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Last year we spent the entire year talking about the seasons—how they impact us both physically and spiritually—and how our life seasons change so often without warning.

We see it all around us. Things are changing SO quickly. So much feels unpredictable, a little unsteady, often hard to understand. And I just keep coming back to this reality: in a world we can’t control, we can be spiritually stronger.

That’s why our theme on That Sounds Fun for the next 18 months is exactly that—Spiritually Stronger.

We’re going to lean in together. Not with pressure or perfection, just with intention. We’re going to talk about the spiritual disciplines: prayer, fasting, reading scripture, worship, and celebration.

And after you listen to each episode, we’re going to give you a way to go a little bit deeper every single day. We’re launching the Spiritually Stronger Substack, where you’ll be able to find a way to reflect on the topic for the week, things to pray through, and resources to help you apply what you’ve heard.

What if you gave one hour a week and ten minutes a day to getting spiritually stronger this year? To building the kind of spiritual muscles that help you stand steady and stay hopeful in an ever-changing world.

Make sure you’re subscribed to That Sounds Fun so you don’t miss an episode and go subscribe to our brand new Spiritually Stronger Substack. We’re basically taking the fun of a guidebook to a place where we can all do it together!

Head to spirituallystronger.com to subscribe to our brand new substack!
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NYTimes bestselling Christian author, speaker, and host of popular Christian podcast, That Sounds Fun Podcast, Annie F. Downs shares with you some of her favorite things: new books, faith conversations, entertainers not to miss, and interviews with friends.

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Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: Ezekiel 28:8

Our war is not against flesh and blood. Rather, we wage war against the evil force behind it all: the devil. And Satan’s origin, found in Ezekiel 28, is one of riches to rags. It’s important to learn about his descent from the palace to the pit because we are pawns in this battle.

God did not create a devil; God created a perfect being, who became the devil because God gave him a choice. He was first an angel named Lucifer (which means Son of Morning), surpassing in beauty, superlative in wisdom.

But because of the pride in his heart, the Son of Morning was banished from heaven to earth, to be forever known as the Father of Night. The devil’s wisdom is corrupt, his beauty blemished.

Now, he continues in power. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant, your adversary, the devil, goeth about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.”

Adrian Rogers says, “Satan is a master of camouflage; he works through art, music, literature, and he certainly works through religion. Satan doesn’t want casualties as much as he wants converts.” The devil is the chief terrorist who divides, depresses, and destroys. Behind all wickedness and oppression is Satan, beating the drums of diversion to drown out the truth.

But, never forget: God has done something about the devil.

Hebrews 2:14 says, “Forasmuch, then, as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also (Jesus) likewise took part of the same, that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” The word “destroy” in this passage actually means “to render helpless.”

Satan has been stripped, shamed, and subdued. His dominion over the earth has been taken from him and given to those who will put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Adrian Rogers reminds us, “Satan sails a sinking ship; he rules a doomed domain. There’s coming that final, glorious day when Jesus will come and put His bruised heel upon Satan’s head; Satan is headed to the pit.”

Apply it to your life

Adrian Rogers says, “God gave Satan a choice and he became Satan. God gives you a choice and you can become a saint.” Spend time in the Word of God today; pray that you may follow Him and honor Him with your life and your choices.

Is the God of Israel simply a tribal deity, or does He rule over all nations? Dr. John Neufeld examines Isaiah 41:1-10, where God summons the nations to His courtroom for judgment. He reveals that He controls the rise and fall of empires, stirring up a king from the east who will trample nations. The terrified nations respond by creating idols they must nail down to keep from falling, but to Israel, God speaks differently: "Fear not, for I am with you."

God and the World's Idols: What are you really worshipping? In this series through Isaiah 40–44, Dr. John Neufeld explores one of Scripture's most powerful confrontations between the living God and the idols humanity creates. Writing to a nation facing exile and questioning whether their God has abandoned them, Isaiah paints a stunning portrait of who God truly is — His wisdom that needs no counsel, His power that never grows weary, His sovereignty over history itself.

Join us on today's Bible Minute from Back to the Bible Canada.

Every life matters—and every child is a gift from God. When Mauricio and Christin Rosa learned their preborn son had a life-threatening diagnosis, they faced choices no parent ever wants to face. Yet, through fear and uncertainty, they chose to trust God and to choose life. Their story is one of courage, faith, and the unshakable belief that every life has purpose and value.

You can save a mother and her baby from the tragedy of abortion with your generous and compassionate gift now. Your immediate action will help connect expectant mothers with the resources and encouragement they need to choose life! And when you give today, we’ll say thanks by sending you the book, Saving Nate: Choosing Life after a Devastating Prenatal Diagnosis, as well as a free audio download of “Choosing Life After a Devastating Prenatal Diagnosis.”

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If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

Every life matters—and every child is a gift from God. When Mauricio and Christin Rosa learned their preborn son had a life-threatening diagnosis, they faced choices no parent ever wants to face. Yet, through fear and uncertainty, they chose to trust God and to choose life. Their story is one of courage, faith, and the unshakable belief that every life has purpose and value.

We live in a world where the line between right and wrong, truth and error is blurred. Add to that biblical illiteracy and an embrace of postmodernism and you have a culture based on secular thinking where self is exalted above all else.

Listen to today's Laugh Again with Phil Callaway, "What About Barb?" Enjoy!