

Hearts Aflame
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Hearts Aflame is a daily devotional podcast that draws from the rich writings of the Puritans. Each episode pairs timeless truths with Scripture, encouraging believers to deepen their faith and set their hearts aflame with love for Christ.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 3, 2025 • 6min
Christ, the King of Zion
In this episode, we explore Thomas Boston’s teaching on the kingship of Christ from "The Offices of Christ." Christ is not only the King of kings but the sovereign ruler of His people, reigning with authority, righteousness, and grace. His kingdom is not of this world, yet He subdues hearts, defends His church, and will one day return in majesty to establish His eternal dominion. Join us as we reflect on the power and victory of Christ’s reign, the nature of His kingdom, and what it means to live as faithful subjects under His rule. For your gift of any amount for the month of March, we want to send you a complimentary copy of "Gospel Evidences of Saving Faith" by John Owen. To give, and receive your book, please click here.

Mar 1, 2025 • 7min
The Necessity of Christ’s Offices
In this weekend edition, Dustin Benge explores Thomas Boston’s teaching on the essential nature of Christ’s threefold office—Prophet, Priest, and King. Boston emphasizes that without Christ’s prophetic guidance, we would remain ignorant; without His priestly sacrifice, we would stand condemned; and without His kingly reign, we would remain enslaved to sin. Through Christ, sinners are fully redeemed, instructed in truth, and ruled in righteousness. For your gift of any amount for the month of March, we want to send you a complimentary copy of "Gospel Evidences of Saving Faith" by John Owen. To give, and receive your book, please click here.

Feb 28, 2025 • 8min
Christ, Our Prophet, Priest, and King
In this episode, we explore the rich theology of Thomas Boston, a faithful Scottish Puritan minister, as he expounds on the threefold office of Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King. Christ is the ultimate teacher, making known the will of God. He is the perfect High Priest, who atones for sin and intercedes for His people. He is the sovereign King, ruling and defending His church. Boston’s insights remind us that Christ is not only our Savior but also our guide, advocate, and ruler.

Feb 27, 2025 • 6min
The Eternal Blessedness of Believers
In "A Golden Chain," William Perkins unfolds the glorious destiny of the elect after the Last Judgment. The blessedness of heaven is not a reward earned by works but a gift of grace through Christ—eternal life in perfect fellowship with God. The elect shall lack nothing, for the presence of God will be their everlasting joy and sufficiency. They will see His face, be made like Christ, and inherit the new heavens and new earth. This episode explores the fullness of heavenly blessedness—the joy of dwelling with God, the radiance of His glory, and the perfect service of the saints in His eternal kingdom.

Feb 26, 2025 • 5min
Prayer and Thanksgiving
In "A Golden Chain," William Perkins explores the Christian’s profession of faith through prayer and thanksgiving. True devotion to Christ is not merely spoken but lived out in continual communion with God. Prayer expresses our dependence on Him, while thanksgiving acknowledges His gracious provision. This episode examines the power of petition, the joy of thanksgiving, and how both are essential in the life of a believer.

Feb 25, 2025 • 7min
Bearing the Cross with Patience
In "A Golden Chain," William Perkins teaches that affliction is not accidental but divinely appointed for the believer’s good. The cross we bear is given by God’s providence, designed to humble us, refine us, and draw us closer to Him. Suffering is not meaningless—it is a mark of adoption, a tool for sanctification, and a path to eternal glory. This episode explores the biblical call to patiently endure suffering, understanding its purpose, and finding strength in Christ.

Feb 24, 2025 • 6min
Spiritual Warfare
In "A Golden Chain," William Perkins presents the reality of the Christian life as a spiritual battlefield. Every believer must prepare for combat, arm themselves with God’s armor, and stand firm against the schemes of the devil. This episode explores the necessity of truth, righteousness, faith, and the Word of God in resisting temptation and overcoming spiritual attacks. Perkins reminds us that though the enemy is relentless, God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.

Feb 22, 2025 • 5min
True Repentance and the Christian Life
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.

Feb 21, 2025 • 6min
Choosing the True God
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.

Feb 20, 2025 • 7min
The Fall of Man
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.


