God's Remarkable Plan for Man: A Tree of Life for Those Who Find It

By Mary Adams

Within the pages of this book you will find a two sided key, One side to open the prison doors to set the captive free, the other side to unlock and release our true identity. You will see how God is producing His remarkable plan to unravel the dilemma mans disobedience has gotten him into.

This book reveals the origin of how man came into the complexity of his being. Mans duality of good and evil keeps him in constant confusion and conflict, as he tries to juggle the fruit from the forbidden tree in his effort to understand the complexity of his being. There is no unity in the Tree of knowledge of good and evil, it does not contain, nor can it ever yield life-producing fruit. Its foundation, based on a lie from the beginning, produces confusion and conflict, and its fruit is death.

There is no duality, confusion or conflict in the Tree of Life. Its foundation is rooted and grounded in unity and truth and its fruit is life. Our God is not complicated; Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is one (Deut. 6:4). As a flower blooms and its wonders unfold, may our souls unfurl with truth revealed and blossom with understanding.

You will find this book to contain an explosion of truth, expounding on the true work and function of the Holy Spirit among us. This book is a must read for every Christian and should be in the hands of every seminary student as well as professors and theologians.
Pastor Jimmy Sowder

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: May 20, 2013
• ISBN: 9781449755478

Book preview

God’s

Remarkable Plan For Man

A Tree Of Life For Those Who Find It

Mary Adams

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Copyright © 2013 Mary Adams

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Scripture Source:

All scriptures used in this text are from the King James Version of the Bible.

The Author has taken the liberty to use bold lettering in some of the scripture texts to call attention to important key words to reveal meanings that may otherwise be overlooked—(bold-italic lettering and underlining in the scripture texts are supplied by the Author for emphasis).

Cover Image: by Wantha Ann Deaton

Art work on Poems: Adrift, Small Feet and Perfect Love by Wantha Ann Deaton.

WestBow Press books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson

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Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

ISBN: 978-1-4497-5548-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-5549-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-5547-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012910729

