This week’s’ Israel Matters explores the current state of anti-Semitism, particularly in Hungary, and the role of the church in combating it. Stephen Briggs discusses recent events, including a controversial Super Bowl ad and the reception of the Israeli delegation at the Winter Olympics. He then speaks with Sara Kulifai, who shares insights on Hungary’s historical context regarding anti-Semitism and the church’s proactive stance in fostering Jewish-Christian relations. The discussion emphasizes the importance of education, activism, and biblical understanding in addressing anti-Semitism. Israel Matters to God so should Matter to Us. The interview with Sara Kulifai is enlightening as she shows how one church with the right leadership can make disciples like Sara that can influence nations for good. Make sure you share this video widely as hopefully it will challenge many churches to look at how they are influencing at least the communities they serve.
Category Archives: disciple of Jesus Christ
LEAVING ISLAM FOR CHRIST’S FREEDOM CONVICTED ME THAT SILENCE IS SIN
This is a great article by Hedieh Mirahmadi, Exclusive Columnist of The Christian Post. In the process of leaving Islam for Christ’s freedom, she was convicted that not actively sharing your faith is sin.
In a world that vilifies biblical truth, the temptation to stay silent grows stronger every day. Ecclesiastes 3:7 reminds us there’s “a time to be silent and a time to speak,” yet too often Christians choose silence when the world needs our voice the most.
As a former Muslim who spent years navigating spiritual deception before encountering Christ, I understand the cost of keeping quiet. Silence can feel safe, but it’s a betrayal of the Gospel. We are called to proclaim truth boldly, even when it costs us everything, as it did for Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, whose recent martyrdom ignited a fire for revival.
Silence often stems from unbelief. When we doubt God’s power, we clamp our mouths shut, much like Zechariah, struck mute for questioning God’s promise of a son. Before I knew Jesus, I thought silence was strategic — avoiding conflict to blend in. Faith demands more. As 2 Corinthians 4:13 declares, “I believed, therefore I spoke.” We who believe must speak, openly proclaiming truth as Paul urged in 2 Corinthians 4:2, renouncing “the things hidden because of shame.” In a culture quick to brand biblical convictions as “hate speech,” unbelief whispers to stay quiet. Faith shouts.
Speaking truth comes at a price. John 3:20 warns that the world hates the light because it exposes evil. Scripture and history bear this out: Abel, the first martyr; John the Baptist, beheaded for calling out sin; Stephen, stoned for his unyielding testimony in Acts 7. Modern heroes like Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and Bobby Kennedy paid with their lives for their convictions.
Some call it hate speech, but truth often sounds like hate to those in darkness. Jesus Himself was crucified for speaking the truth. Silent before Pilate, bearing our sins, He spoke when asked if He was King: “For this purpose I have come into the world: to testify to the truth” (John 18:37). Pilate’s scoff — “What is truth?” — mirrors today’s relativism, where truth is sacrificed for tolerance.
My journey from Islam to Christianity taught me that silence enables oppression. In Islamic regimes, dissent is crushed, much like the synagogue leaders who accused Stephen of blasphemy when they couldn’t counter his wisdom. They covered their ears and killed him, just as today’s cancel culture silences truth-tellers. Stephen’s angelic face as he forgave his killers echoes the love that transformed me from legalism to grace. Ephesians 5:11 compels us: “Do not participate in the useless deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them.” Charlie’s martyrdom wasn’t murder; it was a spark for revival. After his death and Erika’s powerful speech, Turning Point USA grew from 2,000 to 32,000 chapters. The enemy snuffed out a candle, but God ignited an inferno.
Yet how many of us shrink back? Like Moses, reluctant to lead, or Isaiah, feeling unworthy, we make excuses. Fear of rejection? Loss of approval? Luke 6:26 warns, “Woe to you when all the people speak well of you.” We are sent — dispatched by Jesus, who said, “Just as the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20:21). Silence isn’t an option. Psalm 39:2 describes the pain of holding back: “I was mute and silent … And my pain was stirred up.” Paul, battered in Corinth, heard Christ say, “Go on speaking and do not be silent” (Acts 18:9). Charlie was a megaphone for truth; we must be too.
