New and Noteworthy, August 2014

Mac Owen, former elder of the White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ in West Monroe, La., (who has made cameo appearances on “Duck Dynasty”) and his wife are leaders in the national Celebrate Recovery addiction support program and appear on a DVD series that is part of the program. In this book, they share their story of addiction and recovery. 

FOR MINISTERS
“Fit for the Pulpit,” Chris McCurley, ed.

Chris McCurley, editor. Fit for the Pulpit. Bowie, Texas: Start2Finish Books, 2013. 141 pages. $15.99.

Eleven preachers, including Jeff Jenkins of the Lewisville Church of Christ in Texas and Neal Pollard of the Bear Valley Church of Christ in Denver, share their expertise. 

Chapters are titled “The Preacher and …,” and cover topics including relationships, criticism, sin and finances.

CHRISTIAN ETHICS
“Life Work” by Randy Harris

Randy Harris. Life Work: Confessions of an Everyday Disciple. Abilene, Texas: Leafwood Publishers, 2014. 160 pages. $13.99.

Originating as lectures delivered by Harris, a professor of theology and ethics at Abilene Christian University, this book outlines seven principles of fair play, justice and peace. These basic ethics are not enough for Christians, who must instead embody “the subversive ethic of cruciformity,” he writes. 

“Beyond the Masquerade” by Nancy Eichman

Nancy Eichmain. Beyond the Masquerade: Being Genuine in an Artificial World. Nashville, Tenn.: Gospel Advocate, 2013. 126 pages. $9.99.

This 13-week study seeks to help women find their reality in Christ — not in the world. Topics include people-pleasing, true giving and hospitality. Each chapter ends with questions and a description of a trait of the Pharisees, who sought to hide behind supposed perfection.