens.org, Facebook, or YouTube.

So, until tomorrow—blessings, peace and love

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