Within Creation, there is a discussion concerning the age of the Earth, using biblical data and scientific dating data.
SJCC holds to a young Earth position, which claims that the universe was created in six literal days and that the Earth is potentially only a few thousand years old, according to the genealogical records found in the Bible. However, the genealogical records in the BIble were not written for this purpose; therefore, the age of the Earth is unknown.
Support for this theory is found in the textual analysis of Genesis 1, the necessity for the Universe to be created with age so it can fulfill its created purpose, and the scientific evidence that challenges the old Earth theory and even any degree of Darwinian Evolution.
First, the wording in Genesis 1 and the use of the word "day" (Yom) in Hebrew is literally interpreted as a 24-hour day, and is the simplest understanding for the Bible's Ancient Near Eastern audience.
Additionally, the creations in Genesis 1 were created with age and proper placement so they would be capable of fulfilling their purpose from the first moment of existence, rather than having to grow into their potential. For example, Adam was created as an adult with the capabilities to be in a relationship with God and work and rule over the Garden. The sun and stars were also created aged and placed in their current positions, with their light being seen from Earth from their first day of existence, despite their distance and the speed of light. Living without purpose is not "good" or within the created mission of God. Therefore, to allow things to exist without the ability to fulfill their God-given purpose does not seem to fit God's design.
Current rates of change, including carbon and radioactive dating and erosion, are not constant but are affected by the climate. Therefore, to measure the amount of change by these rates of change is not account for climate changes over time. Furthermore, natural events, such as Mt. St. Helens and the residual natural effects, have proven that catastrophic events can create drastic changes in seconds to weeks, which once were believed to have taken millions of years.
Furthermore, evidence of soft tissue found in fossils, once thought to be impossible, and the Cambrian Explosion, provide support for the theory that the fossil records are not spread across millions of years, but only hundreds or thousands.
Young Earth gives God the most glory, as He is seen as being capable of going beyond natural laws to make all things exist immediately to fulfill their created potential. Additionally, scientific evidence has disproven the theory that millions of years are required to create some of the natural phenomena seen in the world today.
This category of beliefs is not a salvation issue, and believers can be in fellowship on both sides of this spectrum.
The government is an authoritative institution established by God, is a servant of God, and God's people are commanded to submit to such authority in the name and to the glory of God (Rom. 13:1-5). In submitting to the government, believers bring honor and glory to God as they live obedient and quiet lives. However, the believer is first subject to God, and any command from the government that contradicts God's is immoral and to be rejected.
This command was given by Paul to the Romans, who were subjected to a government worse than what has been seen in American history.
Believers are given the freedom to participate in politics, including running for office and voting. However, it should be understood that real change comes from changing people, rather than simply changing policies. A country is transformed when its people are transformed by the gospel and desire unity in the faith and under God.
This theory, also known as Supersessionism, claims that the New Testament Church has replaced Israel in God's plan and as God's people. This view is based on many passages where the distinction between Jew and Gentile is discounted for a united faith in Christ.
SJCC does not hold this view, but believes that Israel is still very much a part of God's plan (Rev. 7 and 14). "Church" is the new name for God's people, which includes Israel, removing any national or ethnic distinction, as both Jew and Gentile are equally God's people by faith in Christ and co-heirs in Christ.