Our God, He Is Alive
A Sermon based on the hymn by A.
W. Dicus
Introduction
“Our God, He Is Alive” is more than a
hymn—it is a bold declaration of biblical truth and a confident
rejection of atheism, humanism, and doubt. Written by A. W. Dicus, a
gospel preacher, scientist, and devout member of the church of Christ,
this hymn is one of the most beloved and theologically rich songs sung
in congregations around the world. Dicus not only wrote the lyrics, but
he also composed the music—making it a complete expression of conviction
from a faithful brother.
This hymn answers the skeptical
voices of the world with firm, scriptural assurance. It proclaims what
Romans 1:20 affirms—that God's eternal power and divine nature are
clearly seen in creation. It echoes Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the
glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” Each verse of
this hymn addresses a core doctrine: the existence of God, the creation
of man, the indwelling presence of God, and the eternal nature of our
Creator.
In a time when the foundations of
truth are being challenged and many question whether God exists at all,
“Our God, He Is Alive” stands like a lighthouse on a stormy shore. It
reminds the faithful that we serve a living God, not a myth, not a
tradition, not a powerless idol. And it calls every doubter to open
their eyes to the evidence that surrounds them.
This hymn doesn’t just celebrate
faith—it defends it. As we sing it, we affirm: Our God is not dead.
He is alive.
Stanza 1
“There is, beyond the azure blue,
A God concealed from human sight;
He tinted skies with heav’nly hue
And framed the worlds with His great might.”
This stanza begins with a heavenly
focus—calling us to lift our eyes beyond the physical sky and
acknowledge a spiritual reality. Though God is “concealed from human
sight,” His presence is seen in the design and wonder of creation.
Romans 1:20 tells us that God’s invisible qualities are clearly seen,
being understood through the things that are made. God’s power is
revealed in the stars, the sky, and the very laws of the universe. We
may not see Him with our eyes, but the fingerprints of God are
everywhere.
Stanza 2
“There was a long, long time ago
A God whose voice the prophets heard;
He is the God that we should know,
Who speaks from His inspired Word.”
This stanza affirms the historical
and scriptural foundation of our faith. God is not a new invention or a
fading memory. He has always been. Hebrews 1:1–2 declares that God, who
at various times spoke to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last
days spoken to us by His Son. Scripture is not man’s speculation—it is
God’s revelation. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is given by
inspiration of God.” The same God who framed the worlds now speaks to us
through His Word. And we are called to know Him—not vaguely, but
truthfully.
Stanza 3
“Secure is life from mortal mind;
God holds the germ within His hand.
Though men may search, they cannot find,
For God alone does understand.”
Here the hymn challenges the limits
of human reason. It acknowledges what Job 11:7 asks: “Canst thou by
searching find out God?” The answer is no—not unless God reveals
Himself. Science can explore molecules and map DNA, but it cannot
explain the origin of life apart from God. Psalm 139:14 says we are
fearfully and wonderfully made. God holds the “germ”—the seed of life—in
His hand. Human minds may search and theorize, but God alone is the
author and sustainer of life. This verse is a quiet rebuke to human
arrogance and a call to humble faith.
Stanza 4
“Our God, whose Son upon a tree
A life was willing there to give,
That He from sin might set man free,
And evermore with Him could live.”
The final stanza brings the message
home. The God who created the universe and inspired the prophets also
gave His Son to die for us. This is the heart of the gospel. Romans 5:8
declares, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were
yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus' sacrifice was not an accident
of history—it was the eternal plan of God to redeem mankind. This God is
not distant. He is personal, loving, and merciful. And the result of
Jesus' death is freedom from sin and the hope of eternal life with Him.
Chorus
“There is a God, He is alive,
In Him we live, and we survive;
From dust our God created man,
He is our God, the great I AM.”
The chorus sums up every truth of
the hymn in one triumphant voice. Yes, there is a God. He is not dead.
He is not distant. He is the one in whom we live and breathe and exist
(Acts 17:28). He made us from dust (Genesis 2:7). He is the “I AM”—the
eternal, self-existing, all-powerful Creator (Exodus 3:14). This is not
just a doctrinal truth—it is a personal one. He is
our God. And He is
alive.
Our God, He Is Alive Sermon
Outline:
Introduction:
-
The hymn is a declaration of
faith and rebuttal of unbelief (Romans 1:20)
-
Written by A. W. Dicus, a
gospel preacher and scientist
-
Each verse explores a major
truth: creation, revelation, life, and salvation
Stanza 1 – God Revealed in
Creation:
-
God's power is visible in the
heavens (Psalm 19:1)
-
Though unseen, His nature is
evident in what He made (Romans 1:20)
-
He framed the world with might
(Hebrews 11:3)
Stanza 2 – God Revealed in
Scripture:
-
God spoke through prophets
(Hebrews 1:1–2)
-
The Bible is inspired, not
man-made (2 Timothy 3:16)
-
We are called to know this God
and hear Him
Stanza 3 – God as the Author
of Life:
-
Life is secure in God’s wisdom
(Job 12:10)
-
Human minds can search but
cannot grasp the origin of life without God (Job 11:7)
-
God alone understands the
mystery of life (Psalm 139:14)
Stanza 4 – God Revealed in
Christ:
-
Jesus died on the cross for our
sins (Romans 5:8)
-
His death sets us free and
gives us life (John 8:36; 1 Peter 2:24)
-
The gospel is the ultimate
revelation of God's love
Chorus – Our God Is Alive:
-
God is the source of all life
(Acts 17:28)
-
Man was created from dust
(Genesis 2:7)
-
God is the great “I AM” (Exodus
3:14)
-
He is
our God—present,
personal, and powerful
Call to Action
If there is a God—and there is—then
we must serve Him. If He created us, then we belong to Him. If He sent
His Son, then we must respond. The gospel is not a suggestion—it’s a
call. Today, you can believe in the living God. You can turn from sin,
be baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38), and live in
fellowship with the Great I AM. Don’t wait. Our God is not dead.
He is alive. Will you
come to Him?
Scripture Reference List
Romans 1:20 – God’s eternal power
is seen in creation
Psalm 19:1 – The heavens declare God’s glory
Hebrews 1:1–2 – God spoke through the prophets and His Son
2 Timothy 3:16 – All scripture is inspired by God
Job 11:7 – Man cannot find out God by searching
Psalm 139:14 – We are fearfully and wonderfully made
Romans 5:8 – Christ died for us while we were sinners
John 8:36 – The Son makes us free
1 Peter 2:24 – Christ bore our sins on the tree
Acts 17:28 – In Him we live and move and have our being
Genesis 2:7 – God formed man from the dust of the ground
Exodus 3:14 – God reveals Himself as “I AM”
Acts 2:38 – Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins
Song History
“Our God, He Is Alive” was written
and composed by Aaron Wesley
Dicus, a physicist, preacher, and longtime member of the church
of Christ. Dicus wrote this hymn during a time of rising secularism,
intending it to affirm the Christian’s unwavering confidence in the
existence and power of God. The hymn gained popularity through the
publication of Songs of the Church
and Sacred Selections. It
remains one of the most iconic hymns in the brotherhood—often sung with
boldness, especially during gospel meetings and youth gatherings. Dicus
used both his scientific knowledge and spiritual conviction to pen a
hymn that defends the faith while lifting the heart. His legacy lives on
in these powerful words: “Our
God, He is alive.”
Prepared by
David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
 |
The
church of Christ
