Episodes
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What is the Bible all about? If this isn’t your first time visiting Haventoday.org, then you may already know our answer: Jesus.
On today’s episode of the Great Stories podcast, you’ll get introduced to Dr. Michael Williams, author of How to Read the Bible Through the Jesus Lens. In this conversation, he explains that Scripture comes into much better focus when we realize how every book of the Bible has an identifiable theme that is ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus.
By the end, you’ll know how to easily find Jesus in challenging books like Joel, Ruth, Hosea, Daniel, Isaiah, and Philemon.
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Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, tech worker, or tradesman, most people feel overworked and unable to find quality rest. Because there’s not just work to do—there are appointments, home improvements, recitals, family commitments … the list goes on. And when you’re not doing the things that need to be done, free time is often spent in front of screens. Spend too much time scrolling social media and you’ll be riddled with guilt for not completing your overly ambitious to-do list that keeps getting bigger every day.
If any of this sounds familiar, this podcast is for you.
Dr. Matthew Sleeth (author of 24/6: A Prescription for a Happier, Healthier Life) is a former emergency room physician and no stranger to the kind of busyness that can slowly chip away at your wellbeing. When he found Jesus and began reading the Bible, it was only then that he discovered how much he truly needed a day of rest in his week. In this conversation, you’ll hear how making a few simple changes in your life can allow you to make that sabbath become a weekly reality — a time for you to truly rest in the Lord. Originally recorded in 2013, this conversation is just as relevant today as it was then.
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Fifteen years ago, Sally Lloyd-Jones was tasked to write a children’s Bible that was all about Jesus. What later became The Jesus Storybook Bible would go on to sell more than 3 million copies, making it the most popular kids Bible on the market today. But the most amazing part of this story isn’t about book sales, but the lives of both children and adults who have discovered for themselves that God’s love for them is a “never stopping, never giving up, always and forever love.”At the time of this publication’s tenth anniversary, Charles Morris caught up with Sally in New York City so that she could tell how the Lord led her to craft this book, and how He continues to use it to bless millions of hearts around the world today.
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First basemen for the Saint Louis Cardinals, Paul Goldschmidt (a.k.a. Goldy) might be the greatest slugger in Major League Baseball today. Already a favorite for MVP, he’s also a golden glove winner and multiple time MLB all-star player. But more than any of the achievements or accolades, Goldschmidt is a follower of Christ.
On today’s episode of the Great Stories podcast, we’re bringing back an interview we did back 2018 when Goldschmidt played for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Listen in and discover how the only thing in Goldy’s life to match his fervor on the field is his steadfast faith in the Lord.
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It all started on an early foggy morning in 1934, when Paul Myers, a former Los Angeles radio personality and station manager of leading radio stations woke up near a wharf in San Diego. Hungover, he heard the sound of a ship’s bell ring out eight times at 4:00 a.m., signaling “all’s well.”
Only one month later, Myers would be back on the radio, but this time, sharing his new-found faith in Jesus. What happened in between is the extraordinary story of how Myers would go on to found a Christian radio program that continues till this day to share the great story that’s all about Jesus. At that point, it was called “Haven of Rest,” and Paul Myers would endearingly become known as First Mate Bob. Now, that ministry is called Haven Today — the very same ministry publishing this podcast.
Hear Paul Myers tell this story in his own words. It’s also our story here at Haven Ministries. We that this will serve as a reminder that the Lord is in the business of redeeming sinners and using them to go on to do great things for the Kingdom.
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Have you ever heard it said that you have to be a fool to believe in God? John Lennox has come toe-to-toe with many of Christianity’s harshest critics, some of them colleagues at Oxford where he is a Professor of Mathematics (emeritus). Many of those critics argue that science and faith are like two ships passing in the night — John Lennox wholeheartedly disagrees.
Charles Morris conducted this interview with Lennox at C.S. Lewis’ old home, “The Kilns,” which seemed an appropriate place to have a conversation about how those who believe in God can absolutely live and work in the world of science. It’s an inspiring conversation that proves how science and belief have more in common than meets the eye.
