DAY 35: Galatians 5:1-15

A Call for Freedom- Galatians 5:1-15

This passage helps us understand more about the Galatian’s situation. People have come to persuade them to be circumcised (5:8), throwing them into confusion (5:10) and causing agitation (5:12). The Galatians used to be running well in Christianity but are confused (5:10), no longer obeying the truth (5:7), and beginning to fight with each other (5:15). They are very close to becoming alienated from Christ and falling away from grace (5:4). In this situation, what does Paul plead with them to do?



What do you think is the offense of the cross?




How are we to live in our freedom (5:1, 13-15)?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Fraser Family (Slovenia): Give thanks for faithful leaders in their church. Ask God to strengthen their passion and wisdom in gospel ministry.

3. Pray for those who came to GNW events and are now reading the Bible for themselves. Ask that God’s word would open their eyes to Jesus.

DAY 34: Galatians 4:21-31

Hagar and Sarah- Galatians 4:21-31

Just like Chapter 3, Paul shows again how the law points away from itself to Christ. What are the two women, children, mountains, cities and people?



What does this passage teach us about ‘our Christian identity’?




Paul has suffered persecution for teaching grace (1:10, 4:17), he warns the Galatians they can expect it too (4:29). Have you suffered in this way? Are you prepared to suffer for the doctrine of justification by grace alone?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Dan & Rachel Djamaludin: Pray for the continued growth of the church plant in Klong Toei and effective support from their denomination.

3. Give thanks for everyone who served during GNW — in prayer, logistics, hospitality, music, evangelism, and more. Pray their joy in Christ would deepen.

DAY 33: Galatians 4:8-20

The Pleas of a Parent for his Children- Galatians 4:8-20

This passage is full of Paul’s anguish for his spiritual children. He grieves that they are turning back to slavery to the law that is similar to their former idolatry (8-11). He grieves for their lost joy (15). He grieves that he has become alienated from them and that perhaps they even see him as an enemy (16, 17).

Although most likely we don’t see ourselves in danger of going back to Jewish law, are there warning signs that we might be becoming like the Galatians? Are we joyless and suspicious, yet fussy about religious type things?

Reflect on being ‘known by God’ (verse 9) and pray for change.

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Linda McKerrell: Pray for God to raise up new cross-cultural workers through Linda’s ongoing ministry, speaking, and networking efforts.

3. Ask God to help those who responded to the gospel during GNW to be rooted and grounded in Christ. Pray they would connect with a local church.

DAY 32: Galatians 3:26-4:7

The Blessings of Redemption and Adoption- Galatians 3:26-4:7

This wonderful passage brings together many of the themes of Galatians so far. See if you can trace them by figuring out:

  • How are we Abraham’s seed/children (3:7, 16-19, 29)?

  • How are we heirs/sons (3:29, 4:1-7)?

  • How have we been redeemed (1:4, 2:19, 3:13-14, 4:4-5)?

  • How have we received the Spirit (3:2-5, 14, 4:6)?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Mark & Anne Osborne: Pray for teammates Tong and Pan — for encouragement, health, and strength as they serve and carry church responsibilities.

3. Pray for follow-up conversations — that they’d happen naturally, be full of grace and truth, and point people clearly to Jesus.

DAY 31: Galatians 3:15-25

The Law and the Promises- Galatians 3:15-25

Take a moment to look at the ‘promises to Abraham’ referred to here (Genesis 12:7, 13:15, and 24:7). How are these promises different to keeping the law, which came to Israel 430 years later (Galatians 15-18)?

If the law wasn’t the way to get the inheritance of land (or the Spirit in Galatians 3:2, 5, 14; or life and righteousness in Galatians 3:21), what was it for then (19-25)?

Hopefully you can see now why Paul through the law…died to the law (1:19). What can we expect to gain now by reading and learning the Old Testament?

Give thanks for the main promises of God that have come true for us now!

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. QUT Christians: Pray for students still exploring faith — that they would find salvation and assurance in Christ through relationships and witness.

3. Thank God for those in our church who invited friends and shared the gospel. Pray they would be encouraged and keep living as bold witnesses.

DAY 30: Galatians 3:1-14

Foolish Galatians! - Galatians 3:1-14

Paul now lets rip with his frank assessment of how stupid the Galatians have been to begin with the gospel but go back to bits and pieces of Mosiac law keeping. Why is what they are doing so stupid according to 1-5?

How does the law/Old Testament actually point forward to justification by faith in Christ alone rather than justification by the works of the law (6-14)?

What blessings can you list out from this passage that you have now and can thank God for?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Thang Bwee: Pray that believers in Myanmar would be a light through their love — a compelling testimony of Christ’s power amid hardship.

3. Pray for those who came to events but aren't yet following Jesus. Ask that the Spirit would stir them to keep asking questions about where hope comes from.

DAY 29: Galatians 2:17-21

Christ, the Law, Sin and Righteousness in 4 verses! - Galatians 2:17-21

There’s some complicated argument here as Paul supports verse 16 - that we are justified by faith in Christ. See if you can follow the logic yourself before reading on!

