Q. I have some friends who are Mormons, and I have a burden for them. I have had many opportunities to share with them, but have not really shared the gospel. They say they believe much of what we as Christians believe, so it is difficult to show them that Christ is the only way. Do you have any advice for me?

—Bonnie, UT

A.      Sharing with Mormons is a delicate matter. In all of my years in witnessing, I have been able to plant many seeds and have led a few Mormons to Christ. I have made many mistakes and have used those situations as opportunities to learn more.

It is impossible in an article this size to adequately define exact procedures, scriptural references, and doctrinal errors. However, I will give you some guidelines and direction that will help you in your pursuit of leading your friends to the truth:

1. Build Relationship and Trust

Mormons are some of the most sincere people living today. Their values, morals and family emphasis make them a quality group of people. However, most conversions from Mormonism to Christianity come through established relationships. I had the opportunity of assisting my cousin and his family to leave the Mormon church (Church of Latter Day Saints) and to give their lives to Christ. To this day, they are all serving the Lord. This took place over a period of months of discussion and dialogue. Don't try to convert them in the first conversation you have, unless the Lord is leading you otherwise.

2. Don't Argue

Often times as Christians, we win the argument, but lose the person. Our goal is not to win an intellectual debate, our goal is to lead them to the truth. If your conversation becomes heated, back off! Allow them to talk and share their feelings and beliefs as well. You gain permission to speak by listening. Once a conversation becomes heated, most Mormons will not discuss religion with you any more. Be careful.

3. Discuss from a Neutral Standpoint

I have found the best way to start a conversation with a Mormon is by saying something like this: "You and I have the same goals in mind. We both desire to love and serve God, become quality people in society, uphold high standards, and impact our world. However, we are basing our entire eternal destiny on a set of beliefs. Do we know that what we believe is the absolute infallible truth? Maybe it would be best to remove our emotional attachment to our set of beliefs and look at both beliefs from an objective neutral standpoint. Let's together put both Christianity and Mormonism through the same test and see which one comes out the infallible truth..." (Maybe I can address this criteria in another article.)

4. Focus on the Sacred Writing and the Prophets

Most Mormons place their trust in their "sacred writings" and their "prophets." I will focus most of my conversation showing the discrepancies and errors in each of their sacred books and the false prophecies and contradictions between each of the prophets. This helps to show the concerns of trusting their eternal destiny to a "shaky" set of beliefs.

5. Read and Study

The Bible says, "Study to show yourself approved unto God..." The best way to share on a specific subject is to simply spend time studying it. I would recommend a book called "Mormonism: Shadow or Reality" by Utah Lighthouse Ministry right in Salt Lake City. Another book would be "Kingdom of the Cults" by Walter Martin. Both of these books will give you some great information to get started.

Q. Over the past few months, I've become good friends with a young lady who is a Buddhist, I want to bring her closer to the real "God" but am out of information to give her. She really wants to learn about the true God and not "Buddha." She doesn't live close enough to take her to church. Help! I need advice on what to do.

—Sara, AZ

A.      Let me give you a brief background of Buddhism. There are eight basic techniques (8-fold path) that form the structure of Buddhism:

1. Right Meditation

2. Right Effort

3. Right Occupation

4. Right Speech

5. Right Belief

6. Right Aspiration

7. Right Action

8. Right Thought

Although each of these concepts are noble ideas, and should be commended in anyone trying to live out this type of lifestyle, they fall short of obtaining the true spiritual peace and happiness they intend to obtain. The problem, when compared with Biblical teaching, is that these steps are based solely upon the works of self in an effort to obtain eternal presence with God. Titus 3:5 says, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us..."

Here are three things you can do to help your situation:

1. Get Information to Send to Her

One of the greatest booklets I have seen that explain the differences between Christianity and Buddhism, can be obtained through Christian Equippers International at 800-662-0909. The booklet is called "Christianity vs. World Religions" and costs 55 cents. This is a great tool that may help your friend to see the difference.

2. Contact Her Frequently

The deeper the relationship is established, the more she will desire to listen. This will give you more opportunities to share new information and to show her the gospel through your lifestyle and example.

3. Find a Friend Who is Close Geographically

If you know of a good Christian friend who lives close, plan a time to do something together with both of them. Try to encourage them to get together again and help to build a relationship between the two. If this is impossible, then contact a Youth Pastor in the area and have him find some teenagers who can reach out to her.

Standing Your Ground is an advice column dedicated to answering questions about living, defending and sharing the Christian life.