WestBow Press rev. date: 5/17/2013

Contents

Foreword

Introduction

Part I

Poem: Adrift, Illustrated

Chapter 1: Insight into His Image

A. Made In His Image

B. Poem: The Spirit and the Word

C. The Fatal Choice

D. Poem: Excerpt From: From The Woman

E. The Blood of Abel

F. Summary

Chapter 2: Reclaimed Through Obedience

A. God’s Covenant with Noah

B. God’s Promise to Abraham

C. Innocence Contested

D. Poem: Excerpt From: Pieces and Patches

E. Summary

Chapter 3: Jacob’s True Identity Revealed

A. The Separation

B. Poem: Hannah

C. The Immaculate Conception

D. Poem: More than a Stable

E. A Single Lump of Clay

F. Summary

Chapter 4: God’s Purpose for Jacob’s Deception

A. In Defense of Jacob

B. Branded a Deceiver

C. Poem: Excerpt From: From the Woman

D. The Blessing Reclaimed

E. In His Image

F. Summary

Chapter 5: Jacob’s Ladder

A. Poem: An Elegant Garment

B. Rolling the Stone Away

C. The Wheat and the Soul

D. Summary

Chapter 6: Fruitful and Barren

A. Adding

B. Poem: Joseph

C. Summary

Chapter 7: Ringstraked, Speckled and Spotted

A. You Are More Than You Realize

B. Wrestling for a Blessing

C. Poem: Excerpt From: Pieces and Patches

D. Son of the Right Hand Foreshadowed

Chapter 8: Redemption through His Blood

A. Cleansing the Land

B. Revealed by Fire

C. Poem: The Cleansing Fire

D. Summary

E. Poem: Thank You Lord

Chapter 9: Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

A. The Inheritance

B. Poem: Small Feet, illustrated

C. Reflecting His Image and His Likeness

D. Poem: Heart Song

E. Summary

F. Poem: Perfect Love, illustrated

Conclusion

Part II

Poem: Draw Me On

Chapter 10: Proof of Purchase

A. Excerpt from Poem: Heart Song

B. Summary

Chapter 11: God’s Family in Heaven and Earth

A. The Moon Connection

B. In Defense of God

C. Poem: The Birth of A Kingdom

D. Poem: Creative Genius

E. Summary

Chapter 12: The Mystery of God

A. Poem: Mother of Mercies

B. Poem: Heavenly Pattern

C. Poem: Seed of the Woman

D. Summary

Chapter 13: The Missing Link

A. Poem: The Willow

B. Summary

Chapter 14: Holy Mother

A. Poem: No One Living Ever Dies

B. The Cleansing Fire

C. Poem: Ancient but New

D. Poem: Encompass Us

E. Poem: His Mothers

F. Poem: Rest

G. Summary

Chapter 15: Everlasting Love

A. Poem: Eternal Father

B. Poem: The Lady

C. Poem: The Gathering

Synopsis

Illustrated Chart: Creation

Bibliography

Acknowledgments

In Memoriam

I dedicate this book to my beloved friend Jane Carpenter Stephens (1944-1996). A more faithful and devoted friend could not be found. A truly gifted poet—her poems—like beautiful songs should be heard. I am pleased to have this opportunity to honor her by sharing some of the poems that were birthed from her beautiful soul.

Heart Song

Take dear Lord my merest songs,

For unto you they all belong.

And out from you they ever flow,

And out from you they each shall go.

Give me life-producing words,

Gentle heart songs that when heard,

Bring your peace like Noah’s dove,

Created simply by your love.

Note: Part I of this book was written before the thought occurred, to include the poems. They fit so perfectly with the text it only took two hours to insert them in their proper place—as if the book was written to contain them—like fitting pieces into a puzzle that would be incomplete without them. Some of the poems in the text were written by Jane Stephens—some by Mary Adams others co-authored by both. As the book has expanded other poems have been written and included by the author in addition to the ones originally inserted.

Foreword

I consider Mary Adams, to be a very humble young Lady. At the turn of the clock on her next birthday, chronologically, she will be seventy-two years young.

As the Holy Spirit has directed her pen, it is quite evident that the gift of knowledge and wisdom is producing understanding through the Word. Led by the Holy Spirit in her writing, Mary leaves self out of the equation, giving all the glory and honor to the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit; not appropriating to herself, what has been freely given by the Holy Spirit.

Mary is quite bold and adventuresome, through this divine heavenly gift, as she shares concepts that will challenge you to search deeper and deeper into the Word. At first reading, you will be stunned, amazed and burning with a desire to grab your Bible to explore and confirm her words; as I myself had to do, with much prayer, seeking confirmation from the Holy Spirit, whose mission is to lead us into all truth.

I was astounded, even after being in the ministry for sixty plus years, at some of the revelation and insight she presented. I had to withdraw a number of times from the reading to seek the Lord for verification. We are instructed to try the spirits and see if they are of God. This is a wise course to follow when presented with truth, beyond our present understanding.

When Mary honored me with the opportunity of writing this forward for her book, I went into intensive prayer and supplication, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit. I wanted to be sure that I could be in complete agreement concerning the authenticity of what was being declared in the book before I could endorse and recommend it.

I went through a process to come to the place where I can whole heartedly recommend and endorse this book. Rest assured that after reading this fabulous writing, the understanding of your heart will be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

You will find this book to contain an explosion of truth, expounding on the true work and function of the Holy Spirit among us. This book is a must read for every Christian and should be in the hands of every seminary student as well as professors and theologians.

Pastor Jimmy Sowder

Pastor Jimmy and Carol Sowder, at the time of this writing, are serving as missionaries in Costa Rica. He has been serving the Lord in ministry for more than sixty years. On his birthday Sept. 1, 2012, he will be ninety years on this earth. He is a prolific soul winner and continues his very effective witness every day. He has ministered in forty of the fifty states, including Alaska and Hawaii, as well as in thirty seven foreign countries. He has led eighteen Crusades and Holy Land tours through Israel; conducted ten Crusades in Northern Ireland. And twelve Crusades in Haiti. Directed Evangelistic Crusades in South Africa and Belgium—in the place now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo. He continues his very effective ministry of preaching, teaching, counseling and soul winning. His love and familiarity with the Word of God has prompted some to refer to him as a walking Bible—a true assessment—just mention a scripture text, and he can quote the chapter and verse where it can be found.

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May the Holy Spirit overshadow you and quicken the Seed of the Image of God that dwells within you. I pray for the Living Word to arise and confirm, bearing witness to the Word of Truth written within the pages of this book.

The Author

Introduction

This book was written especially for those who desire more insight into the Image of God; it presents a unique perspective of God’s purpose and plan for mankind. God’s Word is His witness and every concept of His Word must be verified, by His Word. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established (II Cor. 13:1).

In order to fully understand the subject matter in this book, it would be beneficial for the reader to be familiar with the book of Genesis, particularly the story of creation, as well as being able to follow each generation and the significance of their lives, in unveiling the hidden treasure concealed within their contributions to the revelation and subsequent manifestation of Jesus Christ.