BEING A WITNESS FOR JESUS
Australian high jumper Nicola Olyslagers (née McDermott), known for her outspoken Christian faith, has shared the podium in Switzerland despite adverse conditions.
Defying the pouring rain, Aussie athlete Nicola Olyslangers took a single jump to clear 1.91 metres in the high jump competition at the Diamond League in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The conditions were less than optimal, causing world high jump champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh (Ukraine) to bow out after two failed attempts. But the soaked track didn’t stop Olyslangers from taking the risk—and it paid off, as she cleared the bar on her first and only attempt.
“On a night where rain battered the stadium and Olympic champions faltered, dual Olympic medallist Nicola Olyslagers rose above the conditions to share the top spot in the Women’s High Jump at the Lausanne Diamond League, a highlight in a string of gritty Australian performances in Switzerland.” — Sascha Ryner, Australian Athletics
The New South Wales-based Olympian, who in 2021 became the first woman to clear 2 metres and last year won silver in the Paris Olympics, shared the podium with Poland’s Maria Zodzic and Germany’s Christina Honsel.
Characteristically, Olyslangers left no question as to who deserved the praise, telling reporters that God is the reason she doesn’t flag under adverse conditions.
“… the joy that’s inside of me can’t get drowned out because it’s from a source that doesn’t get diluted with circumstances, because I have God’s joy inside of me…” — Nicola Olyslangers
Olyslangers posted photos of the pouring rain on Instagram with the caption, “The floodgates opened over Lausanne 💙 When it’s worship, it’s a treasured moment no matter the weather.”
LIVING IN THE WORLD BUT NOT OF THE WORLD
To be “in the world but not of the world” is one of those sayings that make sense, but it remains undeniably easier said than done. As Christians, we understand that we are in the world, passing through, on our way to eternity. We also understand that we are not to be of the world in the sense that we submit our lives to Christ, putting off the desires of the flesh, avoiding temptations, and resisting evil. We understand these things, but how can we ensure we’re living them out?
“I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world,” Jesus prayed. “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world” John 17:14-16
How do we juggle the balance of loving unbelievers while not condoning their worldliness? How can we navigate discourse between those we disagree with? For many of us, it may be safe to say that we have a sense of needing to find unity where we can with those around us. And yet, in that pursuit, we must not neglect the command to speak the truth boldly and in love. To help us with this endeavour, there are a few goals worth prioritizing.
- Put God and His Word first.
No matter what you’re doing, who you’re talking to, where you’re going, or what you’re hoping for, putting God and His word first is the most important task for the believer. Proverbs 3:6 states, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” The two greatest commandments are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbours as ourselves. These are all in God’s word, and these are all rooted in putting God first. It’s glorifying to God to share His truth. It glorifies Him for us to love others and to be people who bear the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
When He is the one our gaze is fixed upon, we see the world differently. We’re quicker to see others (especially those of the world) not merely as obstacles or irritants but as people made in the image of God. We see sinners not so much as stumbling blocks but as people needing saving — just as we all are.
If you want to be a light to everyone around you, then make sure the Source of light is deeply and firmly planted within you. Be engaged in His word. Seek Him daily in prayer. Earnestly seek to glorify Him in all that you do, and you just may find yourself walking in a posture ready to communicate with anyone about anything in a way that is dignified, loving, truthful, and fruitful.
- Understand the biblical definition of love.
Jesus said in John 13:35 that His disciples will be known for their love. Of course, what is loving in biblical terms does not align with what the world defines love to be. And so, if we’re to be in the world but not of it, we must come to terms with the fact that we will have conversations with people we don’t agree with that won’t go particularly well. We can do everything in our power to be cool, calm, and collected, but it doesn’t change the fact that the truth is inherently offensive to those of the world. But as Christians, we know there is nothing more loving than to share this truth. A precise definition of biblical love can be found in 1 John 5:3: “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.” The truth can hurt, and it can hurt badly. But to experience hurt is not the same as to experience harm. The truth is love and freedom, and remembering this will help us hold our ground in conversations with people who are not like-minded. And at the end of the day, their responses are not in our control.
