Studies

This study covers the Eternal Purpose of God and was given by Dr. McLain at the close of his ministry from August 12 through August 26, 1987. It emphasizes the difference between God's administration "since" the beginning of time and "before" the beginning of time, and shows that the "mystery" was His original purpose and  "from the beginning" is the parenthesis within God's plan.

This is Dr. McLain's final study before his retirement from the pulpit at Northside Bible Church. It was taught beginning in January, 1987. The focus of this study is a nutshell version of his long-time commitment to making all men see what is the fellowship of "The Mystery," which was made known to Paul and is directed to Christians in this dispensation. The scripture is found in Ephesians 3:1-9 KJV: "1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: {C}7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:"

Mystery Babylon has long been a subject fascinating to students of prophecy.  There are many suppositions as to what city this actually refers to, whether it will be a Babylon rebuilt or another city already in existence.   Dr. McLain concludes that no matter the conclusion, it will not involve Mystery believers and only concerns Israel in the last days.   Since it is an interesting subject, Dr. McLain is passing along his thoughts based on the scriptures as to the city and events surrounding it.  He presented this study in January, 1987.

This study was presented in November and December of 1986.  There are several mysteries or secrets mentioned throughout the scriptures.  In many instances, people tend to lump them all into one subject rather than discerning the differences in context.  Dr. McLain has presented this study to shed light on the various secrets and to discern which of these apply to us in today's dispensation.

This study covers God's Attributes.  It was taught from September 7, 1986 through October 26, 1986.  The reason why the study is important is the more we know about God the better we are about finding out his will.  A passage in scripture that is our motivation for the study is from Colossians 1:12-19 KJV:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

This study was given by Pastor Clifford McLain from May 22, 1986 through August 1, 1986 covering the subject of prophecy in our time.  The motivation from scripture is found in 1 Timothy 4:1-6; 13 which reads "1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained... 13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine."

This study was taught by Dr. McLain in June, 1986 and is about knowing the "Will of God" in your life. As Paul is our example, we should be filled with joy, in whatever state we find ourselves and to glorify God. Each day, time should be set aside for an appointment with God to talk over plans for the day and to ask Him to energize His purpose through us. God hasn't asked us to "do" anything. He wants us to "be" a person of good character. As we lead our lives, He will use us to accomplish His will.

Here is an audio series covering the Covenants in scripture. It was given by Dr. Clifford McLain in 1986 near his retirement as pastor of Northside Bible Church. This audio series is one that covers the promises made by God throughout the ages as revealed in scripture. A good compliment to these audio lessons are the articles on Covenants as well as the large dispenational chart found in the Charts section.

These are various lessons taught by Dr. McLain over the years not related to any one study.  These lessons teach on a number of topics and the subject matter on each of them is so worth listening to help your study.

Here is an audio series that Dr. McLain presented at Northside Bible Church from March 3 through December 8, 1885 on The Acts of the Apostles. This chapter by chapter study covers 32 lessons on Acts which is crucial to your understanding of right division.  This study was given after Dr. McLain published the book "Rethinking the Acts" in 1984.  Acts is such a crucial book to understand the transition of God's plan of salvation from the Jew to the Gentile.