The Good Portion series, published by Christian Focus Publications.

When this series was first beginning to be published in 2016 I must admit to being skeptical… why do women need to have books aimed at women and written by women? It all felt a little forced. However, since then I have read one of them (Delighting in the Doctrine of the Church by Erin Wheeler… very good) and I have regularly listened to the ‘Priscilla Talk’ podcast (a 9Marks podcast) which is hosted by some of the authors and it is clear that these ladies are serious about their study of Scripture and the absolute relevance of it to their everyday lives and they are eager for all women to be as enthusiastic about doctrine as they are! So in preparation for an upcoming bookstall at a ladies conference, I have been looking through the whole series again and I find them to be deeply thought provoking, challenging, God honouring and edifying. And in a complete u-turn, I begin to think that perhaps it is useful to have them aimed at women – it means that the examples and illustrations are female orientated which makes them easy to identify with and therefore perhaps more helpful.

After giving examples of a queen, a bride and a cook whose understanding of doctrine deeply affected their own lives and those around them (you’ll have to read it to find out more!), the series preface goes on…

As women in the modern world we lead busy lives. We may juggle the responsibilities of work and school and home. We wake up in the morning to dirty laundry and an inbox full of email. We go to bed at night after washing dishes, chasing deadlines and rocking babies to sleep. Sometimes life is overwhelming and sometimes it is just mundane. The God who sent His Son into the world to rescue sinners gives meaning to both the overwhelming and the mundane. He created us to enjoy knowing Him, and it is in knowing Him that we find both meaning and joy. Psalm 16:11 says, ‘You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fulness of joy; at your right hand there are pleasures for evermore.’ This is why Jesus commended Mary ‘who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching’ (Luke 10:39). In the midst of a busy household, Mary was enjoying doctrine – Jesus’ teaching about Himself and His Father. She chose ‘the good portion’ and couldn’t tear herself away.

How do you feel about doctrine? Do you dwell on the gospel, meditate on the excellencies of Christ and discuss the doctrines of grace? Do you relish the truths of the Christian faith? This series of books on doctrine for women is an attempt to fuel your enjoyment of God by encouraging a greater knowledge of Him. It is our hope that the biblical doctrines laid out here will not only increase your head-knowledge but will be driven down into your heart, bearing fruit in your life and overflowing into the lives of others.

So next time you are looking for a book that digs deeper have a look at these, and perhaps find a friend or two to study the book with!

Lorna