Great Stories by Haven Today

#138: Yoel Ben David: An Orthodox Jew Meets Jesus

As an Orthodox Jew, Yoel Ben David was challenged to study the Old Testament in addition to the Talmud — this led to questions and more questions. By the time he got to Isaiah 53, all bets were off. It didn’t take long for him to meet Jesus. 

Today, Yoel serves as the training director for Jews for Jesus in Israel. On today's episode of the Great Stories Podcast, you'll hear how prayer, patience, and God's Word can change the course of someone's life. Recorded in 2015 shortly after terrorists killed 130 people and wounded 494 in Paris, Charles Morris also speaks to Yoel about how Christians and Jews respond to extremist groups like ISIS. 

#33: Filmmaker Ray Bruce On Making Biblical Movies

If someone asked you to retell the life story of Peter or Paul, how would you go about it?

Ray Bruce set out to do this with a documentary film crew and one of England’s most beloved actors, David Suchet. Together, they followed in the footsteps of the Apostles Peter and Paul from Galilee to Jerusalem and beyond, seeking to tell the story behind two of the New Testament’s most captivating figures.

On this episode of the Great Stories podcast, you’ll hear Ray Bruce recount what went into the research and filming of these projects, as well why he finds the lives and ministries of Peter and Paul so compelling.

This podcast was originally published on June 23, 2021.

#136: David Suchet Reflects on His Acting Career and Encountering Christ Late in Life (Repost)

David Suchet is a British actor known for his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and captivating portrayal of Agatha Christie’s Inspector Hercule Poirot. But there’s something else that’s even more important to him than his stellar acting career—Jesus.

In this episode, David Suchet talks about encountering Christ late in life, how he approaches acting as a Christian, and what Jesus means to him now. (Repost from December 30, 2020)

Going Deeper

• David Suchet always hoped to one day portray Paul in a movie or play. Instead, he shot a documentary for the BBC following in his footsteps. What the trailer here.
• Click here to get your own copy of David Suchet’s DVD “In the Footsteps of St. Paul.”

#135: Chuck Smith’s Daughter Tells the Jesus Revolution Story in Her Own Words

Cheryl Brodersen is the youngest daughter of Kay and Chuck Smith. Growing up in the middle of the Jesus Movement in 1970's Southern California, Cheryl saw firsthand how the revival got started and spread like wildfire. But there are a few misconceptions she'd like to set straight.

Discover how the Jesus Revolution really took place when you listen to this new episode of the Great Stories podcast. Not only will it give you insight into what the Lord did, Cheryl's story will inspire you to believe he can bring about another great revival today. 

#134: Greg Laurie Tells the Story Behind the ”Jesus Revolution”

It’s the early 1970’s. Greg Laurie has found himself in the midst of a hippie movement that is on the rise and threatening to derail many Christians’ way of life. But rather than taking young Greg away from the church, God used this unique moment to bring about revival in an unlikely turn of events. 

On today’s episode of the Great Stories podcast, pastor and evangelist Greg Laurie tells his story about how he found Christ during the “Jesus Revolution.” But he doesn’t stop there. When you listen, you’ll also hear Greg draw important parallels with our own time of spiritual apathy and outright hostility, offering hope for the next generation of unlikely believers — because God can always bring about a new Jesus Revolution.

#133: Douglas Gresham on Growing Up with C.S. Lewis

What would it have been like to live in the same house as C.S. Lewis? For many fans of The Chronicles of Narnia, it would be a dream come true. For Douglas Gresham, it became a reality after his mother married Lewis toward the end of her life. 

In 2005, as The Chronicles of Narnia reached new heights with the release of Disney's take on The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Charles Morris sat down with Douglas Gresham to talk about his late stepfather’s faith, work, and family life. More than a biographical look at the famous writer and apologist, today’s episode of the Great Stories podcast paints a unique picture of C.S. Lewis from the vantage point of a child in his home. 

#132: Paul McCusker on How He Produced The Chronicles of Narnia Audio Drama

All seven books of The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis have captured the imaginations of countless readers around the world. One of these readers took it a step further and created an audio drama out of all seven stories. His name is Paul McCusker, and he joins Charles Morris on today’s podcast to discuss the creative process, as well as how this series points to Jesus around every turn. 

Paul McCusker is an American writer and producer. He is best known for his work on the radio drama Adventures in Odyssey, and for his work with Focus on the Family's Radio Theatre, including The Chronicles of Narnia (Collector’s Edition). He has written over 50 books, 21 plays and 4 musicals.

#131: Milton Vincent on How to Preach the Gospel to Yourself

Milton Vincent had been pastoring for ten years before realizing he lost sight of the gospel. He would preach grace and forgiveness from the pulpit but somehow never experienced it himself. The solution? Milton needed to preach the gospel to himself. 

Many of us know that Jesus promises to forgive those who believe in him, but what if we you don’t feel forgiven? What if we don’t feel loved or accepted just as we are? This is the struggle Milton Vincent faced as a pastor when he finally realized he needed to preach the gospel to himself … not just his congregation.

In this episode of the Great Stories podcast, you'll hear Milton's story. But you'll also receive multiple strategies on how can follow a daily practice to remember Christ has forgiven you — and is forgiving you — once and for all. 

#130: Dallas Jenkins on “The Chosen” Series’ Development, Impact, and Road Ahead (repost)

After just two seasons, the hit television show “The Chosen” became the #1 highest crowdfunded media project of all time. Now, with Season 3 released and Season 4 underway, today's episode of the Great Stories podcast revisits a conversation with Dallas Jenkins about how it all began and where it's headed.

Listen in and discover how the first ever multi-season TV show about Jesus got started, the impact it’s had on the world, what it was like to film during a pandemic, and what lies ahead for the final seasons.

#129: Paul Miller on How to Cultivate a Praying Life

Whether you pray regularly or you’re struggling to keep Christ at the center of your life, we can all benefit from a more vibrant prayer life. The problem is, the distracting world we inhabit makes it nearly impossible to make this happen. Paul Miller, author of A Praying Life, illustrates the challenge well: 

“We are so busy that when we slow down to pray, we find it uncomfortable. We prize accomplishments, production. But prayer is nothing but talking to God. It feels useless, as if we are wasting time. Every bone in our bodies screams, ‘Get to Work.’”

So how do we turn to the Lord in prayer when so many other things are pulling at our attention? How do we pray without the anxiety that we are wasting our time? 

This interview with Paul Miller was recorded in 2009, but its call to cultivate a praying life is more relevant today than ever. Paul is the son of Charles Morris’ old pastor and mentor Jack Miller. Here, he explores how Scripture, coupled with the Holy Spirit and spiritual willingness, gives us the tools we need to commune with God.