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No Higher Call: A Biblical Treatise on Adoption
Where is your heart? Nationwide, tens of thousands of children languish in the foster system, orphans with no hope, no family. Each year, thousands of orphans graduate the system into a life of struggle - poverty, addiction, incarceration...as the Church stands idly by. God's word speaks clearly and decisively on the matter leading to one exacting question - where exactly is your heart? From the pages of Scripture, Bradford Smith issues a surprising call, challenging God's people to take action, to open their eyes to the affliction, to hear the cry of the orphan and to respond. No Higher Call will absolutely destroy any preconceived notions you may have. Shocking, in your face, gut-wrenching - this book will pierce your heart. Absolutely DO NOT read it unless you are prepared for the bitterest of truths, the sweetest of graces, and the reminder that...there is No Higher Call.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 12, 2015
Bradford Smith writes from the heart in his book No Higher Call: A Biblical Treatise on Adoption. This relatively short work (141 pages) is written to the Christian community, God's people. The author's intent is to give instruction regarding God's Word on adoption and his expressed prayer is that some, if not all, readers will feel led to care for the orphan in some tangible way. In strong, bold statements, and with solid foundational teachings from the Scriptures, Smith encourages believers to know the will of God, to examine their faith, to seek holiness, and to hear the call of God on their lives. The call that sounds for the incredible need of emotionally and physically abandoned and orphaned children and one that when answered manifests the love of Christ. The author appeals not only to the corporate Church ("What are you going to do about it, Church?" pg 66) but to the individual Christian as well ("Jesus calls the believer, the true believer, to action." pg 105). One chapter focuses on men who are exhorted to be strong, actively engaged mentors and champions, to live out the Biblical example of fatherhood. Each of the chapters is followed by discussion questions to encourage the reader or perhaps a study group to further examine the material presented. Throughout the book, there are little handprints, reminding the reader of the children waiting for someone to take their hands and care for them. Masterfully and with no apology the author challenges the reader to hear and heed the call of the orphan.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review. I have posted reviews on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Deepershopping.com, Booksamillion.com, Bookfun.org, Powells.com, and GoodReads.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review. I have posted reviews on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Deepershopping.com, Booksamillion.com, Bookfun.org, Powells.com, and GoodReads.
December 7, 2015
How do you describe a book with the following on the back cover: “Shocking, in your face, gut-wrenching –this book will pierce your heart. Absolutely DO NOT read it unless you are prepared for the bitterest of truths, the sweetest of graces, and the reminder that . . . there No Higher Call.”? What we have is a book written as a devotional with Scripture throughout and discussion questions at the end of each chapter. It is a well-developed but impassioned plea for us to surrender to God’s call on our lives, and it is done in a very readable and logically-presented manner. There is a great deal of meat in the first half of the book to challenge anyone to consider and appreciate the privilege and responsibility we have as Christians, gifted and called by a loving God to have stewardship over His creation- especially children.
Specifically, as the second half of the book proclaims, the author wants believers to accept God’s command to care for and defend The Orphan. He makes the point that the church needs to step up as a body, but also the individuals in it must take responsibility for “the least of these.” He fervently hopes the book will incite us to adopt, foster, mentor, advocate for, counsel, and in every way step into the gap left in the lives of the fatherless. He sees our participation as a call--imperative and to be embraced as we see the face of Jesus in these hurting children and youth.
On a personal note-- at age 67, when I look back on my life, I most treasure our years as foster parents. One truly must feel “called” to do this. It is joy, pain, heart-warming, heart-breaking and lots of hard work, but such a satisfaction to make a real, lasting difference in the lives of damaged, troubled, or abandoned children. We loved each child sent our way with our whole hearts and made them our own---and died a little each time one had to leave us. It was that sense of “call” that kept us at it. There are so many needy children out there. Don’t be afraid to risk loving one.
I received this book from the author through The Book Club Network, but the opinions expressed are solely my own.
Specifically, as the second half of the book proclaims, the author wants believers to accept God’s command to care for and defend The Orphan. He makes the point that the church needs to step up as a body, but also the individuals in it must take responsibility for “the least of these.” He fervently hopes the book will incite us to adopt, foster, mentor, advocate for, counsel, and in every way step into the gap left in the lives of the fatherless. He sees our participation as a call--imperative and to be embraced as we see the face of Jesus in these hurting children and youth.
On a personal note-- at age 67, when I look back on my life, I most treasure our years as foster parents. One truly must feel “called” to do this. It is joy, pain, heart-warming, heart-breaking and lots of hard work, but such a satisfaction to make a real, lasting difference in the lives of damaged, troubled, or abandoned children. We loved each child sent our way with our whole hearts and made them our own---and died a little each time one had to leave us. It was that sense of “call” that kept us at it. There are so many needy children out there. Don’t be afraid to risk loving one.
I received this book from the author through The Book Club Network, but the opinions expressed are solely my own.
