#45 - Can someone grow up Mormon, serve a mission, and still never truly know Jesus Christ? - with Cody Bentley

#45 - Can someone grow up Mormon, serve a mission, and still never truly know Jesus Christ? - with Cody Bentley

Author: Jeff Musgrave & George Binoka April 29, 2025 Duration: 33:51

What happens when you devote your life to a religion, only to realize you’ve never truly encountered Jesus Christ? In this powerful conversation, Cody Bentley shares his deeply personal story of growing up Mormon, wrestling with doubts, and ultimately finding true salvation through faith in Jesus.

Cody reveals the hidden struggles many within Mormonism experience — from feeling trapped in a works-based salvation model to the breakthrough moment when he discovered the life-changing grace of God. He also offers practical advice on how to lovingly and effectively reach Mormon friends and family with the true gospel.

Whether you're passionate about evangelism, curious about what it's like to leave Mormonism, or seeking encouragement for your own faith journey, this episode will both challenge and inspire you.

👉 Don't forget to Subscribe and Share this story of grace with someone who needs it today!

📝 Summary (chapter-style layout):

00:00 - Introduction to Cody’s Journey

Host George Binoka introduces Cody Bentley, a former Mormon who recently placed his full faith in Jesus Christ.

03:04 - Cody’s Upbringing in the LDS Church

Cody recounts his early life in a devout Mormon home, attending BYU, serving a mission, and striving to live up to LDS expectations.

06:07 - Beliefs and Doubts in Mormonism

Exploring how works-based righteousness shaped his understanding of God — and the growing cracks in that foundation.

08:54 - The Search for Truth and Answers

Cody describes the painful journey of questioning the Book of Mormon, polling mentors and friends, and realizing how many shared his doubts.

12:00 - Transitioning to a New Faith

What gave Cody the courage to walk into a Bible-preaching church and experience Scripture in a new and powerful way.

15:10 - Understanding Grace and Salvation

The key difference Cody discovered between Mormon teachings and biblical Christianity — God's grace freely given through faith alone.

17:58 - Personal Transformation After Leaving Mormonism

The undeniable growth, healing, and peace Cody experienced after surrendering fully to Jesus Christ.

20:56 - Effective Evangelism in the Mormon Community

Practical advice for Christians seeking to lovingly and relationally share the gospel with Mormon friends and family.

24:04 - Building Relationships in Evangelism

Why genuine friendships — not confrontations — are crucial in reaching hearts for Christ.

27:12 - Conclusion and Reflections on Faith

George and Cody reflect on the joy of their brotherhood in Christ and the beauty of relational evangelism.


Hosted by Jeff Musgrave and George Binoka, Gospel Talks Podcast is a conversation rooted in practical faith. It moves beyond theory to focus on the everyday realities of sharing and living out one’s beliefs. The discussions here are built on the foundation of The Exchange, a ministry dedicated to training Christians and churches in relational evangelism and discipleship. You’ll hear from Jeff, the founder and author of resources like the Exchange Bible Study, as well as from George, as they explore how these principles translate into genuine conversations with neighbors, friends, and coworkers. Each episode aims to equip you with thoughtful perspectives and actionable ideas, making the core of the gospel feel accessible in your daily interactions. This isn’t about formulas, but about fostering a natural, confident faith that connects with people where they are. Tune in for a podcast that feels like a thoughtful dialogue with mentors who are invested in seeing your faith become both deeper and more outwardly focused.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 91

Gospel Talks Podcast
Podcast Episodes
#89 - Why Your Home Is One Of Your Greatest Ministry Tools [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:09
In this episode of the Gospel Talks Podcast, George Binoka and Jeff Musgrave explore the biblical connection between hospitality and evangelism. In a culture where neighbors rarely know each other and homes have become i…
#88 - Are we allowed to comment on religion and spirituality? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:07
What do you do when someone unexpectedly brings up God, the Bible, or spiritual things in everyday conversation? In this episode of the Gospel Talks Podcast, George Binoka and Jeff Musgrave unpack one of the clearest sig…
#84 - It’s Not a Sales Pitch: Faith Talk 1360 AM Interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:04
In this special edition of the Gospel Talks Podcast, George Binoka joins Scott Wallace on FaithTalk 1360’s The Total Experience, part of the Salem Media Group network. This engaging interview explores the heart of relati…
#82 - Divine Appointments: No Accident We Met. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:38
In this episode of Gospel Talks, George Binoka and Jeff Musgrave tackle one of the most practical—and often confusing—questions in evangelism: What is a divine appointment, and how do you recognize one?Drawing from real-…
#81 - Andrew Rappaport: From Judaism to Christianity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:35
This week on Gospel Talks, we’re doing something a little different.George Binoka joins Andrew Rappaport on The Rapp Report for a thoughtful and engaging conversation on evangelism and discipleship. Andrew, known for wor…
#80 -  Why Are We Afraid to Invite People to Jesus? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:32
Fear often holds Christians back from sharing the gospel, even with friends or neighbors. In this episode of Gospel Talks Podcast, George Binoka and Jeff Musgrave dive deep into the struggles believers face when making w…