Barbers & Swimming Pools

To my readers,

Can you think of a time when God moved and the Holy Spirit showed up?  There are no words to describe it.  The experience is so overwhelming that I still get goose-bumps thinking about it. 

Last night, God moved. 

I have the privilege of being apart of a men’s Bible study called “The Barbershop.”  One of the elements that make the Barbershop unique is that it teaches people not lessons.  What I mean is that, before any lesson begins the group takes time for each individual to share what is taking place in their lives and how the group can be praying for them.  If we spend our entire allotted time ministering to our brothers, so be it.  We believe people are more important than teaching any lesson.

One of the guys in this group shared some amazing. He felt God was leading him to be baptized.  He believed that it was the next step in his walk as a public profession of his faith in Christ to a group of men that would hold him accountable to his dedication to Jesus.

I was astounded, speechless to be honest.

I began to think of a passage found within the scriptures in the book of Acts. Philip meets with an Ethiopian who has been reading the scriptures.  Philip takes this time to explain to him how the scriptures are pointing to Jesus' death and resurrection.  After hearing all this, the Ethiopian believed and wanted to be baptized. We read,

“As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?” He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.” Acts 8:36-38, NLT.

What you don’t know is that the Barbershop meets near a pool.  Then the question came up, “What’s stopping you from being baptized?”

His response was simple. “Nothing. Let’s do this.”

As we approached the pool, everyone’s phones turned into flashlights. With everyone gathered around as witnesses Joshua was baptized.  As soon as Josh got up another guy walked into the pool saying, “I want to be baptized as well.” With everyone in agreement, Jonathan was baptized as well. 

To Joshua and Jon I say this- 

We are more than proud and excited for the honor you have bestowed on the Barbershop.  Witnessing your public declaration to follow Christ has blessed us immensely.  You are warriors and we will continue to hold you accountable as we fight along side you.  We know you will fall down, and that is where we will be there to help you up and help return your gaze to Christ.  Continue to run the race set before you, with your eyes focused on our King, Jesus. 

God is moving.  Be praying that we would follow our King’s guidance, no matter the cost.

Simply,
Tex G.M. Rule,
“As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?” He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.” Acts 8:36-38, NLT.