So…verse 17 is saying that facing up to our sinfulness and confessing sin and believing in Christ is not promoting sin. In fact, what really promotes sin is rebuilding the law which I destroyed or died to (18-19). Peter was doing this when he sought to reintroduce the law (not eating with Gentiles) after previously giving up on such cleanliness laws (14). The law in fact requires us to move from it to Christ (20). Christ died and brought righteousness rather than sin (20-21). So we must contend for Christ, his death, faith alone and grace! We must ‘not set aside the grace of God’.

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. J & R: Pray for strength and focus amid uncertainty in their country. Ask that they would cling to God’s love and Jesus’ saving power.

3. Give thanks for all who heard the gospel during Good News Week. Pray that God's word would not return empty.

DAY 28: Galatians 2:11-16

Conflict with Peter - Galatians 2:11-16

Antioch in Syria was Paul and Barnabas’s home base. What did Peter do wrong? What was his motivation?

What can we learn from the way Paul handles this conflict?

Verse 16 starts to make clear what the gospel problem is that has been hinted at in 1:6-10 and 2:3-5. What is that problem?

Justification by works or by ‘faith and works’ seems to arise in situations of fear (2:12), external pressures (1:3-5) or desire for people’s approval (1:10). How do you see these factors threatening your commitment to justification by faith alone?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Jared & Verena Bradley: Ask God to provide spiritually and emotionally during this demanding season. Pray they would rest in Christ’s sufficiency.

3. Pray for Glen as he preaches at all four of our services today. Pray for open hearts to receive the good news.

DAY 27: Galatians 2:1-10

The First Apostles Recognise Paul - Galatians 2:1-10

The trip to Jerusalem here could be the one described in Acts 11:27-30 and 12:25 or the one connected with the ‘Jerusalem Council’ of Acts 15. There are lines of evidence either way but the meaning of the passage comes mostly from its immediate context in Galatians. How does this passage continue the argument from 1:11-24?

What was Paul’s fear (verse 2)? Was it realised?

What was the outcome of Paul’s meeting with Peter, James, and John?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Griffith Christian Students: Pray for non-Christian students who’ve connected in Trimester 1 — that they’d keep reading the Bible and find life in Jesus.

3. Pray that Good News Training would help us grow in our capacity and courage to share the good news Pray for tonight's headline event "Where Hope Comes From".

DAY 26: Galatians 1:11-24

The Authenticity of Paul’s Gospel - Galatians 1:11-24

The events Paul is talking about are described in Acts 9, with the three years in Arabia mentioned in Galatians 3:17-18 fitting in between Acts 9:25 and 26.

How does this passage support his main point in verse 11 and 12?

How does this passage show the power and wisdom of God?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. UQ Evangelical Students: Pray for courage in evangelism, especially as students do walk-up conversations and host public events like the Mark Drama.

3. Pray for the "Good News Week" events today. (Good News Breakfast, UQ Lunchtime, and Combo Night).

DAY 25: Galatians 1:6-10

An Astounding Problem! - Galatians 1:6-10

What is the problem that astonishes Paul?

Paul’s language is very strong, but it’s clear he is trying to please God, not men. How seriously do you take the gospel of Grace?

Would you break a friendship (i.e. lose the ‘approval of men’) for the sake of the gospel?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Fraser Family (Slovenia): Pray for gospel fruit from Summer Kids Camps — that children would meet Jesus and Slovenian Christians be spurred on in faith.

3. Good News Week is here! Pray for your 3!

DAY 24: Galatians 1:1-5

Introduction

Galatians is a good book to read after Acts 1-12. Paul’s autobiographical note in 1:11-24 will remind us of the events in Acts 9. The letter was written in about AD 55, although scholars debate over whether it was written before or after the ‘Jerusalem Council’ of Acts 15. Galatia was a Roman province in modern day Turkey and contained the cities of Iconium, Lystra and Derbe (see Acts 14:1-23).

From…, to…, grace to peace! - Galatians 1:1-5

What does Paul say about himself?

What does he say about God the Father?

What does he say about Jesus?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Dan & Rachel Djamaludin: Pray for children in churches and schools still needing safeguarding reforms — that progress would be made with grace and care.

3. Good News Week is here! Pray for your 3!

DAY 23: Acts 12:1-25

Peter Escapes Growing Jewish Persecution - Acts 12:1-25

King Herod was Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great (who ruled when Jesus was born). The Romans allowed him to be ‘king’ over various territories in Israel. The James of verse 2 was the son of Zebedee, one of the 12 disciples. Here we see Mark 10:39 fulfilled when Jesus said that he would ‘drink the cup I drink and be baptised with the baptism I am baptised with’.

What do you notice about the practice and power of prayer in this passage?

How does this event show God’s control over persecution and persecutors?

Read verse 24. Reflect and pray about some of the big themes of Acts. The next Ann Street Daily will pick things up in Acts 13.

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Linda McKerrell: Pray for the planning of the Ann Street Mission Exposure Trip (Jan 2026). Ask for wisdom and a growing vision for global mission.

