The Marben Bland Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

Early voting in Georgia begins in 38 days, and many voices are vying for our attention.

Judah faced the same struggle. Threatened by Assyria, God’s people trusted Egypt rather than listening to the God who had delivered them. Yet through Isaiah, the Lord declared, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice…saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”

Whose voice are you following? Remember, in every season of life, God still speaks.

Join us tomorrow at Greater Bethel, 140 Rose Street, Athens. Church school and breakfast begin at 9:30, followed by worship and Communion at 11. Join us in person or watch live on Facebook, YouTube, or GBAAthens.org. Until then, blessings, peace, and love.

For More Great Content Go To  Marben Bland.com 

Send us Fan Mail

Jack Welch, the legendary CEO of General Electric, developed different voices for different leadership situations. Despite his stutter and thick Boston accent, he learned how to make himself heard. Communication became his competitive advantage.

Judah also needed an advantage when threatened by the powerful Assyrian Empire. Instead of trusting God, its leaders sought protection from Egypt—the nation that had once enslaved their ancestors. Through Isaiah, God reminded them in Isaiah 30:21 where true security and direction could be found: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice…saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” 

Hearing God’s voice is our greatest advantage. Listen, trust, obey, and walk confidently in His way.

For More Great Content Go To  Marben Bland.com 

Send us Fan Mail

What if the greatness God placed in you was never meant for your own glory, but for someone else's breakthrough? This Sunday's message reminded us that in God's kingdom, greatness is not measured by how many people know your name, but by how many people you serve.

Through the story of Saul's transformation in Acts 22, we were challenged to ask the question that changed everything: "What shall I do, Lord?" God did not waste Saul's education, passion, or boldness. He redirected it. And He will do the same for you.

Your gift, whether it is a meal, a testimony, a listening ear, or an encouraging word, is not just a talent. It is an assignment. As 1 Peter reminds us, we are to use whatever gifts we have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God's grace.

Come join us and discover the greatness God has already placed in you.

For More Great Content Go To  Marben Bland.com 

Send us Fan Mail

Paul declared in Acts 26:19, “I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.” That vision belongs to every believer. In Matthew 28:16–20, Jesus commands us to go and make disciples of all nations. First Peter 4:10–11 reminds us that God has given each of us gifts—not for personal recognition, but to serve others and glorify Him. Every gift can be a tool for sharing the Gospel. Your voice can encourage, your knowledge can teach, your compassion can heal, and your testimony can lead someone to Christ. The question is not whether you have a gift, but whether you are using it. Stop waiting for the perfect moment. Obey the vision, use your gift, and help make a disciple today! Join us tomorrow at Greater Bethel AME Church, 140 Rose Street in Athens, Georgia! Our worship day begins at 9:45 AM with Church School and breakfast, followed by worship at 11:00 AM.

I will preach the third message in our Multiplying Your Greatness sermon series: “Using Your Greatness to Bless Others: Four Godly Ways to Use Your Gifts to Make a Difference.”

If you cannot join us in person, worship with us live on Facebook, YouTube, or at www.gbaathens.org.

We would love to welcome you! Until tomorrow, may God bless you with peace and love.

For More Great Content Go To  Marben Bland.com 

Send us Fan Mail

Your greatness was never meant to end with you. God placed gifts, experiences, influence, and opportunities within you to strengthen someone. In Acts 22:3–15, Saul’s encounter with Jesus redirected his knowledge and passion from persecution to Kingdom service. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. Like Saul, we must ask, “What am I to do, Lord?” Then we must listen and obey. Use your voice to encourage, your hands to serve, your resources to open doors, and your experience to guide others. Someone may be waiting for the blessing only you can provide. Today, surrender your greatness to God and let Him use your life to help someone else become great.

For More Great Content Go To  Marben Bland.com 

Send us Fan Mail

In his sermon, “Growing the Greatness God Placed Within You,” the Reverend Marben Bland reminds us that God has already placed greatness within each of us—but that greatness must be developed. Through Stephen’s courageous witness in Acts 6–7, we learn that faith is demonstrated by our actions. We must define our faith through excellent service, defend it with passion, knowledge, courage, and grace, and die to habits that prevent Christ from living fully through us. Use your time, talents, and resources to serve others, practice kindness, and create a legacy that honors God. Ask yourself: Does my life reflect my profession of faith? God made you for excellence. Now is the time to grow the greatness He placed within you!

For More Great Content Go To  Marben Bland.com 

Send us Fan Mail

What kind of legacy will your life leave? Join Pastor Marben Bland as he begins the inspiring new sermon series, "Multiplying the Greatness in You." Drawing from Ephesians 2:10, this message reminds us that God has intentionally planted greatness in every believer. Using the remarkable life of Mrs. Johnnie Lay Burks—educator, trailblazer, woman of faith, and namesake of an Athens elementary school—as a living example, Pastor Bland challenges us to overcome doubt, fear, limited knowledge, and lack of trust so we can fulfill God's purpose. Like Mrs. Burks, each of us has been created to make a lasting Kingdom impact. The greatness God planted in you isn't for your glory—it's to transform lives for His.

For More Great Content Go To  Marben Bland.com 

Send us Fan Mail

This week, the Athens, Georgia, community paused to celebrate the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Johnnie Lay Burks.

Her obituary describes her best: "Mrs. Burks was known throughout Georgia as an educator, trailblazer, educational leader, and woman of unwavering faith. She dedicated her life to opening doors for others and transforming countless lives through education, leadership, and service."

In recognition of her extraordinary courage in breaking racial barriers and her lifelong commitment to public education, the Clarke County School District Board of Education voted in 2023 to rename Chase Street Elementary School as Johnnie Lay Burks Elementary School. That historic honor stands as a lasting testament to her visionary leadership, steadfast faith, and unwavering belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:10, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Johnnie Lay Burks was a beautiful expression of that truth. Long before she was born, God had prepared a life of purpose for her, and for 85 years she faithfully walked in it. As a devoted wife, loving mother, gifted educator, courageous community leader, and, above all, a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, she reflected the greatness God had planted within her.

Today, we give thanks not only for what Johnnie Lay Burks accomplished, but for the life she so faithfully lived. May her example inspire each of us to discover the good works God has prepared for us and to leave a legacy that brings glory to Him.

To God be the glory for the extraordinary workmanship of His servant, Johnnie Lay Burks.

For More Great Content Go To  Marben Bland.com 

Send us Fan Mail

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:10 that we are God's workmanship, intentionally created and uniquely gifted for a purpose He prepared long before we were born. Yet many of us never experience that purpose because, like Thomas, we allow doubt, fear, limited understanding, and misplaced trust to hold us back. In John 11:14–16, Thomas feared the future. In John 14:5–8, he struggled to understand God's plan. In John 20:24–29, he doubted until he encountered the risen Christ. Jesus patiently transformed Thomas into a bold witness. He will do the same for us. Don't let doubt define your destiny. Trust Christ, step into His purpose, and let the greatness He planted within you shine for His glory.

For More Great Content Go To  Marben Bland.com 

Send us Fan Mail

Retirement may mark the end of a career, but it is never the end of God's calling. In this encouraging message, Rev. Marben Bland reminds us that God never retires His people. Through the lives of Moses, Caleb, and Anna, we discover that our greatest season of ministry may still be ahead. Psalm 150 declares, "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." As long as God gives us breath, He gives us purpose. Retirement is not a time to slow our service to Christ but to expand it—praying more, mentoring more, serving more, and loving more. If you still have breath, God still has an assignment for your life!

For More Great Content Go To  Marben Bland.com