- Make sure you know what you believe and why.
This may actually be one of the most crucial steps to finding the balance of seeking unity while holding your ground. 1 Peter 3:15 states, “In your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” Ephesians 4:15 talks about being equipped for ministry “so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” The point is that we should have conviction about what we believe. We should be able to clearly define and defend it.
- Stay humble.
Humility is not only biblical, but it’s necessary for healthy dialogue. Humility helps us approach conversations with the right attitude. It helps us respond better to those who do not behave well. It helps us be more compassionate when we’re dealing with difficult people or having dicey conversations. We are all sinful, imperfect, messy humans. Humility reminds us of that.
Summary: Between the goals of putting God first, understanding what true love is, knowing what you believe, and staying humble, you will be walking a path to success. A great anonymous quote “Jesus sat with sinners; He didn’t sin with them. Know the difference.” And remember the words found in Luke 12: 11b-12: “Do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” He is always with us. And praise be that He gives us the strength, wisdom, and discernment needed to live in and not of this world.
This an abbreviated version of an article in The Washington Stand entitled Living in the World, Not of It: The Balance of Finding Unity While Standing Firm in Truth by Sarah Holliday
DID GOD GET A GUERNSEY AT THESE OLYMPIC GAMES?
I am not sure where the idiom “guernsey” originated but it came to mind so I thought I would use it. Its typical meaning “If someone or something gets a guernsey, they get public recognition for an achievement or a quality”.
I think God did get a guernsey at these Olympic Games. I have already posted on several athletes who have won medals and they gave the glory to God for their achievements.
From a spiritual standpoint, these people were, in many ways, doing what they were created to do. Like a bird soaring in the air, a rose bush blooming where it’s planted, athletes from around the world showcased their mettle and ability. Whatever sport I couldn’t help but think of the following Psalms: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!” Pslam 103:1 and “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Psalm 150:6.
One hundred years ago, at the 1924 summer games, Eric Liddell – the famed Scottish sprinter whose life was portrayed in the 1981 film “Chariots of Fire” – made history with his record-breaking first-place finish in the 400-metre race. This wasn’t his best event. He was scheduled to run in the 100-meter race but because it was scheduled on a Sunday he withdrew. When asked about running, Liddell once said the following: “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast! And when I run, I feel his pleasure.” But that’s only part of the quote: “You will know as much of God, and only as much of God, as you are willing to put into practice. Christ for the world, for the world needs Christ!” Liddell, who spent his post-Olympic life as a missionary in China, understood his purpose was not limited to the Olympic stage nor his ability to run fast. Yet, he could see how they were connected.
Daniel Roberts also got it. He was interviewed a week before he left his home in Georgia to compete in the 110-meter hurdles, in which he placed silver. He wasn’t aware of Liddell or his faith, but when told, he immediately beamed with a broad smile and said. “That’s cool that even back then there were disciples out trying to just live their faith out loud and not be ashamed of the gospel”. “At the end of the day, that’s all I’m trying to do” Roberts added “And if maybe 100 years from now someone can say the same thing about me, I feel like I’ve done something right”.
However, the smiles and emotional highs often quickly fade in the waning weeks, months, and years. That’s especially true for retiring athletes. Marilyn Okoro, who represented Team Great Britain in track and field in 2008 and 2012, retired after the Tokyo Olympics. She struggled to give up a sport to which she dedicated thousands of hours in addition to blood, sweat, and tears. “By the grace of God, I feel fully recovered from my retirement,” Okoro conceded in an interview before the start of the summer games. “Every athlete will tell you it’s a big question mark of your identity. And one thing for me, I knew my identity was in Christ.” “It was my faith that pulled me out of that season. And God has really shown me that there is life after sport. There’s life in Him,” she continued, explaining her plans to attend the Paris games to pray for the athletes.
