Great Stories by Haven Today

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.

Gender and sexuality have become some of the most controversial topics facing the church today. Far from new, these issues continue to be hotly debated in the church.

Why is this conversation so pressing today? And how can Christians engage the issue with compassion and truth? M.D. Perkins is a researcher, director, and producer for American Family Association. Today, he joins Charles Morris to talk about his new movie In His Image: Delighting in God’s Plan for Gender and Sexuality, while also digging into Scripture, research, and why this issue isn’t going away any time soon.

We live in a world that often tells us that it’s foolish to be a Christian, which begs the question: Can a smart person believe in God?

Dr. Michael Guillen is a physicist, three-time Emmy winning science journalist, and former editor for ABC News. He’s also a great example of how a scientifically-minded person would not only believe in God, but love Jesus with his whole heart. In this interview, Dr. Guillen talks about how he came to believe in God—not in spite of science—but in harmony with what he’s learned about the physical world.

In Europe during WWII, Ray Whipps served as an infantryman under General Patton in the trenches of Normandy, Paris, and Belgium. Betty was a field nurse in Cherbourg, France. After Ray was injured in a mortar blast, the two met and bonded over their shared faith. As Betty nursed Ray back to health, they fell in love and vowed to marry after the war.

But then things went terribly wrong. Hear Ray and Betty introduce their remarkable story of faith and love amidst the calamities of World War II.

A lesser man would have broken. Louis Zamperini was already a national hero as an olympic athlete, but then his bomber went down in WWII, leaving him adrift for 47 days. There he faced sharks, exposure, and starvation. Finally rescued, he was then forced to face relentless torture as a prisoner of war.

Today's episode recovers an interview Charles conducted with Louis Zamperini just after he turned 90. Hear Louis in his own words describe the incredible events that became a bestselling book and blockbuster movie. This fascinating conversation will keep you on the edge of your seat.

What is the Bible all about? If this isn't your first time listening, then you may already know Charles' answer: Jesus. On today's episode, you'll get introduced to Dr. Michael Williams, author of How to Read the Bible Through the Jesus Lens. He explains that Scripture comes into much better focus when we realize that 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 Joel, Ruth, Hosea, Daniel, Isaiah, and Philemon.

If someone asked you to retell the Apostle Peter’s life story, 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 Apostle Peter from Galilee to Jerusalem and beyond, seeking to tell the story behind one 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 this project, as well why he finds the life and ministry of Peter so compelling.

Rosaria Butterfield was a tenured English professor at Syracuse University, happily partnered to another woman, and a leading thinker in queer studies. All of this changed when a Christian couple welcomed her into their lives, slowly sharing the gospel through inclusive hospitality. She’s now a pastor’s wife in North Carolina and mother to four adopted children. In this episode, Rosaria recounts her story as an unlikely convert and discusses how Christians can begin engaging their lost friends and neighbors—even the ones we’re afraid to approach—in a more gospel-centered way through regularly practiced radical hospitality.

What if God’s primary intent for your marriage isn’t to make you happy . . . but holy?  And, what if your relationship isn’t as much about you and your spouse as it is about you and God? 

Gary Thomas is a bestselling author and international speaker who specializes in bringing people closer to Christ and closer to others. In this conversation, Gary and Charles delve deeply into how marriages can become a doorway to a closer walk with Christ and each other. Rather than wasting time with how-to steps that are “guaranteed” to give you a happy marriage, Gary makes the case for friendship, hard work, and holiness. Whether you’re in a relationship or want to be in one, this episode is for you.

Are your kids as brave as Daniel, as wise as Solomon, or as humble as Ruth? The answer is probably no on all counts, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

On today’s episode of the Great Stories podcast, Charles Morris is joined by gospel teacher, parent, and author Jack Klumpenhower. He wrote a helpful Christ-centered book called Show Them Jesus on how to effectively teach the gospel to children in a way they can internalize it and carry their faith into adulthood. He also has some great insight into how adults can preach the gospel to themselves every day.