The Makarios Institute for Spiritual Formation Ministries is rooted in evangelical beliefs. To foster spiritual growth, the institute offers a series of “Spiritual Formation Bible Study” courses. These courses are designed to nurture brothers and sisters who love the Lord, allow the Bible to deeply impact and transform their lives through practical exercises. The ultimate aim is to equip them for servicing in the church and in the service of God. “Spiritual Formation Bible Study” is an experiential journey where the Word of God transforms and speaks directly to your life. Through focused quietude and anticipation, participants tune in to God’s voice, addressing their unique situations. They engage in a prayerful relationship, receive pastoral care through scripture, and then apply these experiences in their daily lives. “Spiritual Formation Bible Study” is a study pattern that involves a paradigm shift:
…Experiencing quietude together with others is truly beneficial; it enables us to put aside distractions, contemplate the words of the Lord, and then respond in prayer—it’s a beautiful experience. …
I could strongly feel God was speaking to me... and through Tim Sir’s interpretation of the Scriptures using the Spiritual Formation Bible Study method, he guided and inspired me to understand God’s words and intentions on another level.
It helped me become more tranquil in the presence of the Lord, engage in dialogue with Him, and feel filled with His love. My heart underwent a gradual transformation and renewal. Sharing and experiencing the love of the Lord in the group, praying together, and the collective experiences within the group helped me recognize the marvellous works of the Lord in myself and in every member. I was amazed at the power of God’s Word and the vastness of His grace! I couldn't help but fall down and worship the Lord!
Learning to internalize these spiritual principles in my heart, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in my life, changing my perspective and attitude, embracing others with love, responding with the heart of the Lord, and bringing about a change in life.
Transforming knowledge from the mind into the heart allowed me to receive God’s words and respond in prayer. Now, when facing everyday situations, I approach them with the third and fourth steps of “Spiritual Formation Bible Study,” seeking God’s will and response.
The first and second steps of “Spiritual Formation Bible Study” are similar to regular Bible study, but it goes a step further. After finding the central idea, take an additional step to let the Bible’s words shape your life. There’s no need for specific materials; you can read the Bible in smaller sections.
It’s not just about mental contemplation but allowing the message to penetrate your heart, lingering there, resonating in your spirit, letting the content speak to you, fostering internal transformation, shaping, and shepherding you.
You need to have some quiet time in order to meditate, pray, understand your inner self and experience feelings. You can also participate in our Retreats and “Spiritual Formation Bible Study” courses in a group setting to practice together.
Every Christian needs to practice discerning the voice of the Holy Spirit, their own voice, and the voice of the devil. God’s voice will not conflict with the Bible. The Holy Spirit’s work is to remind us of God’s words, and after hearing, there is peace (John 14:26). God’s voice bears the fruit of life, bringing about a change in our lives, making us more like Christ.
It’s a bit different from meditating on scripture; it’s not about the touching of verses or words but how the entire message and central idea speak to you and shepherd you. Reading in smaller sections is easier to grasp.
You can, but it’s not necessary. The second step is to find the central idea, and at different times, this central message may vary.
Every new student must attend an online SFBS Workshop where the instructor will provide detailed explanations on how to read the Bible in the “Spiritual Formation Bible Study” way. This includes practical exercises on the spot, laying the groundwork to prepare brothers and sisters for transformative Bible reading. We also encourage returning students to participate, refreshing their understanding of this reading method and engaging in more practice.
“Spiritual Formation Bible Study” emphasizes the interactive relationship with the Lord. After reading the Bible in a conventional way, it adds 20-30 minutes of quiet time to listen to God speaking to your situation through the central message, pray in response to God, and then have group sharing of personal insights to encourage one another, witnessing the guidance Holy Spirit.