Saturday's message doesn't have to end on Saturday. This 5-day plan gives you an easy way to keep reflecting throughout the week with a daily reading, prayer prompt, and practical step to live it out.

I am Baptized
Pastor Marc Giffin 2/28/2026

Day 1: Grace Came First

Reading: 1 John 4:7-19; Ephesians 2:1-10

Reflection: Before you ever thought about God, He was pursuing you. His grace made the first move. Baptism is your response to a God who already came down to you.

Prayer: "Father, thank You that my story didn't begin with my decision but with Your love. You loved me first. You pursued me when I was far from You. Help me live today remembering that I didn't earn Your grace—I simply received it. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Action Items:

• Write down 2-3 ways you've seen God's "prevenient grace" (grace that came before you) working in your life before you knew Him

• Share your baptism story with someone, or if unbaptized, share how God has been pursuing you

• Thank God specifically for one way He reached out to you before you reached back

Day 2: Made New in Christ

Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; John 3:1-8

Reflection: Baptism represents being buried with Christ and raised to new life. You're not an improved version of your old self—you're a new creation. The old has passed away.

Prayer: "Lord Jesus, thank You for making me new. I'm not just patched up—I'm regenerated by Your Spirit. Help me walk in this newness of life today. When I'm tempted to return to old patterns, remind me that I've been buried with You and raised to new life. Amen."

Action Items:

• Identify one "old pattern" you need to leave buried with Christ

• Write out 2 Corinthians 5:17 and place it somewhere you'll see it daily

• Ask the Holy Spirit to show you one area where He wants to bring fresh transformation this week

Day 3: Clothed with Christ

Reading: Galatians 3:26-29; Colossians 3:1-17

Reflection: When you were baptized, you were clothed with Christ. His righteousness, His identity, His life now defines you. You belong to Him—you're on Team Jesus.

Prayer: "Father, I am clothed with Christ. When I wake up, when I work, when I face temptation—I am Yours. Help me live today conscious that I belong to You. My life is not my own; I was bought at a price. Let Christ's character shape my attitudes, actions, and relationships. Amen."

Action Items:

• Identify one relationship or situation where you need to consciously "wear Christ" today

• Practice responding to one challenge today with the question: "How would Christ respond in me?"

Day 4: Living Worthy of Your Calling

Reading: Ephesians 4:1-16; Romans 6:1-14

Reflection: Baptism draws a line in the sand. While the enemy knows your name but calls you by your sin, Jesus knows your sin but calls you by your name. You're called to live worthy of this calling.

Prayer: "Lord, baptism doesn't make the journey easy, but it anchors me when it's hard. Help me live worthy of the calling I've received. When I'm tempted, remind me that I've died to sin and am alive to You. Give me strength to persevere in faith. Amen."

Action Items:

• Confess one area where you've been "flirting with sinful living" and ask God for strength to turn away

• Reach out to one person who can help hold you accountable in your walk with Christ

• Write down 3 specific ways you can "live worthy" of your calling this week

Day 5: Your Next Step

Reading: Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 2:36-41

Reflection: Jesus commanded baptism as part of making disciples. If you've crossed the line of faith but haven't been baptized, this is your next step. If you've been baptized, who can you invite to take this step?

Prayer: "Father, thank You for the gift of baptism—a public declaration of what You've done in my heart. [If unbaptized:] Give me courage to take this next step in obedience. [If baptized:] Show me who I can encourage toward baptism. Help me live in a way that makes others want to 'come and see' what You've done. Amen."

Action Items:

• If you haven't been baptized: Email the church today at info@rootedtopeka.org to start a conversation about baptism. Prepare your story: (1) Who I was, (2) How I came to Jesus, (3) How I'm different now

• If you've been baptized: Identify one person you can share your baptism story with this week and invite them to consider their own next step

• Everyone: Write out your testimony using the three-part framework and practice sharing it in 3 minutes or less

Every Sunday: Review your three names and pray for them

Every Week: Have at least one meaningful interaction with each person

Every Month: Look for an opportunity to invite one of them to church or a spiritual conversation

Remember: You're not responsible for outcomes—just obedience. Plant, Invite, Share, Love. God handles the growth.

"How can they hear without a proclaimer? And how can they preach unless they are sent?"

- Romans 10:14-15

Don't Forget...