HE LIVES

1
HE LIVES
1932 ALFRED ACKLEY

• HE IS NOT HERE FOR HE IS RISEN, AS HE SAID.
  MATTHEW 286A

2
Why should I worship a dead Jew? That question
and a dreadful sermon inspired this hymn.  
After pastoring a church in his home state of
Pennsylvania, Alfred was called to a congregation
in California. It was there in 1932, that Alfred
met a Jewish man to whom he began witnessing. But
the man resisted the Christian faith, saying,
Why should I worship a dead Jew?  
3
That statement played on Alfreds mind as he
prepared his Easter Sunday message. Rising early
to prepare for the day, Alfred flipped on the
radio as he shaved and was astonished to hear a
famous liberal preacher in New York say Good
morning its Easter! You know, folks, it really
doesnt make any difference to me if Christ be
risen or not. As far as I am concerned, His body
could be as dust in some Palestinian tomb. The
main thing is, His truth goes marching on!
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Alfred wanted to fling the radio across the room.
Its a lie! he exclaimed. His wife rushed into
the bathroom, asking, Why are you shouting so
early in the morning?   Didnt you hear what
that good-for-nothing preacher said? Alfred
replied.  
5
Despite Alfred preaching with great vigor on the
reality of Christs Resurrection in his church,
even late into that night, he was still effected
over his friends question and the mornings
radio sermon. Listen here, Alfred Ackley, his
wife said at last. Its time you did that which
you can do best. Why dont you write a song about
it and then maybe youll feel better?
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As he sat and re-read the Resurrection account
from Marks Gospel, a thrill went through him,
and he began writing the words to He Lives. not
dreaming it would become one of the churchs most
triumphant Easter hymns. 
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I serve a risen Saviour He's in the world
today. I know that He is living, whatever men
may say. 
8
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of
cheer, And just the time I need Him He's always
near.
9
He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today! He
walks with me and talks with me along life's
narrow way.
10
He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart! You ask
me how I know He lives? He lives within my
heart.
11
In all the world around me I see His loving
care, And though my heart grows weary I
never will despair.
12
I know that He is leading, thro' all the stormy
blast The day of His appearing will come
at last
13
He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today! He
walks with me and talks with me along life's
narrow way.
14
He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart! You ask
me how I know He lives? He lives within my
heart.
15
Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian! Lift up your voice
and sing Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ, the
King!
16
The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all
who find, None other is so loving, so good and
kind. 
17
He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today! He
walks with me and talks with me along life's
narrow way.
18
He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart! You ask
me how I know He lives? He lives within my
heart.