Vision Week 1: Your growth and the growth of the Church

In this book, Ernest William Barnes examines the rise of Christianity using the methods of analytical scholarship and the principles of modern science. The work delves into the historical and theological aspects of Christianity, including the life and teachings of Jesus, the events of Passion Week, the resurrection faith, and the early Christian church. Barnes discusses these topics while maintaining a balance between scientific inquiry and theological interpretation.

In The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell examines the phenomenon of social epidemics and how ideas, products, and behaviors spread rapidly. He introduces three key principles: the law of the few (the role of connectors, mavens, and salespeople in spreading ideas), the stickiness factor (how messages or trends must be memorable to spread), and the power of context (how environment and circumstances influence human behavior). Gladwell uses various examples, such as the rise in popularity of Hush Puppies shoes, the decline in New York City's crime rate, and the success of children's TV programs like Sesame Street, to illustrate these concepts. The book provides insights into how small changes can lead to large-scale social and behavioral transformations.

In 'The Master Plan of Evangelism', Robert E. Coleman examines the Gospel accounts to reveal Jesus' objective and strategy for evangelism. The book emphasizes the importance of personal discipleship and the eight key principles of Jesus' ministry: selection, association, consecration, impartation, demonstration, delegation, supervision, and reproduction. Coleman argues that by following these principles, Christians can be successful in spreading the gospel message. The book is praised for its timeless and biblical approach to evangelism, avoiding trendy techniques and focusing on the simple yet profound methods exemplified by Jesus.

Written by A.W. Tozer during a train trip from Illinois to Texas in the late 1940s, this book is a thought-provoking and spirit-enlivening guide for those seeking a deeper relationship with God. Tozer helps readers navigate hindrances and distractions to find God, emphasizing the need for spiritual receptivity and a lifelong habit of spiritual response. The book encourages readers to move beyond casual Christianity and to seek God's presence in all aspects of life, highlighting the importance of obedience, repentance, and meekness in the pursuit of God.