The works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them. Psalm 111:2

To complete your homework, read the scriptures and assigned online articles and answer the associated questions.

Instructions

Before you begin reading your Bible and answering these questions, ask the Lord to give you insight and understanding into the Scriptures.  It is the role of the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth to people (John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:10).  By His power you will be able to understand what the Scriptures say. Now read the assigned passages of scripture and answer the following questions.  Please note that it is recommended that you use either a NKJV or NIV version of the Bible to answer the questions. If you do not have a Bible, links to each Scripture passage are provided for you.

Scripture Passage:  Revelation 4:1-11
This passage of Scripture was written by the Apostle John.  It describes the vision that God gave him of the Throne Room of God (where God sits) in heaven.  The Throne Room of God is also described in Isaiah 6:1-4 and Ezekiel 1:1-28.

  1. What does the Bible mean when it says the One who sat on the throne looked like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance? (verse 2)

  2. What surrounds the throne of God? (verses 3 and 4)

  3. What is in front of the throne of God? (verses 5 and 6)

  4. What do the living creatures that surround the throne of God repeat over and over? (verse 8)

  5. How often do the twenty-four elders fall off their thrones and worship God? (verses 9-10)

  6. Why do the twenty-four elders worship God? (verse 11)

  7. There are more than 900 different names and titles of God included in Scripture.  Yet, God ordained that He will be continually worshipped for all eternity as the Creator of the world.  Do you think that it is important to Him that you worship Him as the Creator of the world?

  8. How can you worship God for being the Creator of the world?

Scripture Passage: Psalm 148:1-14

  1. What is the repeated phrase that occurs over and over in this passage of Scripture?

  2. Why is Creation told to praise the Lord? (verse 5)

  3. Review all of the different aspects of Creation mentioned in this passage.  Can you think of any part of Creation that is not covered or addressed by this passage?

  4. How do you think Creation praises the Lord?  Do you think that the Psalmist is speaking metaphorically?

Scripture Passage: Psalm 145:3

  1. Summarize this Bible verse in your own words. Write it down in your notes.

  2. What are some of the characteristics of God described in this passage of Scripture?

Instructions

Read the following online article and write down any key points of the article that you would like to discuss in our next class.

PRAISE TO THE LORD FROM CREATION

Now watch the following video:

Stars & Whales by Louie Giglio (Time: 16:36)

After watching the video, answer the following questions. Be sure to write down your answers and bring them to class.

Questions:

  1. Watch the following video of Louie Giglio's presentation. What information did Louie Giglio present that is new to you?

  2. How has your thoughts regarding the praise offered by Creation to the Lord changed as a result of completing your homework assignment? 

Instructions 

Go to each of the assigned web sites to read and take notes on the appropriate article. Links are provided below.  For each of the assigned articles, your notes should include the following points:

  • Provide a summary of the key points of the article. If you had to give a presentation on the article, what information would you include in your notes?

  • List concepts or information that you found most interesting about the topic.

  • List any information that was presented from an evolutionary standpoint. Note any portion of the information that is truth.

  • List any words or information that you do not understand. Research these words and or concepts on your own.

We will review this information in our class lecture and discussion.

1 | World Animal Foundation
Article: Dolphins

2 | Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation
Article: Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

3 | Australian Government
Article: Whales, Dolphins & Sound

4 | NOAA Fisheries Service
Article: Wild Bottlenose Dolphin Conservation

Instructions

Go to each of the assigned web sites to watch the video provided. Take notes on the key points of each video. Document the highlighted features or behaviors of the animal species as applicable.

  1. Dolphins Create Sponge Armor | Animal Wire (Time: 1:09)

  2. Smart Dolphins Beach their Prey | The Hunt | BBC Earth (Time: 3:40)

  3. Super Smart Dolphin Answers Questions | Extraordinary Animals | BBC Earth (Time: 3:11)

  4. Orcas at Play in Boat Wake like Dolphins (Time: 2:30)

  5. Dolphin Plays With Puffer Fish (Time: 0:39)

Here are a few species of dolphins that we see locally in South Florida.

Now it is time to apply what you've learned! In Romans 1:20, the Bible says that we can learn about God’s character by looking at what He made. Consider both the biblical and biological information that was discussed in this lesson and then write out your answers to the following questions.

  • This week we read Scriptures describing God as worthy of praise.  How can you see this character of God in the dolphins that He created?

  • Take a few moments to consider all of the different types of dolphins that God made. Think about one aspect of these animals that you enjoy. Tell God about it by writing it out on paper. Then write out a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord praising Him for His Creation.