A Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation

How 21st-Century Evangelicals Can Pursue Spiritual Growth through Early Modern Puritan Piety

“Keep your heart” (Proverbs 4:23). “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Scripture beckons Christians toward obedience and maturity, but many modern approaches to spiritual formation are less than biblical. In A Heart Aflame for God, Matthew C. Bingham studies God-ordained spiritual practices modeled by the 16th- and 17th-century Reformers.

Primarily drawing from Puritan tradition, Bingham shows readers how to balance belief in salvation through faith with a responsibility for one’s personal spiritual growth. He studies biblical practices—including meditation, prayer, and self-examination—from a Protestant perspective. Blending historical analysis and practical application, this edifying study cultivates a greater understanding of Reformed theology and an ever-growing relationship with God. 

• Puritan Tradition for Modern Evangelicals: Shows readers how classic Protestant traditions—including prayer, meditation, and appreciation for the natural world—steer wayward hearts toward Christ
• Rich Reformed Perspective: Presents spiritual formation practices that are consistent with the 5 solas of the Protestant Reformation
• Intermediate-Level Study: Written for theological students, pastors, and Christians interested in early modern Reformed theologians

“In a time when many evangelicals are experiencing great spiritual anxiety and discontentment, Matthew Bingham retrieves a distinctively Reformed account of spiritual formation. Many are leaving evangelicalism in search of a greater depth of spiritual practice. Bingham helps us see how this need can be met within the resources of our own tradition. Drawing especially from the Puritans, he builds a robust theology of prayer, Scripture reading, meditation, self-examination, relationship, and even nature and the human body. Rich in both theology and spiritual insight, A Heart Aflame for God will serve and edify readers at multiple levels. Highly recommended!”
—Gavin Ortlund, Theologian in Residence, Immanuel Nashville, Tennessee

Format:  Hardcover w/ Jacket