He Lives (I Serve a Risen Savior)

Alfred Ackley

Alfred Ackley (1887-1960) showed musical promise at a very young age. His father gave him the benefit of his musical wisdom, and then later sent him to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He played the piano and cello and showed great promise as a composer. After his training in music, Ackley went on to graduate from Westminster Theological Seminary in Maryland, and was ordained as a Presbyterian minister. He served as pastor in several states of the United States, and worked for a few years with evangelist Billy Sunday and the Rodeheaver Music Company. Ackley's musical endeavors were so appreciated that he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Sacred Music degree by John Brown University in Arkansas.

Alfred Ackley often worked in collaboration with, and is often confused with, his brother Bentley Ackley (1872-1958), who was also a talented musician, worked for the Rodeheaver Music Company, and who traveled with the Billy Sunday team for eight years as a secretary/pianist. Bentley Ackley played the melodeon, piano, organ, coronet, clarinet and piccolo.

Bentley Ackley wrote music for more than 3,000 gospel tunes, including several that are still in hymnals of today, such as Who Will Open Mercy's Door? (words by Ina Ogden), and Have You Prayed It Through? (words by William Poole).

Alfred Ackley wrote lyrics and/or music for more than 1,500 religious and secular songs, including lyrics for the still well loved I Never Walk Alone, and He Lives! (I Serve a Risen Savior).

I serve a risen Saviour,
He's in the world today;
I know that He is living,
Whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy,
I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him
He's always near.

Refraim:
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and He talks with me
Along life's narrow way.
He lives, He live, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives:
He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me
I see His loving care,
And tho my heart grows weary
I never will despair;
I know that He is leading
Thro' all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing
Will come at last.

Refraim

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian,
Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs
To Jesus Christ the King!
The hope of all who seek Him,
The help of all who find,
None other is so loving,
So good and kind.

Refraim