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If you’ve ever listened to an audio version of the Bible, chances are you were hearing the captivating voice of Max McLean. A classically trained actor, McLean dedicates his talents for the presentation of Scripture and other Christian material. And though many may recognize his voice as the narrator of multiple translations for the Listener’s Bible, he also received great acclaim for his theatrical presentations of The Screwtape Letters, Mark's Gospel, and Genesis.
In this conversation, Charles Morris speaks with Max McLean about his experience writing, starring, and now filming his newest production: The Most Reluctant Convert. Hear what went into telling this groundbreaking story behind C.S. Lewis' long, heel-digging conversion to Christianity, along with how this film is now touching countless lives around the world.
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For years, Malawi has been among the handful of African countries where political corruption and questionable elections have become the norm. But this East African nation made history in 2020 when it became the first country to elect an opposition leader following the annulment of the previous election due to vote tampering. The newly elected president? Theologian-turned-politician Dr. Lazarus Chakwera.
On this week’s episode of the Great Stories podcast, Charles Morris hands the microphone to ministry partner Jim Grams who recorded this interview with Dr. Chakwera before he was elected president. In this conversation, you won’t hear the typical posturing you might expect from a politician. Instead, Dr. Chakwera speaks primarily about his deep love of Jesus.
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From Tom Cruise to Paddington Bear, Queen Elizabeth II had no shortage of famous guests last weekend to celebrate her 97th birthday and 70th year as the longest reigning monarch in British history. But if you look past the A-list actors and classic characters, you would find one of the Queen’s chaplains, James Newcome, the Bishop of Carlisle.
Originally recorded in 2016 ahead of Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday celebration, the Rt Rev'd Newcome spoke with Charles Morris about Her Majesty's personal faith in Christ. Also known as “The Clerk of the Closet,” Newcome gives insight into how serving the ultimate King of kings informs the way the Queen lives and rules, offering a fascinating look into the spiritual life of England’s longest reigning monarch.
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The year was 1953. Queen Elizabeth II had already succeeded her father, George VI, upon his death in February the year before. On May 1, almost exactly a month before her coronation, the Queen began praying every day and reading private devotions that were specifically written for her by the Archbishop of Canterbury to help her spiritually prepare to become the figurehead of the United Kingdom.
On today’s episode, Charles Morris speaks with Catherine Butcher who literally wrote the book on the Queen’s faith in Jesus: Our Faithful Queen. As the U.K. celebrates her Platinum Jubilee this week, we thought it would be good time for us to look at the ways Queen Elizabeth has shed light on her steadfast faith in Christ.
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MAY 2, 2022 — Politico released a leaked draft opinion that gave an unprecedented preview of what is likely the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. This would have major implications in every state. But even as the law of the land concerning abortion is on the brink of change, what about the hearts those who support it?
On today’s episode, Charles Morris shares an interview he did in 2019 with Carey Solomon, Chuck Konzelman, and Chris Jones, the filmmakers behind the hit movie “Unplanned.” It tells Abby Johnson’s story of how she went from the youngest Planned Parenthood director in the country to an ardent pro-life advocate. But even as the movie was gearing up for release, the project was hit with an R rating by the Motion Picture Association that the filmmakers say was an unfair attempt to keep the movie from reaching a wide audience. Find out how the Lord used this to reach many more people.
As a bonus, you’ll also hear a short interview with the real Abby Johnson. The movie about her life story has given her a unique platform to help women and children all over the world.
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Almost 50 years ago, to avoid impeachment, Richard Nixon resigned as President of the United States. At that same time the former legal counsel to Richard Nixon had already gone to jail for his participation in the Watergate scandal. His name was Chuck Colson, and this is exactly what the Lord used to bring him to faith in Jesus Christ.
In this episode of the Great Stories podcast, Chalres Morris returns to a classic conversation he had with the late Chuck Colson about how he went from a Watergate felon to born again Christian. Listen in as Chuck shares the story behind the scandal, his conversion, and the ministry he founded to minister to prisoners and their families.
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You may not know his name, but you’ve definitely sung his music. Known for writing songs like “In Christ Alone,” “How Deep the Father’s Love,” and "The Power of the Cross," Stuart Townend has given the church many modern hymns that will draw believers closer to Jesus for years and years to come.
In this conversation, you’ll hear him discuss what goes into writing a memorable hymn that is theologically sound and has the power to resonate in the hearts of worshipers of every generation around the world.
