I was recently given a book by my father-in-law called “The Story of Lazarus” by Bud Robinson. Never heard of him. Neither had I.
“Reuben "Uncle Bud" Robinson (1860-1942), was a Methodist Episcopal evangelist, who would later become a part of the Church of the Nazarene. Known for his folk wisdom and colorful phrases, his preaching focused on the message of entire sanctification.
His father made whiskey and ran a bar in the hills of White County, Tennessee. "Uncle Bud" grew up in a poor family, one of thirteen children, and did not get an education. After his father's death, his mother moved the family to Texas, where he fell into a wild life of drinking and gambling. In 1880, he attended a tent revival, was converted, and then joined the Methodist Episcopal Church. It was a Sunday school teacher who taught him how to read at 20 years of age. In the 1890's he studied at Southwestern University and would become a major influence in the emerging Church of the Nazarene.
He experienced the call to preach at his conversion, and despite a bad stutter remained an active evangelist for 60 years. He is estimated to have preached over 33,000 sermons and witnessed more than 100,000 conversions. He died in 1942 at 82 years of age, but remains one of the most colorful folk evangelists in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. An example of one of his well-known prayers is when he asked God to "help me sign the contract to fight the devil as long as I've got a fist, and bite him as long as I have a tooth, then gum him till I die."(My Life Story – Bud Robinson, Published by First Fruits Press, 2015 Previously published by Pentecostal Publishing Company, 1096”).
One may wonder why I have included all this information before we start the series but the reason is simple, God does not always call the equipped but He will equip those He has (the) called. I did take some liberty with the saying as you can see but I wanted to make a point. So often, the ones who have not been with the church since their father’s, father’s, father built the First Church are not truly considered worthy to lead the children of God in the Holy of Holies yet Bud was an integral part of the faith journey for over 100,000 people. Can’t read, doesn’t matter, God will equip. Have a drinking problem, don’t worry, God can help with that. Have a gambling problem, God can strengthen you and help you overcome. Have a stutter, the Holy Spirit can work through you.
Take some time to look up “The Story of Lazarus – Bud Robinson”. There is a free version on the web ( https://place.asburyseminary.edu/firstfruitsheritagematerial/96/ ) and plan to join us this Sunday for the start of what should be a fascinating series. We would love for you to join us either in person or online Sunday at 10:30 AM MST.
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We look forward to seeing you this Sunday.
Blessings,
Pastor Todd
www.mainavefellowship.ca
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