He Lives!

BIBLE REFERENCE:

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus,
which was crucified.  He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the
Lord lay.  And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold,
he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.  
Matthew 28:5-7

And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen;
he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.  
Mark 16:6

Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.  
Romans 6:9-10


Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.   Acts 2:24-33

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:   Job 19:25

And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.   Revelation 4:8-11

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Revelation 1:17-18
Alfred Henry Ackley - Lyrics & Composer
1887-1960
Born: January 21, 1887, Spring Hill, Pennsylvania.
Died: July 3, 1960, Whittier, California.
HYMN HISTORY:

“Why should I worship a dead Jew?”

This challenging question was posed by a sincere young Jewish student who had been attending evangelistic meetings conducted by the author and composer of this hymn, Alfred H. Ackley.  In his book, Forty Gospel Hymn Stories George W. Sanville records Mr. Ackley's answers to this searching question, which ultimately prompted the writing of this popular gospel hymn:

He lives! I tell you, He is not dead, but lives here now!  Jesus Christ is more alive today than ever before, I can prove it by own experience, as well as the testimony of countless thousands.

Mr. Sanville continues:

Mr. Ackley's forthright, emphatic answer, together with his subsequent triumphant effort to win the man for Christ, flowered forth into song and crystallized into a convincing sermon on “He Lives!”  His keenly alert mind was sensitive to suggestions for sermons, and sermons in song.  In his re-reading of the resurrection stories of the Gospels, the words “He is risen” struck him with new meaning. From the thrill within his own soul came the convincing song—” He Lives!”  The scriptural evidence, his own heart, and the testimony of history matched the glorious experience of an innumerable cloud of witnesses that “He Lives,” so he sat down at
the piano and voiced that conclusion in song.  He says, “The thought of His ever-living presence brought the music promptly and easily.”

The hymn first appeared in Triumphant Service Songs, a hymnal published by the Rodeheaver Company, in 1933.  It has been a favorite with evangelical congregations to the present time.

The name of the two Ackley brothers, Alfred Henry and Benton D., have long been prominent in the gospel music field.  Both were long-time associates with the Rodeheaver Publishing Company in the compilation and promotion of gospel music, and each contributed many songs to these publications. A. H. Ackley was born on January 21, 1887, at Spring Hill, Pennsylvania.  He received a thorough education in music, including study in composition at the Royal Academy of Music in London, England.  As a performer, he was recognized as an accomplished cellist.  Following graduation from the Westminster Theological Seminary, he was ordained to the Presbyterian ministry, in 1914.  While serving Presbyterian pastorates in Pennsylvania and California, Ackley always maintained a keen interest in the writing of hymns and hymn tunes.  It is estimated that he wrote over 1,000 gospel songs and hymns in addition to aiding in the compilation of various hymnals and songbooks for the Rodeheaver Company.  In recognition of his contribution to sacred music, he was awarded the honorary Doctor of Sacred Music Degree from John Brown University.  Mr. Ackley died at Whittier, California, on July 3, 1960.
THE LORD IS RISEN
And death’s strong castle stormed.

The Lord is risen indeed:
The grave has lost its prey;
With Him is risen the ransomed seed,
To reign in endless day.

The Lord is risen indeed;
He lives, to die no more;
He lives, the sinner’s cause to plead,
Whose curse and shame He bore.

And strike each cheerful chord;
Join, all ye bright celestial choirs,
To sing our risen Lord!

Thomas Kelly
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Lord is Risen. He is risen indeed. Many will greet one another all over the world this Resurrection Sunday with this greeting and response.  Our duty today as believers is to witness to others the Good News about His death, burial and resurrection.  

When the Lord first appeared  to his disciples He greets them and tells them;
Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me even so send I you. John  20:21

Later he asks Peter. Simon, son of Jonah, lovest thou me?  He saith unto him; thou knowest that I love thee.  He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John 21:16

And finally He commands them to; Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.  Teaching them to observe all thing whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen Matthew 28:19-20

A Hymn and its History is a ministry that depends solely upon the Lord for his guidance.  Please help us to continue to
touch lives and bring blessings to many others 24 hours a day all over the world.
If you have been blessed by this Ministry please give a donation as the Lord
lays it upon your heart, and share in the Blessings.  By investing in the
lives of others you will reap benefits that will last for all eternity.

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