Many have asked how the invitation to the Mormon Tabernacle came about. Ten years ago, I was invited by the philosophy department at Brigham Young University to deliver a series of comparative lectures on atheism and theism. I also presented a defense of the Christian faith. Much has transpired in the intervening years as evangelical Christian scholars and Mormon scholars have held discussions on their differing faiths. Some time ago, a group of about 150 churches and academic institutions under the leadership of Greg Johnson of Standing Together invited me to speak in defense of the Christian faith at a series of open forums on university campuses in Utah. Greg then suggested that perhaps the LDS church would open the Tabernacle for a major presentation by an evangelical Christian for the first time since D.L. Moody spoke there in 1899. Greg and Bob Millet (from the faculty of Brigham Young University) approached the LDS First Presidency with the idea and, to everyone’s surprise, they agreed to invite me. Greg and Bob came to my office in Atlanta to discuss what this meant and how we should go about this. Needless to say, I had a lot of questions on the “why” of such an invitation. What it boiled down to was that they were interested in hearing from an evangelical Christian about what lies at the heart of our faith. I asked for two personal conditions: that I be given the privilege of selecting the subject and that I bring someone to provide the music. They gladly granted both, but even then I hesitated until several key evangelical leaders and professors from across the country urged me to accept the invitation. After much prayer and reflection, I did, selecting as my subject “The Exclusivity and Sufficiency of Jesus Christ.” I asked Michael Card to provide the music. November 14, 2004, was the historic day. I have to say the entire weekend was one remarkable event after another. I had a personal meeting with the First Presidency, and held open forums at Weber State University and the University of Utah. The climactic meeting at the Mormon Tabernacle was packed to overflowing. What a night! From all over the world I have received numerous messages of encouragement and appreciation. Anyone who hears the tape will know the clarity of the message presented. Only the Lord gave such enablement. To critics who objected to my being there, I say that all my life as an apologist I have spoken across wide chasms of thought and to virtually every major religious group — sometimes at the risk of violence. Differences ought not to keep us from carrying the truth to everyone. Must we not graciously build one step at a time in communicating our faith with clarity and conviction? Is it really necessary at the early stages of such openness to “dump the whole truckload of goods,” rather than first gaining a hearing and respect? I have no doubts about the differences between the LDS faith and the historic Christian faith — differences deep and foundational in terms of authority. But the proclamation of the living Christ can break down hearts all over the world, that we might see ourselves as He sees us and call upon Him and no one else for our salvation. Must not our methods be in keeping with our message? There are numerous instances in Scripture where Jesus went to those of a contrary view and with grace, sowed one small seed at a time. The courtesy and graciousness extended to me by every Mormon leader and professor with whom I came into contact cannot be gainsaid. My earnest prayer is that the Lord was honored in what happened and that the opportunities that come from this event will multiply. There is no other name given under heaven whereby we may be saved. How we communicate that name is equally important as the message itself if we are to be persuaders of men and women under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. As you hear the message presented, I pray you will hear the sound of the seed being sown. Only Heaven will reveal the fruit that has resulted. - Ravi Zacharias