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RZIM News
From the director of Biola University's Christian Apologetics program. An update on the effort to dialog with the Mormon leadership in SLC. Dear Friends: Those of us who were ministering in Mormon country last weekend are indescribably grateful for your prayers. I believe there was a spiritual earthquake on Sunday evening (November 14, 2004) in the LDS Temple Square and we will be feeling the aftershocks for many months if not years. There were 7,000 tickets distributed for this event and every seat was filled. Many who came hoping to get into the Tabernacle or the overflow center were disappointed to have to be turned away. The event was covered by all of the print, radio, and television media in Salt Lake City and beyond. Although the LDS prophet/president was not in attendance (at 94 he is not able to attend many events), there was top level LDS leadership in the hall as well as the senior religion faculty from Brigham Young University. Mormons and Evangelicals from all over Utah packed the venue. Some that I spoke to even flew in from other parts of the country for this historic event. The speakers for the evening were, in order: After some introductory remarks from both the Mormon and Evangelical sides of the aisle, Michael Card led us all in some amazing worship songs. It was surreal to see Evangelicals worshiping in Spirit and Truth at the center of Mormon power and influence. It was a tremendous reminder that the Triune God of Scripture will ultimately triumph and that one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Ravi Zacharias gave a dazzling message focusing on the person and work of Christ. I think it was the most effective thing he could have done. In my view the rank-and-file Mormons would not have found anything controversial in it. However, those LDS who had a more finely-tuned sense of theology (very rare among Mormons, even in their leadership) would have recognized some pointed challenges on sin, salvation, the nature of God, and the state of the human heart. Almost everyone in the audience clapped even when Ravi mentioned the Trinity -- except for the BYU professors who knew it was not in concert with LDS teaching and sat more stoically at that point. Nevertheless, Ravi received a long standing ovation from every person in attendance when he concluded. I was the final speaker and took the opportunity to challenge the Mormon leaders to make this an annual event. I actually got a huge laugh when I turned to them on the platform and asked "Don't you all have a bigger place right across the street for next year?" (I was referring to their 21,000 seat Conference Center.) The newspapers picked up on that and mentioned this humorous challenge. The word on the street in Salt Lake City is that the wheels might already be turning for such a follow-up event. I have little doubt that this will be an event featured prominently in history books 100 years from now. It would take me hours to type out the fuller picture of what took place. It was truly extraordinary. I am so grateful for your prayer partnership in this effort. And I am so thankful to our faithful God and King who listens to our prayers and who longs for all to come to a saving knowledge of His Son. I'd be honored if you'd continue to pray as I head off to San Antonio tomorrow to speak and to meet with another group of Mormon scholars and leaders. I can't wait to see what God does next. Stay tuned . . . Your co-laborer in the faith, Craig Hazen |