The Word of God opens with a glorious description of the creation of all of the heavens and the earth:
In the beginning, when God created the universe, the earth was formless and desolate. The raging ocean that covered everything was engulfed in total darkness, and the Spirit of God was moving over the water. Then God commanded, “Let there be light”—and light appeared. God was pleased with what he saw. Then he separated the light from the darkness, and he named the light “Day” and the darkness “Night.” Evening passed and morning came—that was the first day.
Then God commanded, “Let there be a dome to divide the water and to keep it in two separate places”—and it was done. So God made a dome, and it separated the water under it from the water above it. He named the dome “Sky.” Evening passed and morning came—that was the second day.
Then God commanded, “Let the water below the sky come together in one place, so that the land will appear”—and it was done. He named the land “Earth,” and the water which had come together he named “Sea.” And God was pleased with what he saw. Then he commanded, “Let the earth produce all kinds of plants, those that bear grain and those that bear fruit”—and it was done. So the earth produced all kinds of plants, and God was pleased with what he saw. Evening passed and morning came—that was the third day.
Genesis 1:1–13
When we conduct research, we are truly seeking out the details in God’s Grand Design. We want to find out more about Him and who He is, what He loves and how intricately and wonderfully made are all His creations! We can’t create, but we can discover—we can discover more about God and His creation.
Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:
• Discuss God’s Grand Design.

1. Read and reflect on the devotional “God’s Grand Design” in the Getting Started section.
2. Navigate to the discussion topic and respond to the following discussion questions:
   a. What does conducting research have to do with God’s creation?
   b. How do believers in the God of the Bible determine what research questions to consider and investigate?
3. Your initial post is due by the end of the fourth day of the workshop.
4. Read and respond to at least two of your classmates’ postings, as well as instructor follow-up questions directed to you, by the end of the workshop.
5. Your postings should also:
   a. Be well developed by providing clear answers with evidence of critical thinking.
   b. Add greater depth to the discussion by introducing new ideas.