Great Stories by Haven Today

#48: John Stott’s Final Interview - Parting Words for the Church

In 2005 Time Magazine awarded John Stott a position on their iconic “100 Most Influential People in the World” list. This was the same year Charles Morris interviewed him for the radio program Haven Today. Little did we know then that this would be the last interview John Stott ever gave.

Going home to be with the Lord in 2011, John Stott would have been 100 this year. He served All Souls Church, Langham Place, for 66 years, wrote more than 50 books, and did much to spread and cultivate Christianity throughout the global church.

In this final interview, the conversation revolves around one of John Stott’s favorite topics: the Bible. The parting words he shares here for the church are a fitting sendoff from one of the last century’s spiritual giants ... as it brings us back to Christianity in its most basic form. For Stott, any conversation worth having about the Scriptures must have Jesus at the core. We wholeheartedly agree.

#47: Chris Tomlin – Behind the Music

According to Time magazine, Chris Tomlin may be the “most often sung artist anywhere.” Whether in a contemporary church service or over the radio, you’ve probably sung along to some of his most well-known songs, including “How Great is Our God,” “Our God,” Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies),” and Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone).”

This interview was recorded after he released the album Love Ran Red (2014), which premiered the single “At the Cross.” Listen in as Chris describes what goes into writing and performing songs that bring people around the world closer to Jesus.

#46: Lee Strobel: The Story Behind ‘The Case for Christ‘

Can evidence and faith go hand-in-hand?

When Lee Strobel was an award-winning journalist for the Chicago Tribune, he would have said ‘no.’ This idea led him down a path to investigate the truth claims of Christianity. The result was life-altering.

Many know his story through the bestselling book “The Case for Christ.” Today, Lee Strobel joins Charles Morris to revisit what led him to Jesus and how that reshaped the way he lives out each day. This conversation will give you hope for the atheists and agnostics in your own life who have yet to call Jesus Lord.

#45: The Erwins Talk Growing Up on the Road Singing Gospel Music

Gospel music may seem like an antiquated genre, but there are some younger musicians breathing new life into this age-old style of singing about Jesus. The Erwins are among the best up-and-comers the industry today. A grammy-nominated group, here they discuss with Charles Morris how they grew up on the road singing gospel songs with their traveling evangelist father. They also perform some of their music a cappella on this special episode of The Great Stories Podcast.

#44: Stories of Faith and Hope on 9/11

20 years after the 9/11 attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center, many of us can remember the seeing the events unfold like it was yesterday. Others alive today weren’t old enough to experience the news firsthand. So as we approach this significant anniversary of 9/11, Charles Morris is turning his attention to stories of hope that came out of that tragic day. 

In this episode, you’ll hear from Christian artist Makoto Fujimura on his experience in lower Manhattan. You’ll also hear how George Slay, Lolita Jackson, and Tom Joyce made it out of the Twin Towers and Pentagon alive. Pastors Jim Cymbala and Tim Keller also join Charles to speak about parishioners who they knew worked in the World Trade Center. 

However you plan to observe the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, this episode will encourage you with powerful stories of hope and faith in Christ.

#43: Aaron House on How to Memorize Scripture Simply and Effectively

When’s the last time you tried to memorize God’s Word?

The Bible teaches that there is value in hiding God’s Word in our hearts, but it’s an undertaking many of us don’t attempt very often. The good news is that once you finally commit to memorizing Scripture, you quickly discover it’s easier than you think and the benefits are endless. 

On today’s episode, Aaron House joins Charles Morris to discuss the benefits of memorizing Scripture while sharing some of his best tips on getting started. As the founder and Executive Director of Piercing Word, a ministry of theatre professionals focused on performing Scripture in dramatic and musical presentations, Aaron has memorized enormous sections of God’s Word, including the entire New Testament.

#42: Barbara Juliani - Story of a Prodigal Daughter

Have you ever experienced the pain of watching a loved one leave the faith? Even in the most discouraging moments we can be encouraged because God is in the business of leading prodigals home. In this episode of the Great Stories podcast, Charles Morris returns to an interview he did in Philadelphia with his old friend Barbara Juliani.

The daughter of a prominent pastor, Barbara decided to leave home at 18 and turn her back on Christianity. Many of the highs and lows of her story parallel the parable of the prodigal son who finally returns home to loving arms. If there’s someone in your life who has run from the faith, Barbara’s story will encourage you to not lose hope that prodigals often do indeed come home.

#41: Zack Eswine Offers Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression

Did you know Charles Spurgeon, one of history’s greatest preachers, suffered from what he called “the minister’s fainting fits.” Today, we just call it depression. On this episode of the Great Stories Podcast, Charles Morris talks with pastor Zack Eswine, who is also the author of a book called Spurgeon’s Sorrows. Charles and Zack have both struggled with depression at various times in their own lives. Listen in as they discuss realistic hope for Christians going through dark times.

If you or someone you know is struggling through loneliness, grief, or depression, we’ve put together a resource page to help. Click here for additional blogs, books, and music that will help you recenter on the God who loves you and accompanies you in good times and bad.

#40: Jeremy Camp: The Story Behind "I Still Believe"

Jeremy Camp has sold over 4.5 million records with 37 No. 1 hit songs. But before all of this happened, he was a young man in love with a woman who had cancer. Hear him tell this dramatic story in his own words to Charles Morris. The events described here are the basis for the new movie I Still Believe.

#39: Francine Rivers on Going from Steamy Romance Novels to Stories of Redemption

Francine Rivers is one of the most prolific Christian novelists at work in the field today. But before she wrote stories of redemption, she was known for a very different kind of writing. On today’s episode, hear how Francine went from writing steamy romance novels to stories of redemption. You’ll also hear how the Lord led her to write her most popular work: Redeeming Love.