June 20, 2015
Review Title: Listen for Your Name (review of No Higher Call by Bradford Smith)
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
*****5 Stars
This is a powerful read in a small book. The subtitle hits the mark with its description of, "A Biblical Treatise on Adoption." The author poses a challenge to the reader to stop reading the book upfront if the reader does not want to be moved to action.
I love seeing a book on adoption written from a man's point of view. He was a reluctant dad so he knows all the knots on the rope leading up to meeting the highest call. He climbed to the top and said yes with his heart when his mind was saying no. He is transparent with the things he discusses concerning mistakes in living choices made early on. Many men will be able to relate to how he lived for himself to begin with. But he found himself led rightly by scripture to the ultimate submission of a true Christian.
The format of the book is good for use in small groups; men's, women's or mixed.It is probably best read by people who are twenty to forty years old unless a grandparent expects to have adopted grandchildren. Many passages of scripture are used to support the leading up to the highest calling. Each of the seven chapters have a section of questions for discussion at their end. These are good for either groups or individuals to consider to go deep with the chapter material.
I highly recommend this book for Christians who are considering adoption or just looking at various ways they could serve the needy of this world. Outside of the message of adoption, this book is just a great read for edification of a Christian to understand better what we are to be about and what matters most to our Father God in our Christian walk. I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for reading it and posting an honest review. Thanks to bookfun and the author for letting me in on this treasure of a book. I want to read more from Bradford Smith!
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
*****5 Stars
This is a powerful read in a small book. The subtitle hits the mark with its description of, "A Biblical Treatise on Adoption." The author poses a challenge to the reader to stop reading the book upfront if the reader does not want to be moved to action.
I love seeing a book on adoption written from a man's point of view. He was a reluctant dad so he knows all the knots on the rope leading up to meeting the highest call. He climbed to the top and said yes with his heart when his mind was saying no. He is transparent with the things he discusses concerning mistakes in living choices made early on. Many men will be able to relate to how he lived for himself to begin with. But he found himself led rightly by scripture to the ultimate submission of a true Christian.
The format of the book is good for use in small groups; men's, women's or mixed.It is probably best read by people who are twenty to forty years old unless a grandparent expects to have adopted grandchildren. Many passages of scripture are used to support the leading up to the highest calling. Each of the seven chapters have a section of questions for discussion at their end. These are good for either groups or individuals to consider to go deep with the chapter material.
I highly recommend this book for Christians who are considering adoption or just looking at various ways they could serve the needy of this world. Outside of the message of adoption, this book is just a great read for edification of a Christian to understand better what we are to be about and what matters most to our Father God in our Christian walk. I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for reading it and posting an honest review. Thanks to bookfun and the author for letting me in on this treasure of a book. I want to read more from Bradford Smith!
September 3, 2016
No Higher Call seemed to me that it would have been a book about adoption. How to go about adopting a child and God's Word on the subject. What I found instead was a book written to summon action from every nation, government, church, community, and people challenging them to take a long hard look at what the Bible says about neglecting widows and orphans.
This book is filled with pages of Scripture that explain how we have failed and allowed this truth to become a reality.
There are questions after each chapter for discussion inviting you to further examine what you just read, study the scripture, and to share with others.
Some of my favorite truths in this book are - God is infinitely more concerned with our holiness than with our happiness.
Adult converts do not exist. If a child leaves home unsaved, he will likely die unsaved.
At Matthew 25:31-46 All nations will be judged as to whether We are sheep or goats. Those who took care of the least of these - fed them, clothed them, housed them, visited them in prison, and so forth will inherit the kingdom. Those who did not care for the least of these are goats. They will receive eternal punishment. There is no middle ground.
Why orphans and widows? They are defenseless and destitute, dependent upon someone else to care for them. They are least likely to pay someone back or provide a return. They exist in a condition of "distress."
The author, Bradford Smith, pleads with each one of us to get involved, to respond, to make a difference in someone's life. Particularly, a child's life.
This book is filled with pages of Scripture that explain how we have failed and allowed this truth to become a reality.
There are questions after each chapter for discussion inviting you to further examine what you just read, study the scripture, and to share with others.
Some of my favorite truths in this book are - God is infinitely more concerned with our holiness than with our happiness.
Adult converts do not exist. If a child leaves home unsaved, he will likely die unsaved.
At Matthew 25:31-46 All nations will be judged as to whether We are sheep or goats. Those who took care of the least of these - fed them, clothed them, housed them, visited them in prison, and so forth will inherit the kingdom. Those who did not care for the least of these are goats. They will receive eternal punishment. There is no middle ground.
Why orphans and widows? They are defenseless and destitute, dependent upon someone else to care for them. They are least likely to pay someone back or provide a return. They exist in a condition of "distress."
The author, Bradford Smith, pleads with each one of us to get involved, to respond, to make a difference in someone's life. Particularly, a child's life.