Behind the scenes, there was a huge prayer and evangelistic movement with “hundreds upon hundreds” of salvations according to Frank Shelton, a four-time chaplain at the summer games. His team of volunteers was part of a multi-national initiative to pray with athletes, coaches, and spectators throughout France. “We had the honour to see souls saved on the street,” Shelton wrote in an email. “Some of the athletes I met said, worship was happening in the village and I saw video footage of them praising God near the Olympic Village. What was so beautiful was how so many athletes gave glory to God.”
Shelton acknowledged the outrage over the opening ceremony but had this to offer. “I reminded all those disgruntled at home after the opening ceremony that if we have to wait for the ‘perfect conditions’ to share the Gospel, we will never get started”. “As Christians called to share the faith, we must resemble a dedicated fireman. Why? We just need an opening to run in and through when everyone else is running out or quitting.”
Shelton shared a story to summarize the ministry outreach in Paris. It was of a chaplain for track and field walking and conversing with track star Grant Holloway. Frank said that another chaplain wrote, “God just opened the door for me to start a Zoom Bible study with some of the Olympians long after we leave Paris.” What if the last two weeks were only a sampling of something bigger and better the world has to offer?
Shelton summed it up with “Praise God, folks are hungry for the Lord. True winning isn’t just going after gold but God. However, when we seek Him first and His righteousness all these other things will be added unto you. Sometimes that includes gold, too!”
JESUS TAUGHT: NOT PEACE, BUT A SWORD
The following is a tough Scripture we would all like to overlook but that is impossible. God requires total commitment.
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:34-39
“And Jesus said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag, knapsack, or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” He said to them, “But now let the one with a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. For, I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” Luke 22:35-37
Our greatest weapon is always the Gospel. But there may be a time to heed all of Jesus’ instructions, even to buy a sword.
“All authority… on earth has been given unto Me, therefore go and make disciple of all nations… and lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20). Jesus did not say disciple churches or disciple disciples but rather disciple “nations” – civil rule, civil governance. For this reason and mission, Jesus said – “I am with you!” Jesus made it possible for our Heavenly Father to send the Holy Spirit to guide our every step.
For what excuse will we give King Jesus for not completing the great commission?
The Bible does not teach us to pray and hope things get better. “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22). We must be “doers” – like the leaders of Issachar who understood the times and what God’s people should do (1 Chronicles 12:32).
Note God does not use those who think they are wise by worldly standards.
“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-29
We must keep God’s commandments and get God’s vision for His King and Kingdom! “Where there is no vision, the people perish. But happy are those who keep God’s Law!” Proverbs 29:18
Also, if not you, who? If not now, when? We must unite and go forth – “For the cause of truth, humility, and righteousness! Psalms 45:4
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JESUS CHRIST THE POWER AND WISDOM OF GOD
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is God’s power to us who are being saved. For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and I will set aside the understanding of the experts.” 1 Corinthians 1:19-20
“For since, in God’s wisdom, the world did not know God through wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of the message preached. For the Jews ask for signs and the Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles. Yet to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is God’s power and God’s wisdom, because God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.” 1 Corinthians 1:21-25
Preaching Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews, and foolishness to the Gentiles.
This Scripture should make us realize that salvation is all about God and that the disciple’s role is like when Jesus sent out the seventy disciples, one of obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Sending Out the Seventy
“Now go; I’m sending you out like lambs among wolves. Don’t carry a money bag, traveling bag, or sandals; don’t greet anyone along the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they offer, for the worker is worthy of his wages. Don’t be moving from house to house. When you enter any town, and they welcome you, eat the things set before you. Heal the sick who are there, and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near you.’ When you enter any town, and they don’t welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘We are wiping off as a witness against you even the dust of your town that clings to our feet. Know this for certain: The kingdom of God has come near.’ I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town.” Luke 10: 3-12
The Cost of Following Jesus
“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters — yes, and even his own life — he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple... In the same way, therefore, every one of you who does not say goodbye to all his possessions cannot be My disciple… “. Anyone who has ears to hear should listen!” Luke 14:26-27, 33,35
Jesus tells us we must love our enemies so it is the extent of the comparison that Jesus is making here: we need to love Jesus much more than we love our family or ourselves, not hate our families. Hating is a Semitic expression for loving less.
