“HE LIVES!”
Poem★★★★“Why should I worship a dead Jew?” This was the question asked the Reverend A. H. Ackley by a young Jew who had attended evangelistic services for five or six successive nights where Mr.
Ackley had been preaching. This young man had remained at the close of the service and Mr. Ackley had tried to per- suade him to receive Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour and Lord when this question was asked.
Mr. Ackley was shocked by the question, and said to his questioner, I “He lives! I tell you, He is not dead, but lives here and now!
Jesus Christ is more alive today than ever before. I can prove it by my own » experience, as well as the testimony of countless thousands.” As he continued speaking to the Jewish man, he had the privilege of win- ‘ning him to Jesus Christ. He was always alert to suggestions for ser- mons and songs, and this experience led him to write the very popular ‘song, “He Lives.”
He said, “The thought of His ever living pres- ence brought the music promptly and easily. The words followed immediately.”
The point
Recounts how evangelist A. H. Ackley, challenged by a young Jewish man asking why he should worship 'a dead Jew,' insisted Christ is alive — an encounter that inspired Ackley to write the hymn 'He Lives.'