3. Good News Week is here! Pray for your 3!

DAY 22: Acts 11:19-29

The Church in Antioch Established - Acts 11:19-29

Here we have more evidence for the positive effects of the initial persecution from 8:2-4. Antioch was 500km north of Jerusalem and was the capital of the Roman province of Syria. It would be home base for Paul’s missionary journeys. Barnabas was introduced first in 4:36-37. What is he like?

Saul was sent to Tarsus after Grecian Jews planned to kill him for preaching the gospel (9:29-30). Tarsus was a bit further north in the Province of Cilicia. What does 11:25-30 teach us about the importance of teachers and teaching?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Mark & Anne Osborne: Pray for Anne as she adjusts to a reduced workload. Ask God to bring comfort amid grief and renewed joy in gospel work.

3. Good News Week is here! Pray for your 3!

DAY 21: Acts 11:1-18

More Jewish Believers are Persuaded - Acts 11:1-18

Verse 11 explains how newsworthy chapter 10 was! Sometimes it’s hard for us to realise how deep the separation was between Jews and Gentiles. Have a look at Ezra 6:19-22 (and chapters 9-11 if you’re keen), Matthew 18:17 (literally ‘Gentile or tax collector’) and Matthew 15:21-28 to get a feel for the culture of that day. Can you see why it was such a large barrier to overcome?

God has given us everything, not only the Spirit but even repentance itself (11:18)! Pray that God would grant repentance to even more people here in Brisbane.

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. QUT Christians: Pray that God would raise up new staff and returning apprentices to reach QUT students with the gospel long-term.

3. Good News Week is here! Pray for your 3!

DAY 20: Acts 10:34-48

The Spirit Comes, Even on Gentiles - Acts 10:34-48

God does not show favouritism (see Romans 2:11). How is God’s lack of favouritism demonstrated here?

What features of the gospel message (36-43) strike you here?

Jesus’ plan has been for his witnesses to testify in Jerusalem, Judea and the ends of the earth (1:8) and also for the Gentiles to hear (9:15). The dramatic outpouring of the Spirit now shows how Jesus’ plans are coming true. Give thanks that we, like Cornelius and his friends and family, have now received the Spirit and forgiveness of sins.

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Thang Bwee: Pray for restored infrastructure in Myanmar so churches and colleges can function — with education, power, and communication.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 19: Acts 10:1-33

Peter Arrives at Cornelius’s House - Acts 10:1-33

The previous passage explained how Peter came to be at the house of Simon in Joppa (a tanner would not usually be a good place to stay at for a Jew due to all the dead animals about and potential ritual pollution. They also smell pretty bad!). The scene now moves to Caesarea, a government city on the coast further north. How is Cornelius’s relationship with God described (2-4, 22)?

What wrong ideas did Peter have? How were they changed?

Although a Gentile has previously been converted (the Ethiopian eunuch), here we have the number one leader of the Christians encountering a very prominent Gentile in an important city. The scene is set for a change to the ‘Christian culture’. Do you have any prejudices against particular groups or cultures?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. J & R: Pray for upcoming training of trainers in expository preaching — that it would multiply faithful Bible teachers in their nation.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 18: Acts 9:32-43

Healings and Conversions in Judea - Acts 9:32-43

Lydda was a town northwest of Jerusalem. Joppa was a seaport a further 12 miles away. That there were already believers there might have been due to the persecution and scattering of Christians in 8:1.

These are the first healings described in detail since 3:1-10 (compare to 5:12-16). Why do you think they are brought to our attention here?

What qualities does Tabitha show us about discipleship?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Jared & Verena Bradley: Pray for Jared’s language learning and future ministry direction. Ask God to lead clearly and provide what’s needed.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 17: Acts 9:19b-31

Saul Begins to Preach Jesus - Acts 9:19b-31

How does Saul’s time in Damascus compare with his original plans (9:2)?

Saul baffled the Jews by proving (almost certainly from Scripture) that Jesus is the Christ/Messiah. How would you go about proving this from the Old Testament?

According to 2 Corinthians 11:30-33, Paul’s escape from Damascus was a sign of weakness rather than adventure. If Jesus can use a (formerly) hostile and weak person like Saul for his purposes, what hope does that give us?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. Griffith Christian Students: Pray that the momentum from Mid-Year Camp would shape the rest of the year and deepen friendships and gospel convictions.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!

DAY 16: Acts 9:1-19a

Jesus Confronts Saul - Acts 9:1-19a

Saul seems to be emboldened in his efforts ‘to destroy the church’ (8:3). Damascus was a significant town with many synagogues. Why do you think Jesus described the persecution as against him rather than his followers?

What are the ways Jesus displays his power in this passage?

How do verses 15 and 16 fit with Jesus’ plan to expand his kingdom?

1. After reading today’s passage, what’s one thing you can praise God for? What does it prompt you to ask Him for in prayer?

2. UQ Evangelical Students: Ask God to raise up students with a heart for the lost — to pursue vocational ministry and be equipped to serve the harvest.

3. Good News Week is coming. Pray for your 3!