"Whom shall He teach knowledge and whom shall He make to understand doctrine? To whom He said, this is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; yet they would not hear… But the Word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept… line upon line; here a little, and there a little that they might go, and fall backward and be broken and snared, and taken. Wherefore hear the Word of the Lord, ye scornful men that rule this people" (Is. 28: 9-14). This is a scripture that has been widely misinterpreted as a positive word to follow, when it is clearly presented as a negative element to avoid; declaring that they would not hear, which resulted in their receiving the Word precept upon precept—here a little and there a little—causing them to fall backward and be broken and snared and taken. Rather than it being an instruction for them to follow, they are in fact being reprimanded for this particularly methodology.

God is displeased with the people for their lack of vision. "For the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes… And the vision of all, is become to you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned. Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precepts of men, Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid" (Is. 29:10-14). Since the varied interpretations of the Word are numerous and none are exactly the same—in order to see the Word in its continuity: the vision of all, rather than in precepts and lines, here a little and there a little—it is necessary that we give up our preconceived ideas and allow the Holy Spirit to connect the dots from Genesis to Revelation.

We are living in the dispensation of the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you (John 16:7).

Before the day of Pentecost; Jesus appeared to His disciples and breathed upon them saying: Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost… (John 20:21). When He breathed upon them they received the Holy Spirit to be with them, a covenant between Him and His disciples, preparing the way for the day of Pentecost—when they received the Holy Spirit to dwell within them.

On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit appeared to those, who in one accord were waiting in an upper room for the Comforter to appear. Their obedience in waiting as they had been instructed was a sufficient show of their faith for the Holy Spirit to appear. And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly their came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and filled the house where they were sitting (Acts 2:1.2). The rushing mighty wind was the breath of God breathing upon them in the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit. The price for atonement had been paid, releasing the Holy Spirit to dwell among men.

The Holy Spirit is bringing to birth a new creation, in the Image of God, by a sin devouring—cleansing fire. God sent His Son, born of a woman, for the redemption of mankind. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to reproduce in us His selfsame Image—the Image of God. Adam was created then formed—Jesus was begotten, and we are to be transformed into His likeness.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit (John 12:24). Jesus: the Seed of God is the corn of wheat that was planted, to reproduce after His own kind, as it was with all things that were created from the beginning. "Whose seed was in itself after His kind" (Gen. 1:12). The Seed of His Image was planted in man at the beginning of creation, and through the working of the Holy Spirit we are to become Living Testaments. The Old Testament reveals a God of correction through judgment: the Father—The New Testament reveals a God of redemption through grace: the Son—The Living Testament is being revealed, as the Word of God is written in our hearts, bringing forth much fruit and revealing God’s love through mercy: The Holy Spirit.

Chapter One

Insight into His Image

Man has explored virtually every inch of planet earth, and through the eyes of the Hubble telescope in outer space, we have seen awesome sights light years away into the universe. However, there remains another territory that has yet to be fully explored: the inner space within man.

The purpose of this writing is to venture into this veiled territory, to explore the center of the universe in man—how we came into being—how we are wonderfully made in the Image of God—for what purpose and to what end, and to declare the end from the beginning. "Remember the former things of old: for I am God and there is none else; I am God and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things, that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure" (Is. 46:9.10). Alpha and Omega too—this is a universe that can only be explored from the inside out.

The Old Testament contains types and shadows of truth concealed, as well as vast hidden treasure. And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness [when the light of truth illuminates the darkness] (Is. 29:18). The New Testament bears witness and gives expression to the truth as it is unveiled, illuminating us from within by the dawning of truth. As a flower blooms and its wonders unfold—may our souls unfurl with truth unveiled and blossom with understanding.

The Spirit and the Word always agree,

Yet—with limited vision—we are unable to see.

The vast hidden treasure concealed therein.

Seeing through a glass darkly—now unveiled,

As understanding increases, illuminated from within.

With the dawning of Truth, we comprehend,

The Word of Truth—ever expanding,

Never ceases to outdistance our finite understanding.

Its height, depth and breadth, we can never outgrow,

It is only when we are known—then we will know.

To fully comprehend the message in this book, one must first understand that the hidden treasure being referred to, concealed within the pages of the Old Testament, is not being limited to the literal historical, real events and people, but is being presented in the spirit of prophecy as well as in parables of types and shadows.

The Word of God has many facets and levels to convey, containing ongoing and unending revelation. It is a complete handbook with all of the revelation needed for the Holy Spirit—with our permission and cooperation—to revive the dormant Seed of God’s original creation within