“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:37
Without the power of the Holy Spirit which Jesus enabled our Heavenly Father to send to indwell our spirit to be our Counsellor, our Teacher, and our Comforter, it would be impossible to be a follower of Jesus Christ. If you do not have the evidence of the Holy Spirit in your life: the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, kindness, and self-control then you need to get on your knees, repent, and be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ. Also, only then will the gifts of the Spirit be available to you for ministry: word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, different kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, you will have available the power and wisdom of God.
The Ray Comfort movie below shows that the majority of people do not believe that God destroyed the world with the flood of Noah’s day. This is just one of the Biblical end times signs. The apostle Peter tells us that prior to Jesus’ return scoffers will come.
“Knowing this, first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the “ungodly.” 2 Peter 3:3-7
SHARING THE TRUTH WITH A SKEPTIC
It can be discouraging to share the truth with a skeptic only to have them ignore it. It doesn’t seem to matter how much—or how good—our evidence is. Some people just do not want to believe as they do not want to give up control of their lives. They want to be the God of their world just as Satan did. So, do they need more evidence?
No, decidedly not. You see, it’s not a matter of the evidence. It’s a spirit/heart problem. The people of Jesus’ day saw him heal people—and even raise the dead! And yet many refused to believe. When Jesus’ body disappeared from the tomb, instead of believing, the religious leaders made up a story to explain away the evidence.
Yes, it’s a spirit/heart problem!
Did you know that our spirit was originally designed to be the lamp of the Lord? It was always meant to contain the Holy Spirit so that man could commune with God as Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden.
“The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts.” Proverbs 20:27
When Adam and Eve rebelled against God the Holy Spirit departed their spirit. It was no longer the lamp of the Lord. A lamp requires oil to function and the oil (Holy Spirit) was no longer available to them.
When we repent and accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour then our Heavenly Father sends the Holy Spirit to indwell our spirit so that it can function again as the lamp of the Lord. He produces the fruit of the Spirit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, kindness, and self-control. He is also the one who provides the gifts of the Spirit for ministry (1 Corinthians 12).
So what’s the answer for sharing with the skeptic? Pray, keep sharing truth, and trust God to send the Holy Spirit to convict them of their sin of rebellion against God.
From a biblical perspective, all true wisdom and understanding is found in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30) as God, Creator, and Savior (John 1:1–4).
“The true light (Jesus), which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God (by the Holy Spirit).” John 1:9-13
You can choose to place your trust in the changing opinions of man or believe the unchanging, infallible words of God. God’s understanding is eternal (Isaiah 40:28) and fixed (Hebrews 13:8), which is why we must let Scripture be our final authority in all matters of life. Only then does life and science make sense!
It amazes me how the atheist does not consider the invalidity of his own position. The atheist calls for real science and knowledge, but he denies the God who makes it possible to even do scientific research because He promised to maintain the universe in a uniform way (Genesis 8:22). In a world with no God where everything came about from nothing by chance, how could we observe and repeat experiments consistently from day to day?
How does knowledge, which is immaterial, exist in an atheistic, strictly material world? Love, knowledge, self-awareness, and other abstract or immaterial concepts do not make sense in an atheistic worldview where only the material exists. Besides, if God does not exist and there are no absolutes and no ultimate answers for the meaning of life, then why do science at all?
Scripture addresses man’s biggest problem, which is that he is a sinner who has rebelled against God and needs a Saviour. Check out the Bible to see that it is indeed an operation manual for our lives, starting with the need for every person to repent of their sins and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, His death on the Cross for our sins, and His Resurrection from the dead. This is the first step to real understanding and true knowledge (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10).
From the first two chapters in Genesis and throughout the rest of Scripture, only the Bible lays down an accurate framework for correctly understanding the origin, structure, and laws that govern the universe. The Answers in Genesis (http://www.answersingenesis.org) and Creation Ministries (http://www.creation.com) websites contain literally hundreds of articles demonstrating operational science is consistent with the Bible.
LIVING ETERNAL NOW 