Jesus is God's son, sent by God to become human like us.  In his life and being he broke through the prison of sinfulness and thus restored the relationship of love and trust that God intended to exist between himself and his children.  Though he is eternal, with God at the beginning of time, he was born on earth of a virgin, by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus was at once truly God and truly human.

The man, Jesus of Nazareth, lived and died in Palestine during the governorship of the Roman administrator Pontius Pilate; we believe Jesus to be the Messiah chosen by God to show his love for the world.  He is God, yet with all the limitations of being human.   His relationship to God, however, was not one of sin but rather of perfect obedience to the Father's will.  For the sake of a sinful world, Jesus was condemned to death on the cross.

But death could not contain him.  On the third day after his execution, the day Christians observe as Easter, Jesus appeared among his followers as the risen, living Lord.  By this great victory God has declared the Good News of reconciliation.   The gap between all that separates us from our Creator has been bridged.   Thus, Christ lives today wherever there are people who faithfully believe in him and wherever the Good News of reconciliation is preached and the Sacraments administered.

READING THE BIBLE
click here for pdf file of Bible reading plan

Hey, this is John Messner of SALINE. If you're like me, you've probably tried many times to get into a routine of reading the Bible. Maybe, if you're like me, you have been overwhelmed and frustrated with the confusing language or the gigantic size of God's Word. I wanted to offer something that helped me in my daily reading. I found that I needed a checklist or something concrete to keep my reading consistent. I found a Bible reading plan and I began reading my freshman year of college. While the readings should only take one year to complete, I finished the entire Bible by the end of my senior year (it took me 4 years). So, do what you can! The plan has a few chapters to read every night. If you get off on the dates, then forget the dates and just keep pressing on toward the goal of finishing! I promise you, God will reveal some amazing treasures for you when you consistently get into his word! I want to hear about your studies too! Email me at john@salinemusic.com and let me know what things God is speaking to you! I hope this helps. If you need help or have any questions please email me! Keep pressing on toward the goal so you can be the salt of the earth! God bless you!