This episode of the Abundant Life podcast delves into the profound journey of Cody Bentley, a former member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) who has transitioned to a born-again Christian. The discussion, guided by hosts Saso and Ben, emphasizes the contrast between the doctrines of Mormonism and traditional Christianity, particularly focusing on the notion of grace. Cody recounts his upbringing within the LDS faith, highlighting a performance-based relationship with God that left him feeling spiritually malnourished. He shares his struggles with addiction and the burdens of guilt that permeated his life as he sought fulfillment through works rather than faith. The podcast explores the pivotal moment when Cody discovered the freedom and assurance found in a relationship with Jesus Christ, which allowed him to break free from the cycles of shame and guilt that had characterized his previous religious experience. Through heartfelt dialogue, the hosts and Cody reflect on the transformative power of grace and the importance of a genuine connection with Jesus, contrasting it with the institutional emphasis found in the LDS Church.

The episode presents a candid exploration of Cody's spiritual metamorphosis, detailing how he transitioned from a life steeped in the doctrines of Mormonism to embracing the teachings of Christianity. Central to this transformation is the realization that salvation is not contingent upon human efforts but is a gift of grace received through faith in Jesus Christ. Cody articulates the stark differences in his understanding of God, moving from a performance-driven faith to one marked by unconditional love and acceptance. The discussion touches on the challenges faced by those leaving the LDS Church, where adherence to doctrines can lead to a fear of losing community and identity. Cody's journey serves as a beacon of hope for others who may find themselves questioning their faith and seeking a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with God. The hosts encourage listeners to reflect on their own beliefs and consider the liberating message of the Gospel, which offers assurance and peace through faith alone.

Takeaways:

• The journey from Mormonism to Christianity encompasses profound spiritual transformations and a discovery of grace that is no found in any other religion.
• Key differences exist between the concepts of salvation in Mormonism and traditional Christianity, particularly regarding grace and works.
• Post-Mormon life often entails navigating relationships with family and friends who remain within the LDS faith, presenting unique challenges.
• Experiencing a genuine relationship with Jesus can lead to significant personal growth and healing, as evidenced by Cody's transformation.
• The importance of scripture, particularly the Bible, is emphasized as a source of truth and assurance for believers transitioning from Mormonism.
• Understanding the differences in the definitions of familiar terms in both faiths is crucial for meaningful dialogue and connection.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Abundant Life Podcast
• Lamp Light Ministries
• Stay in the Fight
• Gospel Talks

In this episode of the Abundant Life Podcast, we delve into the profound transformation of Tony Mendez, a testament to the boundless grace of God. As articulated through the key verse, 1 John 3:1, we explore the extraordinary privilege of being called children of God, highlighting the transformative love that this identity entails. Tony shares his journey from a life ensnared by addiction and despair to one illuminated by faith and purpose. His heartfelt reflections reveal the pivotal moments that led him to embrace God's love and the support of his family, which ultimately guided him towards redemption. Together, we witness the power of God's grace in action, affirming that no one is beyond the reach of His transformative love.

Episode 66 of the Abundant Life Podcast, entitled "A Child of God," presents a deeply moving exploration of spiritual renewal through the testimony of Tony Mendez. Co-hosts Ben Arellano and Saso Mendez engage Tony in a heartfelt discussion, framed by the key verse from 1 John 3:1, which celebrates the remarkable love that God extends to His followers, enabling them to be recognized as His children. This foundational message sets the stage for Tony’s powerful story of redemption and transformation.

Tony candidly shares the struggles of his past, including a troubled upbringing and the impact of addiction on his life. Reflecting on his childhood, he recounts feelings of loneliness and instability following his parents' separation. Despite the challenges he faced, the unwavering love and support from his family, particularly his grandmother and twin brother, served as a beacon of hope. It was through these familial connections and the eventual introduction to faith that Tony began to understand God’s profound love, which ultimately led him to a turning point in his life.

Tony’s testimony resonates with the central theme of the episode—that regardless of one’s past, redemption is possible through faith in Jesus. The episode concludes with a message of hope, encouraging listeners to embrace their identity in Christ, as beloved children of God, and to experience the transformative power of His love in their lives. This episode serves as an inspiring reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, Tony Mendez shares his powerful testimony of transformation, emphasizing how he found love and acceptance as a child of God.
• The key verse from 1 John 3:1 highlights the profound truth that we are called the children of God, underscoring the significance of divine love in our lives.
• Tony reflects on his past struggles with addiction, portraying a journey from hopelessness to redemption through faith and community support.
• The hosts discuss the importance of family and community in fostering spiritual growth, illustrating how supportive relationships can lead to profound change.
• Through his experiences, Tony emphasizes the necessity of recognizing one's worth in God's eyes, which can lead to healing and restoration.
• The episode concludes with an affirmation of God's unwavering love and the transformative power it holds for everyone, regardless of their past.

Links referenced in this episode:

• caniluair.com
• getvictorytoday.com

Are you feeling stuck? Struggling with sin, addiction, anxiety, or complacency? Many of us long for a breakthrough—but what if the key isn’t in trying harder, but in surrendering to Jesus?

In this episode, we dive into what true spiritual breakthrough looks like and how you can experience victory through Christ.

Luke 9:23-24 – Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.’

Breakthrough isn’t just about getting past a difficult season—it’s about overcoming through Christ. It can mean:

• Victory over trials, loneliness, or sickness
• Freedom from fear, doubt, anger, and anxiety
• Deliverance from addiction (drugs, alcohol, pornography)
• Moving from complacency to Christlikeness

We all have struggles, but lasting deliverance comes only through God’s power.

Jesus calls us to lose our life—not in despair, but in surrender. True breakthrough starts with salvation. Without it, no other breakthrough truly matters.

Romans 10:13 – "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

1 Corinthians 1:18 – "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

Jesus carried the cross, died, and rose again for you. When you trust in His work on the cross, you experience the ultimate breakthrough—eternal life.

If you’ve already placed your trust in Jesus, here’s how you can walk in breakthrough:

Proverbs 28:13 – “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

1 John 1:9 – "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Before breakthrough comes, we must come clean before God.

James 4:3 – "You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

God hears the prayers of those who seek Him. Pray for spiritual breakthrough with faith, just as:

• Hezekiah prayed for healing and was granted 15 more years of life.
• Hannah prayed for a child and gave birth to the prophet Samuel.
• The early church prayed for Peter, and God miraculously freed him from prison.

We must ask in faith. Don’t pray for rain and forget your umbrella.

Fasting isn’t about manipulating God—it’s about recognizing our need for Him.

Daniel 10:12-13 – Daniel fasted and prayed for 21 days. His prayer was heard immediately, but spiritual warfare delayed the answer.

Fasting strengthens our dependence on God and aligns our hearts with His will.

Even in difficulty, worship is key to breakthrough.

Acts 16:25-26 – Paul and Silas were imprisoned, yet they prayed and worshipped. Suddenly, an earthquake broke their chains.

Worship shifts our focus from the problem to the Provider.

Waiting isn’t easy, but God is always working.

Hebrews 13:5 – “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Romans 8:28-29 – “For those who love God, all things work together for good…”

When we pray, fast, and worship...

Is salvation found in religion? Or is it found in a person?

Carlos Mercado grew up in the Catholic Church, but faith always felt more like a ritual than a relationship. Religion was something he was familiar with, but he never truly bought into it. That all changed when he met his wife, Nicole.

As they started attending church together, Carlos was introduced to the truth of the gospel. He realized that salvation isn’t about following religious traditions—it’s about knowing Jesus. His journey led him to be baptized, and today, he is passionate about serving God, raising his children in the faith, and honoring Christ through his HVAC and plumbing business.

✔️ Carlos' childhood experience with religion and why it never felt personal

✔️ The turning point when he encountered Jesus and gave his life to Him

✔️ How baptism marked a new chapter in his faith

✔️ His commitment to raising his children to know and love God

✔️ Using his business as a way to honor Christ

Carlos’ story is a powerful reminder that there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved—only Jesus (Acts 4:12). If you’ve ever felt like you were going through the motions of faith but longed for something more, this testimony will encourage you.

In this episode we are joined by Rebekah Mendez from Lamplight MinistriesHearing God’s voice is a question many are asking, but how can you discern it in your life? In this episode, we have the privilege of welcoming Rebekah Mendez from Lamp Light Ministries to the Abundant Life Podcast. As a Biblical counselor for women, Rebekah will lead our discussion on hearing God’s voice, exploring four key steps: Confirm your relationship, Reorder your desires, Incline your ear, and Obey His voice. Anchored in John 10:27, this conversation emphasizes that the primary way to hear God is through His living Word. Discover how living in obedience and surrender to God prepares you to receive revelation by His chosen means. Don’t miss this powerful guide to deepening your relationship with the Good Shepherd!

This Christmas season, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. But why did He come? In this episode, we dive into the heart of Philippians 2:8, uncovering the profound purpose of His arrival: to rescue sinners and reconcile us to God. From the moment of His birth, Jesus embraced humility, stepping into our broken world as fully God and fully man. He lived a perfect, sinless life, yet willingly faced rejection, suffering, and death on a cross—not for His sin, but for ours.

We’ll reflect on the powerful truth that Jesus’ crucifixion was not the end of the story. On the third day, He rose victorious over sin and death, ascended into heaven, and reigns as King. And one of the greatest promises of Christmas is this: He is coming back soon to make all things new.

Join us as we explore the eternal hope and redemption that Christ’s birth brings, and remember the greatest gift ever given—Jesus, born to die so that we might live.

In this heartwarming episode, we explore the incredible legacy of faith passed down from a grandmother, Lourdes, to her granddaughter, Nicole. Rooted in the truth of 2 Timothy 1:5 ("I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also."), we see how Lourdes' consistent prayers over the years have breathed new life into Nicole's journey with Jesus.

Listen in as we share the beautiful story of how a grandmother’s unshakable faith and devotion to prayer ignited a fresh passion for Christ in her granddaughter. Discover how the power of a praying Nana can transform generations, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts and souls of those she loves.

In this powerful episode, we dive into the topic of hopelessness—what it truly means, how it manifests in our lives, and where we can find lasting hope.

Our key verse, Romans 15:13, reminds us that God is the source of true hope, joy, and peace. Without Him, all other sources of hope will fail. For unbelievers, hopelessness can feel inescapable, but even believers can find themselves wrestling with discontentment when they lose sight of God's promises.

We explore alarming statistics about the rise of hopelessness, particularly among American teenage girls, and the tragic reality of suicide. According to the CDC, 3 in 5 teenage girls report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Suicide remains a leading cause of death, especially among men. But these stats don’t have to define anyone's future.

Through Scripture and personal stories, including the tragic loss of a dear friend, we discuss how discontentment leads to fear, anger, and ultimately despair. But there is hope—a hope found in Christ that is not wishful thinking but a confident assurance anchored in His promises.

Join us as we reflect on verses like John 16:33, Hebrews 6:19, and Titus 2:13, which assure us of the living hope that comes through Jesus. No matter where you are or what you’re going through, there is a hope that can save your soul.

Listen now to be encouraged and reminded that true hope starts with Jesus.

📖 Key Scripture: Romans 15:13

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