GC Easter Message - Jesus Lives!

Save Us - Jesus wants all of mankind to be saved and receive eternal life. In 1 Timothy 2:3-4 (NIV) it states, “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who would have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. “ God loved us so much He sent His only son, Jesus to die and save us from our sins. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice as the Lamb of God to redeem us back into a right relationship with God.

As Christians we should show the world like the disciples did in their day, that Jesus is alive by our words and actions. Jesus came alive after the resurrection and continued His work of healing, teaching, and establishing His Kingdom of love, justice, truth and integrity. That’s what Easter is all about celebrating that fact that Jesus still lives today. Jesus lives today through us who believe in Him with all our heart, mind and soul.

I wanted to share this powerful testimony I found behind the classic Easter hymn He Lives written by author and composer Mr. Alfred H. Ackley. A challenge question was asked by a young Jewish student attending an evangelistic meeting conducted by Mr. Ackley. The student said, “Why should I worship a dead Jew?” It was Mr. Ackley’s answer that prompted him to write the hymn in his response. Mr. Ackley said, “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.” It was Mr. Ackley’s emphatic answer, together with his successful effort to win the man to Christ, that the birthed the song and crystallized a convincing sermon in a hymn called He Lives. He sat down at the piano and said, “The thought of His ever-living presence brought the music promptly and easily.” Now I want you to sing the hymn today and let the words minister to your heart.

He Lives
1st verse: I serve a risen Savior, 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.