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Marcus Dods
Marcus Dods (1834–1909) was a Scottish preacher and biblical scholar whose ministry and scholarly work significantly influenced the Free Church of Scotland during the 19th century. Born on April 11, 1834, in Belford, Northumberland, he was the youngest son of Rev. Marcus Dods, a Church of Scotland minister, and Sarah Pallister. Educated at Edinburgh Academy and the University of Edinburgh, where he graduated in 1854, Dods pursued divinity studies and was licensed to preach in 1858. After facing rejection from 23 churches during a challenging probationary period, he was ordained in 1864 as minister of Renfield Free Church in Glasgow, a position he held for 25 years. Dods’s preaching career blended pastoral service with academic leadership. In 1889, he became Professor of New Testament Exegesis at New College, Edinburgh, and upon the death of Robert Rainy in 1907, he assumed the role of principal, serving until his death. Known for his eloquent sermons, he preached a gospel grounded in theological depth, though his 1878 sermon on inspiration sparked controversy and charges of unorthodoxy, which were dismissed by the Free Church General Assembly. He married Catherine Swanston in 1871, with whom he had three sons and one daughter. Dods died on April 26, 1909, in Edinburgh, leaving a legacy as a preacher whose extensive writings, including commentaries on Genesis and John, enriched biblical scholarship and church teaching.
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Marcus Dods preaches about the unwavering commitment of true followers of Christ, who are drawn to Him because He satisfies their spiritual desires and leads them to seek the kingdom of God above all else. Those who prioritize eternal life and spiritual growth find in Christ the revelation of God, the reconciliation they need, and the guidance for living in alignment with eternal truths. Jesus' teachings provide the foundation for a life that transcends worldly concerns and focuses on eternal values, empowering believers to live according to God's will.
All One Wants
"Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life" (John 6:68). When Christ sifts His followers those remain who have spiritual tastes and wants. The spiritual man, the man who would rather be like God than be rich, whose efforts after worldly advancement are not half as earnest and sustained as his efforts after spiritual health; the man, in short, who seeks first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and lets other things be added or not to this prime requisite, cleaves to Christ because there is that in Christ which satisfies his taste and gives him the life he chiefly desires. There is in Christ a suitableness to the wants of men who live in view of God and eternity, and who seek to adjust themselves, not only to the world around them so as to be comfortable and successful in it, but also to the things unseen, to the permanent laws which are to govern human beings and human affairs throughout eternity. Such men find in Christ that which enables them to adjust themselves to things eternal. They find in Christ just that revelation of God, and that reconcilement to Him, and that help to abiding in Him, which they need. They cannot imagine a time, they cannot picture to themselves a state of society, in which the words and teaching of Jesus would not be the safest guide and the highest law. Life eternal, life for men as men, is taught by Him; not professional life, not the life of a religious rule that must pass away, not life for this world only, but life eternal, life such as men everywhere and always ought to live--this is apprehended by Him and explained by Him; and power and desire to live it are quickened within men by His words. Coming into His presence we recognise the assuredness of perfect truth. That which outrides all such critical times as the disciples were now passing through is true spirituality of mind. The man who is bent on nourishing his spirit to life everlasting simply cannot dispense with what he finds in Christ.
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Marcus Dods (1834–1909) was a Scottish preacher and biblical scholar whose ministry and scholarly work significantly influenced the Free Church of Scotland during the 19th century. Born on April 11, 1834, in Belford, Northumberland, he was the youngest son of Rev. Marcus Dods, a Church of Scotland minister, and Sarah Pallister. Educated at Edinburgh Academy and the University of Edinburgh, where he graduated in 1854, Dods pursued divinity studies and was licensed to preach in 1858. After facing rejection from 23 churches during a challenging probationary period, he was ordained in 1864 as minister of Renfield Free Church in Glasgow, a position he held for 25 years. Dods’s preaching career blended pastoral service with academic leadership. In 1889, he became Professor of New Testament Exegesis at New College, Edinburgh, and upon the death of Robert Rainy in 1907, he assumed the role of principal, serving until his death. Known for his eloquent sermons, he preached a gospel grounded in theological depth, though his 1878 sermon on inspiration sparked controversy and charges of unorthodoxy, which were dismissed by the Free Church General Assembly. He married Catherine Swanston in 1871, with whom he had three sons and one daughter. Dods died on April 26, 1909, in Edinburgh, leaving a legacy as a preacher whose extensive writings, including commentaries on Genesis and John, enriched biblical scholarship and church teaching.