July 6, 2015
I have always had a heart for children, especially those who are neglected or hurt in some way. My passion in life is geared toward the heart of marriage and families and children. My life choices have reflected that in every aspect of my life - from babysitting beginning at the tender age of 11 to working at a residential home for trouble children ages 4 through 12 to my employment as a foster care and then eventually adoption worker. I was drawn to this book because of my heart for children - it was a great book that took that love even further.
I appreciated the author’s honesty that it’s not always easy to walk in the calling that God places in our lives…and how we are all called to help those less fortunate than ourselves.
Great book - one I would recommend to everyone. Even if God hasn’t given you a heart for children, there are still ways you can make a difference in a child’s life - monetarily, mentoring, supporting those who are called to the frontlines by offering prayer support, meals, etc. There is a place for all of us to help those less fortunate than ourselves. When we ask God what role He wants us to play, He will answer. If you allow God to speak to you through the pages, you will be changed.
I received this book for free from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. I have posted my review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Deeper Shopping.
I appreciated the author’s honesty that it’s not always easy to walk in the calling that God places in our lives…and how we are all called to help those less fortunate than ourselves.
Great book - one I would recommend to everyone. Even if God hasn’t given you a heart for children, there are still ways you can make a difference in a child’s life - monetarily, mentoring, supporting those who are called to the frontlines by offering prayer support, meals, etc. There is a place for all of us to help those less fortunate than ourselves. When we ask God what role He wants us to play, He will answer. If you allow God to speak to you through the pages, you will be changed.
I received this book for free from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. I have posted my review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Deeper Shopping.
March 13, 2016
No Higher Call by author Bradford Smith is quite a powerful little book with a lot of truth in it. This book mainly deals with adoption and fostering, but ultimately on the whole for the church to take care of the orphan. This book has given me a lot to think about and to ponder on for a while. The message here is scriptural and is worth a read even if you are never going to adopt. Here are some of the things that stood out to me:
-God is not worried about our happiness, but our holiness
-Christians are called to be holy
-Like with Moses and his staff, God has already equipped us with what we need to carry out his will
This book mentions the great missionary father, William Carey, and his call for missions when the rest of the Christians did not believe that was their duty. So likewise, Mr. Smith calls on the church not to forget the orphan. He also exhorts fathers to father their children, stating how very important a father is to the life of a child. I encourage many to read this passionately written book. I received a copy of this book for an honest review from The Book Club Network, Inc. and the opinions are my own.
-God is not worried about our happiness, but our holiness
-Christians are called to be holy
-Like with Moses and his staff, God has already equipped us with what we need to carry out his will
This book mentions the great missionary father, William Carey, and his call for missions when the rest of the Christians did not believe that was their duty. So likewise, Mr. Smith calls on the church not to forget the orphan. He also exhorts fathers to father their children, stating how very important a father is to the life of a child. I encourage many to read this passionately written book. I received a copy of this book for an honest review from The Book Club Network, Inc. and the opinions are my own.
September 2, 2015
“A Biblical Treatise on Adoption” What an awesomely moving and yet so deep book of what we are called to do and what we need to remember. I was taken in from the very first paragraph and realized this is no ordinary adoption book. It is short and concise – no sugar coating anything. This opens your heart to the real reason for adoption – that God ordained it first and foremost. There are deeper reasons, meatier truths, and heart breaking realities that are the building blocks of the call of God in scriptures. The author digs deep and reminds us that the Bible is where the care of orphans comes from. The questions after each chapter are very thought provoking, hard hitting and further dig into the truths each chapter has opened to us. Will we sound the trumpet? Why are we ignoring the huge call to “the littlest of these”? It has moved me in more ways than I can ever explain.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. I received it from bookfun.org for an honest review.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. I received it from bookfun.org for an honest review.
June 20, 2015
A call to minister to the needs of the fatherless and the orphan, No Higher Call is a worthy read for anyone who is examining God’s call on his life. No Higher Call is a concise yet powerful treatment, that will inspire the reader to move from seeking God’s will to action. Whether you are called to open your home to an orphan through foster care or adoption, give of your time and resources, or have some other calling, Smith’s book offers personal insight, biblical teaching and thought provoking questions to help you answer God’s call.
I received a copy of the book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion.
I received a copy of the book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion.
August 12, 2016
Nationwide, tens of thousands of children languish in the foster system, orphans with no hope, no family. Bradford Smith will tell you like he sees it with good Biblical scripture. He will squeeze your heart and emotions as he describes his turmoil when called to action for the Orphan. By the time you finish this book you will be asking as he did.. Where is your heart on Adoption/fostering .. No Higher Call: A Biblical Treatise on Adoption will move you! I was gifted a copy to review from The Book Club Network.
February 14, 2016
No Higher Call is an intense but needed look into what is needed in the care of children and adoption. The author backs his statements with Scripture verse. He shows what we as individuals and as a church need to do to help the children lost in the system. The book needs to be read slowly to absorb all that can be obtained from it but it is truly worth the read.
I received the book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion. .
I received the book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion. .
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews