Biblical Reasons Ministry
Testimony
by Russ Bales
I’ll never forget the sermon. I was 12 years old. It was a sermon on Romans; a sermon on grace (how amazing) where Jesus revealed himself to me as a sinner in need of salvation. Minister Don Wilmouth informed the congregation that grace isn’t something one can “earn,” but that it’s more like “getting a bicycle that you don’t deserve.”
I remember walking down the aisle toward the podium. I remember Minister Wilmouth smiling and asking me if I understood what I was doing. I remember saying, “Yes, of course,” and I remember thinking: how long is this going to take? I want to be baptized. Right now.
After being baptized at Lawrence Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana at age 12, I led many neighborhood children and my own mother to that church so they could hear of Jesus’ wonderful plan and love for their lives. It wasn’t long after, however, that I decided that perhaps God didn’t love me after all.
After my father’s stroke took a huge toll on our family, after my parents divorce when I was 14 years old and after some troubles at school, I began to wonder why a good God would allow such things. I decided that I had a better way. The glory of becoming a “rock star” became the focus of my teen years. High school became blah.
After a failed five-year marriage in my early-twenties and after two other failed relationships lived in sin over the next ten years, I found myself crying out to God to “fix it.” Money, lust and narcissism hadn’t lived up to my expectations.
God’s love wouldn’t leave me in my sin and despair.
The School of Evangelism (affectionately known as “The School of E”) was a trying and testing period in my life. Unfortunately, even that experience didn’t produce in me a genuine, lasting desire to follow God daily, but it did prepare me for what lay ahead.
After much soul-searching, I learned what it means to surrender. I prayed one lonely, desperate night before going to bed. “God!,” I cried out. “I give up. I give in. I’ve done it my own way for far too long. I finally believe you now. Your ways are higher than mine.” Isaiah 55:8-9
God worked mightily in my surrender.
Within a month I met my wonderful wife, Christine. Only another month went by before I asked her to marry me! That was July, 1999.
We both agreed to abstain from sex until marriage. We dated the “old-fashioned way”; we learned of each other; we grew in faith and knowledge of our Lord and were married in October of 2000. My wife later graduated from The School of E as well.
Christine and I currently and regularly attend First Christian Church of Yuma, Arizona where my wife is involved in a weekly women’s Bible study.
My ministry involvement in the church includes teaching an Adult Small Group. Mr. Steve Berlin and I co-teach a class on Christian cults; with an emphasis on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint (Mormonism). The two of us make a good team at church. I have a passion for those caught up in Christian cults.
I consider Bill McKeever of Mormonism Research Ministry (MRM.org) to be a mentor and the person on this earth whom I try to emulate most. Many agree that Mr. McKeever is likely the humblest man they’ve ever met. Bill just smiles and says, “Yes, and I’m very proud of my humility.” (It’s always good for a laugh.)
My favorite pastors/authors/apologists are (alphabetically):
Pastor Alistair Begg, Dr. Tony Evans, Dr. David Jeremiah, John MacArthur, Dr. Walter Martin, Dr. J. Vernon McGee, Dr. R.C. Sproul, C.H. Spurgeon, Dr. Charles Stanley, Dr. Michael Youssef, and last but certainly not least, Ravi Zacharias
The teachings of these gifted men of God mold me daily.
My ministry involvement outside the church includes hour upon hour of Internet discussion comparing and contrasting the claims of the LDS church.
I developed this website in 2006 in hopes of reaching out to those of the LDS faith.
I’ve attended public LDS temple openings and pageants as a sincere witness to the truths of the Bible in contrast to LDS doctrines and dogmas. My personal goal is to continue to attend such events and train up others to do the same. The reason I do so is a simple one. People matter to God and He desires that none should perish. 2Pet. 2:9
Ministry, while challenging and difficult, is no mere chore. It’s a passion! My wife jokes that God’s help should be upon my future nursing home if my nurse happens to be Mormon. I feel as Paul in 1Cor 9:16; I cannot but preach the gospel.
Jesus Saves
Mormon Testimonies Turned to Christ
Updated 5.08
Why Mormonism?
Mormon Temples
Secret or Sacred?
What Happens In There?
The Mormon Miracle Pageant
That’s my King! (S M Lockridge) – free video
"Jesus' blood on the altar was the ultimate payment. He made us worthy permanently. When Jesus died on the cross the veil covering the Holy of Holies tore in half. The mercy seat lay exposed to mankind. There is no veil, anymore, between God and man. Jesus ripped it down. But Mormonism has hung up a new one." -Kathleen Baldwin
"When I was LDS (not that long
ago) I saw a lot of things that made me question my membership in the LDS
church, but I sure wouldn't admit it for a long time (not even to myself). I
just knew there had to be good explanations for all of those silly criticisms,
if I just looked in the right place...or prayed about it long enough. I was
wrong." - Former Mormon, Marsha Bette
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Editor's note:
If the quote above describes you, please know that God loves you and has a
wonderful plan for your life. Visit Testimonies Turned to Christ at
the top of this section to understand that you're not alone in your feelings.