Reformation-Style Spiritual Formation

In this episode, Nick Batzig interviews Dr. Matthew Bingham about his new book A Heart A Flame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation. Matthew walks us through the biblical and reformed approach to spiritual formation, meditation, prayer, and overcoming spiritual depression.

Matthew Bingham is the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Church History at Talbot Seminary Phoenix. Dr. Bingham has served as a pastor in two congregations––one in the United States and one in the Northern Ireland. A Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, Dr. Bingham’s research focuses on the theology and ecclesial developments of post-Reformation England. He is the author of A Heart Aflame for God (Crossway, 2025) and Orthodox Radicals: Baptist Identity in the English Revolution (Oxford University Press, 2019), as well as numerous articles in peer-reviewed academic journals. 

Topics

• Reformed approach to spiritual formation
• The biblical concept of meditation and prayer
• The Reformation Triangle and means of grace
• Distinguishing true spiritual growth from other traditions
• The role of self-examination, nature, and community
• Handling spiritual depression and melancholy

Related Resources

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

John Flavel Keeping the Heart

Thomas Watson Ten Sermons on Genesis 24:63

Campegius Vitringa The Spiritual Life