Hearts Aflame

In "A Golden Chain," William Perkins teaches that true repentance is not merely feeling sorrow for sin but a complete turning to God, leading to a transformed life. Repentance flows from faith and sanctification, producing the fruit of obedience to Christ. It is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the believer, enabling them to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Christ in daily obedience. This episode explores the nature of repentance as an essential part of the Christian life, emphasizing that it is more than just turning away from sin—it is turning toward Christ in faith.

In "A Golden Chain," William Perkins unpacks the significance of the first commandment, calling believers to exclusive worship of the one true God. This foundational law is not just about avoiding idols but about choosing God as our highest treasure. Perkins highlights God’s self-existent nature, His covenant relationship with His people, and the dangers of trusting in false gods such as wealth, power, or human strength. This episode explores what it means to acknowledge, trust, love, and fear God rightly. 

In this episode, we explore William Perkins’ teaching on the fall of Adam and its far-reaching effects on humanity. Adam’s disobedience was not merely an isolated act but a deliberate rebellion against God, leading to sin and death for all his descendants. Perkins examines the manner of the fall, the gravity of Adam’s transgression, and the devastating consequences that followed. Yet, even in this tragic event, we see the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan—where sin abounded, grace abounded all the more. Through Christ, the second Adam, God offers restoration and eternal life.  

In "A Golden Chain," William Perkins explores the nature and role of angels—God’s powerful, spiritual beings created to glorify Him and execute His divine will. Though unseen, angels serve as messengers, warriors, and ministers, carrying out God’s commands with swiftness and strength. Scripture describes them as wise, mighty, and innumerable, ever dwelling in God’s presence and worshiping Him. This episode examines the biblical portrayal of angels, their hierarchy, and their purpose in God’s providence. 

In "A Golden Chain," William Perkins expounds on the foundational doctrine of the Trinity—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as three distinct persons in one divine essence. Though beyond full human comprehension, this truth is central to understanding God’s nature, His work in creation, and our salvation in Christ. This episode explores the unity, love, and order within the Trinity, reminding us that our worship must embrace God in His fullness. 

In "A Golden Chain," William Perkins presents God not as a distant force but as the living, ever-active Creator. His wisdom is infinite, His will is sovereign, and His power is absolute. Nothing unfolds outside His perfect knowledge, and nothing can frustrate His divine purpose. This episode invites us to trust in God’s wisdom, submit to His sovereign will, and rest in His unlimited power.

In "A Golden Chain," William Perkins leads us into a deeper understanding of God's eternal nature, self-sufficiency, and unchanging character. Unlike man, God is not bound by time, weakness, or limitation. He is the first cause of all things, the sustainer of the universe, and the only One worthy of worship. This episode invites us to marvel at the infinite greatness of God, to trust in His unchanging promises, and to worship Him as the eternal, self-existent Creator. Let the majesty of God's nature strengthen your faith and deepen your worship for Him.  

In "The Beatitudes," Thomas Watson unpacks two aspects of righteousness—imputed righteousness, which comes from Christ, and implanted righteousness, which transforms our hearts and lives. True blessedness comes from hungering after righteousness, a longing that is itself a sign of spiritual life. This episode challenges us to rest in Christ’s righteousness while earnestly seeking holiness. Just as a newborn hungers for milk, so should believers hunger for godliness.

In "The Beatitudes," Thomas Watson reminds us that the kingdom of heaven is not earned but is a gift of God’s free grace, purchased at the cost of Christ’s blood. While earthly rulers keep their thrones for themselves, God, in His boundless generosity, gives His people a kingdom, setting them on the throne with Him. This episode encourages us to marvel at the riches of God’s grace, live in light of His coming kingdom, and rejoice in the astonishing love that made such a gift possible. 

In "The Beatitudes," Thomas Watson describes the glorious, eternal crown that awaits God’s people in heaven. Unlike earthly crowns, which bring sorrow and fade with time, the saints’ crown is pure, free from envy, and everlasting. It is a reward not earned but graciously given by God to those who remain faithful. This episode invites us to set our hearts on eternity, enduring trials with the assurance that our heavenly inheritance is secure.