Ruined Funerals & Resurrected Lives | Gary Wilkerson

He Took the Stone Away: Resurrection Life Is Yours in Christ

In this powerful Spiritual Emphasis message, we are reminded that the same Jesus who rose from the grave is still rolling stones away today—stones of addiction, shame, spiritual death, and broken identity. But more than just moved aside, the stone was taken away. Gone. Removed forever.

💬 “Jesus ruins every funeral He walks into.”

💬 “That old man is not in there anymore—the stone has been taken away.”

💬 “You have a memorial stone in heaven with your story carved into it.”

Pastor Gary Wilkerson shares a deeply personal and prophetic word rooted in John 11 and John 20, weaving together the resurrection of Lazarus, the empty tomb, and the unbinding of the grave clothes. With honest vulnerability, he testifies of watching his own son go from passed out in a rehab center bathroom to graduating seminary with highest honors—because Jesus took the stone away.

📖 Scriptures Referenced:

John 11:38–44 — Lazarus raised from the dead

John 20:1 — The stone was taken away

2 Corinthians 5:17 — “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”

Romans 6:4 — “We too might walk in newness of life.”

Key Themes:

Jesus not only forgives—you are made new.

Your identity is forever changed when the stone is lifted.

Spiritual death isn’t the end—resurrection power is available now.

Healing takes place not just instantly but through community.

Discipleship is the unwrapping of grave clothes.

You’re Not Who You Were.

That part of you—the bound-up, broken, addicted part—was buried. But Jesus didn’t just roll the stone aside. He took it away. And just like Lazarus, you are being unwrapped by love, community, and truth.

Let others help you. Embrace correction. Receive your freedom.

🎯 What will you do with this moment?

Will you live like the stone is still there? Or will you run into the light of your glorious day?

🕊️ Response Invitation: If there are still “grave clothes” clinging to you—discouragement, isolation, anger, unforgiveness—let Jesus and the community He’s placed around you pull them off. Don’t walk out of the grave just to stay bound. Walk free. Live unwrapped.

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