The Marben Bland Podcast

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Election Day is here. Across our nation, Americans will cast their votes, and when the results are announced, some will celebrate while others will be disappointed.

But as followers of Jesus Christ, our responsibility does not end when the polls close.

In 1 Timothy 2:1–2, the Apostle Paul urges believers to offer prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving for all people, including kings and those in authority.

Notice something important: Paul does not tell us to pray only for leaders we agree with, voted for, or supported. He tells us to pray for all who are in authority.

We should pray that our leaders govern with wisdom, act with integrity, pursue justice, and serve with compassion.

But as we pray, we must remember one essential truth: Jesus Christ is Lord!

Political leaders will come and go. Administrations will change. Elections will be won and lost. But Jesus Christ remains the same.

Philippians 3:20 reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven. Our ultimate allegiance is not to a political party, a candidate, or an elected official. Our highest allegiance belongs to Jesus Christ.

So today, exercise your civic responsibility prayerfully. And when the election is over, keep praying.

Because whoever wins the election, Jesus Christ is still Lord!

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A chair is still a chair until there's no one sitting there. Pastor Marben Bland and  Greater Bethel, honored the saints who have gone before us — the praying grandmamas, the faithful servants, the voices we still hear in our hearts.

Psalm 34:18 reminds us that God is near to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit. Grief has no expiration date, and faith does not require us to deny our sorrow. You can trust the resurrection and still miss your loved ones.

But God does not call us to stay at the graveside. He calls us to carry their faith forward. The roots of 134 years of ministry are meant to nourish our growth, not hold us in yesterday. Every generation must learn to pray, serve, and follow Jesus for themselves.

The Lord is near. Honor the saints by becoming one.

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What decisions are you carrying today? In our final sermon of the October series, "Making the Decisions of a Lifetime," we explored the story of the woman with the issue of blood from Mark 5:21-34 -- a woman who suffered for 12 long years yet refused to let disappointment have the final word.

Three powerful decisions shaped her encounter with Jesus: do not let yesterday's disappointment determine tomorrow's decision, act on what you have heard about Jesus, and trust him enough to step out instead of hiding. When she reached for the hem of his garment, Jesus stopped everything and called her "daughter." Her faith made her well.

Whatever you have been carrying -- whether it is your health, your finances, your grief, or your fear -- Jesus is still speaking those same words today. Your faith can make you well. Come as you are, with your whole story.

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Faithfulness has no expiration date.

In Luke 2:36–38, Anna is an elderly prophet whose years of prayer prepare her to recognize Jesus and share the hope of redemption.

Sister Bettye Henderson Holston lived with that same enduring purpose. Across ninety years, she taught children, encouraged teachers, and served her church and community.

In 1966, she helped integrate Clarke County’s teaching staff. Today, the school bearing her name reminds children that courage and learning can open doors.

At Greater Bethel, her gifts blessed generations through Christian education, missionary service, and faithful leadership.

Her passing leaves us grieving, yet her example gives us work to do.

Encourage a child. Honor an elder. Share your wisdom. Keep serving.

Like Anna, you can recognize God’s hope and help another generation see it.

Pray with me: Father, comfort Sister Holston’s family and all who mourn. Thank you for her faithful life. Help us carry her legacy forward through courage, love, and service. Amen.

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What do you do when the easy choice challenges your integrity? In “Making Godly Decisions With Integrity,” Pastor Marben Bland explores Luke 4:1–13 and Jesus’ response to temptation in the wilderness. Hungry and tested, Jesus stood firm by relying on God’s Word. His example challenges us to face three truths: to learn to do hard things better, to carry confidence into every challenge, and to remember that our strength comes from the Lord. When pressure rises, we can choose faithfulness over compromise. Your next decision can reflect your deepest commitment to God. Take a moment to connect with Jesus, then move forward with courage, confidence, and integrity. Listen to this encouraging message and share it with someone facing a difficult decision this week.

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Everybody wants your attention—but who is guiding your decisions? In “Pulled in Every Direction, but Led by the Lord,” the Reverend Marben Bland explores Mark 1:35–39 and Jesus’ example of prayer, purpose, and action.

Through the courage of Orangeburg students, Polly Sheppard’s journey toward forgiveness, and our responsibility to consider our neighbors when voting, this sermon challenges us to seek God’s direction amid competing demands.

When danger brings fear, pain clouds judgment, or voices compete for influence, make room for prayer. Receive help, examine the facts, and take the next faithful step.

Jesus offers grace for your unfinished life and invites you to follow him. You may be pulled in every direction, but you can be led by the Lord.

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“God Sees You” confronts the danger of corruption and the responsibility of faithful citizenship. King Ahab abused his power, coveted Naboth’s vineyard, and allowed injustice to take an innocent life. Yet God saw everything and sent Elijah to speak truth to power. This sermon invites us to examine corruption today, including concerns raised about President Donald Trump, while remembering that accountability must apply to every leader and institution. We, too, have an opportunity to be an Elijah—courageous, prayerful, truthful, and unwilling to remain silent when people are harmed. Voting is one way to make our voices heard and hold leaders accountable. God sees injustice. God sees our response. Register, become informed, pray for wisdom, and vote

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“I Have Good News for You” reminds us that God loves us, knows us by name, sees us, and cares for us—even when we feel unnoticed. Drawing from Galatians, Rev. Marben Bland explains that salvation is God’s gift, received through faith in Jesus Christ, not earned by clothing, money, perfect behavior, or religious rules. Once we receive this gift of grace, we are called to respond in four ways: pray for God’s guidance, study God’s Word, fellowship with other believers, and tell others the good news. Through an interactive lesson with children and wrapped presents, the message becomes clear: God welcomes us just as we are. The sermon concludes with an invitation to accept Christ and share God’s love.

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Here is good news: God loves you, knows your name, and wants the best for you. Through Jesus, salvation is God’s gift—not something we earn by being perfect or impressing everybody. Jesus is enough!

Because God loves us first, we respond by trusting and obeying Him. We pray, study God’s Word, fellowship with believers, and tell others what God has done.

Join us this Sunday, September 13, at Greater Bethel AME Church in Athens for Church School and breakfast at 9:30 a.m. and worship at 11:00 a.m. Come hear “I Have Good News for You,” from Galatians 1:3–10.

Worship online through Facebook, YouTube, or gbaathens.org. The good news is for you today!

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In a world crowded with political messages, advertisements, social media, and fear, we must discern which voice guides our lives. Preaching from Isaiah 30:21, Pastor Marben Bland reminds us that Judah trusted Egypt instead of consulting God. We make the same mistake when we move without prayer, prefer comforting words to corrective truth, or let fear make us frantic. God graciously calls us to listen, return, and walk in His way. As elections approach, we should vote responsibly, examine every candidate’s record, and seek wisdom—but never place our ultimate hope in politicians. Our hope remains in Jesus Christ. Listen to the voice that knows your name, speaks truth, offers grace, and says, “This is the way; walk in it.”

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