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.

The following passages of Scripture give an account of Noah and the Great Flood.

Scripture Passage:  Genesis 6:5-9

  1. Why did God decide to flood the earth and destroy His Creation? (verses 5-7)

  2. Why did God choose to spare Noah and his family? (verse 9)

Scripture Passage: Genesis 7:1-8:22

  1. While it is commonly thought that animals were brought to the ark in pairs, what does the Scripture actually say about the number of animals brought to the ark? (chapter 7, verses 2 and 3)

  2. Who brought the animals to the ark and closed the door of the ark when it was time? (chapter 7, verses 14 and 15)

  3. The Scriptures say that the waters that caused the worldwide flood came from two different sources.  What were they? (chapter 7, verse 11)

  4. How did God cause the waters to move from the face of the earth? (chapter 8, verse 1)

  5. What natural process could God use to make the floodwaters recede?  (chapter 8, verse 3) How could He use this process to prevent them from covering the earth again?

  6. What do you think it would have been like to live through a worldwide flood?

  7. How do you think such a large volume of water could influence the natural landscape?  What would it do to geological features?  What do you think it would do to the chemistry of the ocean?

Scripture Passage: Genesis 9:13-14

  1. What did God give to Noah and his family as a sign of His everlasting promise not to cover the earth with a flood ever again?

  2. In what ways do you see our culture attacking the biblically-based imagery of the rainbow?

Scripture Passage: Psalm 104:5-9

  1. According to this passage of Scripture, what prevents the waters from covering the earth again?

  2. As followers of Jesus Christ, do we need to be concerned about reports of rising sea levels?  Why or why not?

Scripture Passage: Psalm 27:4

  1. Summarize this Scripture in your own words.

  2. What is the characteristic of God described in this passage of Scripture?

  3. Describe how you think you can see that character in Creation.

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.

THE PURPOSE OF CREATION

After reading the article, answer the following questions. Be sure to write your answers down on a piece of paper and bring them to class.

Questions:

  1. What is one of the reasons that God uses Creation to reveal His character? What does this mean to you?

  2. How would you describe God’s love for you? Why?

Instructions: Vocabulary 

The following words are mentioned in your assigned reading. Research the definitions for each of the words and write down their meaning to ensure that you understand the information included in your assigned reading. 

  • Acidification

  • Acroporid

  • Ahermatypic

  • Alcyonacea

  • Aragonite

  • Buttress

  • Deforestation

  • Hermatypic

  • Macroalgae

  • Mesophotic

  • Scleractinian

  • Topography

  • Zooxanthellae

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 | Smithsonian Institute
Article: Corals and Coral Reefs

2 | NOAA
Article #1: Coral Facts
Article #2: How Do Coral Reefs Form?

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. Coral: What does it eat? | Khaled Bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation (Time: 4:14)

  2. How Scientists Are Restoring the Great Barrier Reef | Travel + Leisure (Time: 7:32)

Here are a few species of corals 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 beautiful.  How can you see this character of God in the corals that He created?

  • Take a few moments to consider all of the different types of corals 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.