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

Endorsements

“A Heart Aflame for God is one of the most edifying and spiritually insightful books I have ever read. While confessional Protestants often look to other traditions for guidance in spiritual formation, Matthew Bingham is like a miner uncovering the rich, life-giving treasures of the Reformed tradition. I wish I could travel back in time and hand this book to my younger self. Highly recommended!”
Hans Madueme, Professor of Theological Studies, Covenant College

“In our current historical moment, rife as it is with digital noise, doctrinal shallowness, and irreverent worship, some professing Christians have moved away from the biblical faith in search of ostensibly soul-satisfying alternatives. Turning to denominations like Roman Catholicism or Eastern Orthodoxy, many crave the stillness, theological intricacy, and spiritual gravitas that are promised by those traditions but that, when weighed in the balances, are found wanting. Matthew Bingham returns to the old paths by examining the sound doctrine and experiential piety of the Reformed tradition, a faith whose theologians of previous centuries—whether the English Puritans, the Dutch Nadere Reformatie divines, or the Old Princeton theologians—were masters of the craft of vibrant spiritual formation. Bingham examines how the Reformed tradition promotes spiritual growth through the disciplines of Scripture reading, meditation, and prayer, as well as through self-examination, worship, and Christian fellowship. This is a very helpful exposition and affirmation of Reformed experiential piety.”
Joel R. Beeke, Chancellor and Professor of Systematic Theology and Homiletics, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary; Pastor, Heritage Reformed Congregation, Grand Rapids, Michigan

“In a time when many evangelicals are experiencing great spiritual anxiety and discontentment, Matthew Bingham retrieves a distinctively Reformed account of spiritual formation. This book is like food in a time of hunger. 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, President, Truth Unites; Theologian in Residence, Immanuel Nashville, Tennessee; Visiting Professor of Historical Theology, Phoenix Seminary

“Matthew Bingham calls us to leave the experiential shallows of modern evangelicalism and to plunge into the deeper understanding of Christian formation that was developed by the Reformers and Puritans from their sustained reflection on the word and works of God. This is an incredibly important new book—a word in season to those who are weary.”
Crawford Gribben, Professor of History, Queen’s University Belfast; author, An Introduction to John Owen      

“This book on spiritual formation by Matthew Bingham is just the tonic for this age, in part because it relies on many ‘ages’ throughout church history. To address contemporary concerns, while also offering a positive approach to how to live as a Christian, Bingham has marshaled some of the best in this delightful treatise. A Reformed approach to living a spiritual life is not an oxymoron but rather part and parcel of how Reformed theologians, including many of the illustrious Puritan divines, did theology. This is a modern ‘Puritan’ work addressing a present need in the hopes that evangelicals will embrace the tools readily available to them to make them mature, deep-thinking Christians.”
Mark Jones, Senior Minister, Faith Reformed Presbyterian Church, Vancouver, British Columbia

“One of the major effects for evangelical Christians living in the modern West with its ahistorical ethos and mentalité is an ignorance of the spiritual riches of their tradition. Matthew Bingham’s work on spiritual formation and what have traditionally been called the means of grace is a fabulous remedy for this dire situation. Drawing especially on the Puritan writings of our evangelical heritage (he even includes quotes from that relatively unknown star of the Puritan firmament Brilliana Harley!), Bingham charts a way for modern Christians to benefit from that notable era of spiritual wisdom and so walk worthy of their calling. It is a book, I trust, that will bring much good to God’s people and glory to the God of the Puritans!”
Michael A. G. Haykin, Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Matthew Bingham helps the sons and daughters of the Reformation to feel no shame for the origin story of their piety. He displays the rich fare of spiritual formation passed down to us by the Reformers, even as he strongly resists the modern trend of adopting spiritual and mystical practices from other traditions. This book outlines the contours of a truly healthy spirituality that is inseparably connected to healthy doctrine—with the ‘Reformation triangle’ at its foundation and with Christ at its center.”
A. Craig Troxel, Robert G. den Dulk Professor of Practical Theology, Westminster Seminary California; author, With All Your Heart