Remove the Stone: Let the Grace of God Reach You

During the Sunday service of October 4, 2026, at Voice of Freedom Church, Reverend Nelson opened a striking series of teachings entitled : Remove the Stone. Drawing on the account of Lazarus's resurrection in John 11:32-42, he recalled a foundational spiritual truth: God wants to work powerfully in your life, yet we often set up barriers ourselves that block His action.

1. Martha's distraction and spiritual blindness

Before going to the tomb, the Reverend highlighted Martha's attitude. Though welcoming and devoted, Martha was often distracted by many tasks, unlike Mary, who sat at Jesus' feet.

• Spiritual distraction: Working for God, or staying very busy in ministry, without spending time in His presence and in prayer leaves the Christian empty. The work of God is not done apart from the power of the Holy Spirit.

• Doubt before the Creator: At the tomb, Martha said, "Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days". She stopped at human and medical realities. But Jesus answered her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?"

2. What is "the stone"?

Jesus came to the tomb and was deeply moved within when He saw the stone blocking the way. Reverend Nelson explained that the Lord's hand is not too short to save, but our own barriers keep Him from reaching us. Among the stones we build ourselves, the message brought these to light:

• Doubt and lack of faith: canceling one's own prayers by confessing negative words.

• Immorality and hidden sin: fornication, sexual immorality, alcoholism, or masturbation, which create a spiritual separation.

• Unforgiveness and offense: holding a grudge against one's neighbor while claiming to pray to God.

• Lying, theft, and corruption: manipulating figures, falsifying documents, or paying bribes at work or in business.

• Rebellion and seeds of discord: speaking ill of the church, discouraging brothers and sisters, or rebelling against established authority.

3. The responsibility to take away the stone

God will not come and remove the stone you have set in place yourself. In verse 39, Jesus gives a clear command to the people standing there: "Remove the stone"

When you decide to repent sincerely, to abandon compromise, and to remove these obstacles:

1. The grace of God finds you and reaches you.

2. The way is opened for miracles to be revealed, and for what was dead in your life to be raised.

3. You enjoy the promises of the Lord in full.

The stone does not only block your life; it blocks the way for God, who wants to draw near to you. Take away the stone, and you will see the glory of God! ? - Reverend Nelson