The Good Portion – Christ: Delighting in the Doctrine of Christ

The Good Portion

by Jenny Reeves Manley

Understanding the person of Christ is central to understanding the gospel. Jenny Reeves Manley unpacks Christ's divinity and His humanity, before examining more fully Jesus' work on earth, planned from before the beginning of time. He took our place on the cross set us free from our debt of sin. In the concluding chapters, the author explores further how Christ's atonement enabled us to be redeemed to God and united to Christ.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Theology

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2020

Reviews

[Lauren Byrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is 👨🏻‍🍳💋
Approachable theology without lack of depth, historical and academic references or integration of Scripture! Catered to women but I think the brothers would benefit from these too!

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a helpful unpacking of the person and work of Jesus. Jenny’s writing causes the believer to worship Christ! Grab a few friends and discuss this book together!

[Tara Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The merging of Jesus’ two natures into one person means we have one being who is infinitely complex and beautiful to whom we can direct our worship.”
This quote is just a taste of the concrete truths explored in this book that lead us to build a strong theological foundation of our union with Christ and the implications of that status in every move we make toward heaven.

[Katie Musselman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and it was great for a chapter-by-chapter book club discussion. This is a helpful book for all who are in Christ, with practical applications for how the doctrine of Christ is relevant to our lives. Highly recommend! I hope to read more books from this series.

[Stephanie Gizinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beautiful truths unpacked in this book refreshed my soul and pushed my heart to praise God for his amazing plan of salvation and redemption through the work of Christ for those who believe. While reading this book, I frequently found myself more in awe of who Jesus is and even more thankful for what He did for me. I found her careful questions convicting and her unpacking of God’s truth glorious, even bringing me to tears at several points. Readers of this book will know Christ better at the end. Jenny lays out biblical truth in a clear way that all readers will understand even if they don't have much prior theological knowledge. The thought provoking and sometimes convicting questions at the end of each chapter also make this book an excellent resource to study one on one or as a group. I highly recommend this book!

[Glen Shorter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an easy read in many ways but extremely challenging in many others. Though I have known Christ for many years it has been good to be reminded of deep truths that can be taken for granted.

[Bethan Lycett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having listened to the Priscilla Talk podcast I was keen to read some of The Good Portion series, and convinced a group of like minded women at church to do a book group last summer while our home groups were on pause. We spent a lovely six weeks working through part one: The Person of Christ.

Chapters were:
Who is Jesus
Fully God
From Him, Through Him, and to Him
Fully Man
Made like his brothers
The Word became Flesh

Having been a Christian for 27 years, the chapters were a really helpful reminder of doctrine I already knew/believed, and yet I may have struggled to vocalise the reasons for my belief. Each chapter had a really thorough review of the scripture which supported the doctrines and at the end of each chapter was an overview and also some questions to consider. These questions aren't surface level questions/comprehension, they are deep and probing, which is great.

I definitely recommend doing them in a book group or discussion, as otherwise you may just gloss over them.
This summer I wanted to finish off the book so I could finally move it from the 'in action' pile (which is far too big for my liking 😬😂) to the bookshelf of finished books.

Part 2 is all about The Work of Christ, including
Promises Fulfilled: The Work of Christ
Punishment in our place : Penal Substitution
Purposes Accomplished: A display of His glory
Perfect Ending : Union with Christ

I read these alone, and admittedly skimmed over the questions, but found these chapters much easier for my brain to handle. I think that generally, understanding what Christ has done is easier to comprehend than the person of Christ, but such an encouraging read and I highlighted lots.

I'm looking forward to reading more of this series 🤩

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written on the back cover is the purpose of this book, "Understanding the person of Christ is central to understanding the gospel." I chose this book to help me to further understand the beauty of who Jesus is so that I might continue to grasp the magnitude of what He has done for me through His life, His death, His resurrection, and His continual ministry of intercession on my behalf. How desperately I need Him. "...Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing." (Revelation 5:12)

[Ruth Clemence · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful read that helped to magnify Jesus and help me to soak in truths of who He is and who I am in light of that.

I found the little stories at the start of each chapter hard to reflect on as I read the chapter. So by the time I finished the chapter, I forgot the scenario, so struggled to apply the theology.

However, the whole book is brilliant and I would love to return to it when I need to get another fresh reminder of my Saviour, Jesus. The Good Portion series is worth exploring!

[Alicia Guess · Rating 4 out of 5]

The good portion series, is a wonderful resource. The chapters/topics that may seem familiar to seasoned believers are still important to review. Great for a book club.

I had a hard time with the style of writing of this particular book, some of the chapters felt twice as long as they needed to be (hence 4-star review.) Otherwise a solid resource.

[Katie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many beautiful truths here. And my eyes were opened to questions that I'd never considered and presented with answers from Scripture that I'd only glossed over before. This would be a good book to read again with a group.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

My endorsement:

“Jenny Manley has produced a gift. This is a treasure trove of rich reflection on the most important figure in history. From beginning to end, Jenny uncovers the beauty and relevance of Christ’s person and work. I know Jesus more truly, and love him more deeply, because I read this book. Get two copies, read it with a friend, and marvel together at our King of glory.”

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me a fresh perspective on the work and person of Jesus Christ which is applicable to every aspect of life. Great truths and reminders of Christ's love.