Hearts Aflame

John Cotton’s "The Way of the Churches of Christ in New England" reminds us that the true glory of the church lies not in her size or splendor, but in her purity and faithfulness to Christ. In this episode, we reflect on the beauty of a holy church—one that holds fast to sound doctrine, practices humble obedience, and shines brightly in a dark world. Christ delights to dwell where His people walk in truth and holiness.

From George Swinnock’s "The Christian Man’s Calling," we consider the believer’s greatest joy — communion with God. In this episode, we reflect on how fellowship with God sweetens every sorrow, sanctifies every joy, and transforms daily life into worship. To draw near to God is to taste heaven on earth. Make space for His presence, and you will find the joy that the world can neither give nor take away.

Henry Scougal reminds us that true Christianity is not external ceremony but “the life of God in the soul of man.” This episode explores what it means to share in the divine life through faith in Christ. A life that transforms duty into delight, turns sin bitter, and fills the heart with love for God. Such a life, born of the Spirit, endures forever and lifts the believer above the world into communion with the living God.

Edward Leigh’s "A System or Body of Divinity" calls us to behold holiness as the true beauty of the soul. In this episode, we explore how holiness is not outward formality but the inward grace of a renewed heart. To be holy is to be like God. Loving what He loves, hating what He hates, and walking humbly in His ways. True holiness restores what sin has marred and shines as heaven’s reflection on earth.

In this episode, we draw from John Bunyan’s "Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners" to reflect on the life of faith that looks beyond the seen to the unseen. Faith trusts God’s Word when feelings falter, clings to His promises in darkness, and rests on His unchanging character. This is an encouragement to live above the world’s uncertainty and walk daily in confident trust, knowing that God’s faithfulness never fails.

In this episode, we meditate on Matthew Henry’s "A Method for Prayer" (1710) and the true happiness of the godly. The believer’s joy is not rooted in circumstances but in peace with God, the promise of eternal life, and the hope of heaven. This is a call to rejoice in your privileges, even in trials, for heaven’s joy is already yours in Christ.

In this episode, we reflect on John Preston’s "The Breastplate of Faith and Love" (1630) and the power of Christ’s love to transform the believer’s life. His love is stronger than fear or mere duty, drawing us away from sin and compelling us to live for Him who died and rose again. This is an invitation to keep your heart full of Christ’s love, allowing it to warm your affections and make obedience a joy.

In this episode, we consider William Perkins’ classic insight from "The Art of Prophesying" (1592): "the fear of God is the foundation of all true wisdom." We explore how holy fear is not servile dread but reverent awe, leading to obedience, humility, and freedom from the fear of man. This is a call to cherish the fear of the Lord as the root of faith, repentance, and holiness—and to walk in it daily.

In this episode, we look at the vital role of the conscience in the Christian life, guided by William Ames’ "The Marrow of Theology "(1623). We explore how conscience serves as God’s deputy in the soul, why it must be shaped by Scripture rather than culture or reason alone, and how a pure conscience brings peace, boldness, and joy. This is an encouragement to keep your conscience tender, captive to God’s Word, and clear before Him and others.

In this episode, we explore why sound doctrine is essential for the Christian life. Drawing from Samuel Willard’s "A Complete Body of Divinity" (1726), we reflect on the necessity of holding fast to the truth, testing every teaching by Scripture, and guarding against error that leads to spiritual ruin. This is a call to love the truth, live the truth, and be willing to suffer for the truth—because to be careless about doctrine is to be careless about Christ Himself.