Great Stories by Haven Today

#54: Tyler Van Halteren Introduces Pilgrim’s Progress to a New Generation

Christians throughout history have faced countless trials and tribulations. You might even feel like we’re living through a moment like that right now. But one of the greatest benefits of having multitudes of Christians come before us is that we can benefit from the treasure trove of wisdom they left behind. One such treasure is John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress.

On today’s episode, Charles Morris speaks with author and missionary Tyler Van Halteren about this classic story that touches on many of the highs and lows of the Christian life. It also conveys our lives a journey with a glorious destination. All of that is captured in a new, beautifully-illustrated storybook Tyler published titled Little Pilgrim’s Big Journey, which helps even the youngest readers learn from the timeless truths embedded in this literary masterpiece.

Listen in to hear Tyler’s story of being a missionary to Cambodia, a young father, and a Christian with a heart to bring Pilgrim’s Progress to a new generation.

#53: Jeremy Begbie On the Interplay Between Theology, Music, and the Mysteries of God

Music has the power to lift us up and bring us down. Just changing one note in a chord can alter the entire meaning of a subject or story in an instant. Dr. Jeremy Begbie, a professional musician and systematic theologian, knows this well and has found a unique way to share the gospel through music.

In this episode, you’ll find out how hearing just a few notes on the piano can raise the curtain on the drama of the gospel and even help us understand the nature of God. Originally recorded in 2010, Charles Morris and Jeremy Begbie sat down in a large hall with a steinway grand on the premises of Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. You may have heard the gospel presented in many ways, but we’re willing to bet you’ve never heard it quite like this.

#52: Kristin Vazquez & Hannah Santi on The Manger Mission and Family Christmas Traditions that Lead to Jesus

One of the best ways for kids to learn is through play. Kristin Vasquez and Hannah Santi believe that the Advent and Christmas seasons create a perfect opportunity them about Jesus in a fun, interactive way through the children’s book and traveling nativity set called The Manger Mission.

In this conversation, executive producer Troy Lamberth steps in for Charles Morris to discuss what is at the heart of this new book and activity created by Kristin and Hannah. They also discuss how our family Christmas traditions are important opportunities for the whole family to anticipate and encounter the living Christ in meaningful and memorable ways.

#51: Mike McKinley on What the Bible Actually Says (and Doesn’t Say) About the Devil

Do you believe in the devil? Most Americans would say no. Might as well believe in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. Others believe in the devil so much that they attribute every bad thing that happens to Satan himself.

What is true? What does the Bible actually say about the devil?

On today’s episode of the Great Stories podcast, Mike McKinley gets to the heart of what the Bible actually says (and doesn’t say) about the devil. According to McKinley, the devil is a real character who lies, fights with God’s angels, prowls, plans to outwit believers, and blinds unbelievers. The question is, what are we supposed to do about it?

#50: Dr. Joseph Loconte on the Faith and Friendship of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien Following WWI

They were friends with two things in common — great literature and a great war. C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien both fought in World War I, which profoundly influenced their writings and drove them to Christ.

On today’s episode of the Great Stories podcast, Dr. Joseph Loconte joins Charles Morris to discuss the beloved books written by both authors in light of the spiritual crisis sparked by the conflict in WWI. Loconte has spent years exhaustively researching how these two men’s traumatic experiences in the first world war shaped their faith and their writing . . . and the way millions would later read and be influenced by their work.

#49: Dallas Jenkins on “The Chosen” Series’ Development, Impact, and Road Ahead

After just two seasons, the hit television show “The Chosen” is the #1 highest crowdfunded media project of all time. After creating “The Shepherd,” for his church, a short film about one of the first witnesses of Christ's birth, Dallas Jenkins started down the road to filming the first ever multi-season TV show about Jesus. Here, he discusses how the show got started, the impact it’s had on the world, what it's like to film during a pandemic, and what lies ahead for the next five seasons. 

#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.