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The sound of a child’s little feet pitter-pattering across the linoleum floor can bring so much joy to our hearts. But what about those times when that same sweet sound is accompanied by your child running a marker along the wall while he toddles away from you?
On today’s episode of the Great Stories Podcast, Charles Morris returns to his conversation with author, blogger, mother, and missionary Gloria Furman. Having written books like Treasuring Christ When Your Hands are Full, Glimpses of Grace, and Missional Motherhood, she has many life-giving words for Christian moms who never quite feel like they have enough time or energy to develop their own spiritual health and well being. It is our prayer that this episode be an encouragement to you and the moms in your life, as you prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend.
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Is there enough joy in your life? What about the lives of your children? When we turn to the book of Philippians, we’re struck by two things: it’s all about Jesus. And it’s all about joy.
On today’s episode, Charles Morris has a conversation with Randall Goodgame, creator of Slugs & Bugs and the catchy Sing the Bible albums. Randall has been writing music for more than a decade to help kids know the Bible better. Here, Randall talks about the joy he has found in Jesus, as well as how he wants to help you and me and the kids in our lives experience this joy as well.
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The most startling claim of Christianity is that Jesus rose from the dead after being brutally executed on a Roman cross two thousand years ago. Could it possibly be true? And if it were, what difference could it make to us today?
Dr. N.T. Wright, a leading New Testament Scholar and retired Anglican Bishop, joins Charles Morris for a special Easter episode of the Great Stories podcast. In this conversation about the historical resurrection of Christ, you’ll hear one of the best explanations for why we can be certain Jesus really rose from the dead and why that matters today.
This interview originally aired on the Great Stories Podcast on March 31, 2021. Find out more about N.T. Wright's Resurrection DVD at haventoday.org.
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In a special Easter episode, we’re digging deep in our interview archives to a 2006 conversation Charles Morris had with Metropolitan Opera singer Jubilant Sykes. A classically trained baritone singer, he’s also a follower of Christ. In this episode, Sykes talks about some of the challenges he's faced singing spirituals and hymns in secular spaces. He also talks about his upbringing, his faith in Christ, and the power that sacred music has—even in a room full of unbelievers. As Easter approaches, you'll also hear Sykes talk about the significance of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection, along with samples of him singing "Were You There" and "Deep River."
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Hymns seem old fashioned to many in the modern church. So how in the world did a “modern hymn” become one of the most popular songs sung in churches around the world?
20 years after Keith Getty and Stuart Townend wrote “In Christ Alone,” the song has not diminished in popularity. From Lauren Daigle to Shane & Shane, it’s also been covered by many leading Christian musicians at work today. But how did it come about? And what does it mean to the two people who first brought it to a global audience?
On today’s episode, Charles Morris returns to a conversation he had with Keith and Kristyn Getty at the 10th anniversary of “In Christ Alone.” Sitting at a piano in an empty church, they discuss topics ranging from music and worship to parenting and what it takes to live the Christian life. They also discuss the release of their album “Hymns for the Christian Life,” which we still have available for your gift to Haven Ministries at haventoday.org.
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No book of the Bible is so controversial, so polarizing, and so Christ-centered as the book of Revelation. And as war continues in Ukraine, many people are suffering and praying the words, “How long, O Lord?” That’s why Charles Morris is returning to a conversation he had in 2009 with Karen Heimbuch, who memorized the entire book of Revelation and recited it dramatically for thousands of people over the years.
In the very beginning of Revelation, John promises that anyone who hears or reads its contents will be blessed. It is our prayer that this conversation with Karen Heimbuch will help you gain a better understanding of the Bible’s most intimidating book.
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The song has been sung by tens of millions of people all over the world. A song about heaven, wondering what it will be like. "I Can Only Imagine" was written by Bart Millard for his band, MercyMe. It wasn't a huge hit at first, but the Lord had plans for this special song.
On today's episode of the Great Stories Podcast, you'll hear an interview that Charles Morris did with Bart at his home in eastern Texas back in 2006. And you'll hear first hand how the song ended up catching him and his band by surprise. Bart also opens up about other challenges he's faced in life and how Jesus has been his comfort through it all.
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