An Analysis of the Book of Amos

REL 3113-02

The analysis of Amos is a junior level course offered by the Rio Verde Univesity’s College of Religion School of Theology. It accounts for two semester hours.  The course is presented by guest professor Dr. Leon L. Combs (Ph.D., Chemical Physics).  “I am a scientist who believes that God is the Creator of the universe and all that is in it. I believe that The Bible is the actual Word of God. The Bible teaches us that God has revealed Himself to everyone by His creations (Romans chapter 1) and that the Holy Bible is a special revelation of Himself involving His character, His love, His Holiness, and His revelation of how to live in His created world. I believe that correct theology as revealed in the Holy Bible is indeed living and meant to be lived. A child of God should have as his driving purpose in life to be pleasing to God; and the only way to do that is to know Him; and the only way we can know Him is through His revealed Word, the Holy Bible. My theology is classified as "reformed" and I am currently a member of a PCA church.

“I am charged with the goal of turning God's children away from spending time on matters that do not develop our spiritual nature and toward a life devoted to a better understanding of God and His plan for us here and now. My concern about people becoming too involved with trying to understand the details of creation and/or the details of the end times is that such an involvement keeps us from the necessary self examination and study needed for us to grow toward holiness. He commands each of His children: because it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:16). The Bible is fascinating and full of adventure. Spend your "extra" time studying The Word of God. I pray that my writings help The Family of God to be better children by knowing more about Him and His love for us. It is my love for God and the Family that drives me in this work.”

My New Book:  A Search for Reality, is now available from: Amazon and from Barnes and Noble. Information about the book is contained at A Search for Reality. The book is a science fiction story about a time when God's Church has lost acceptance and the government only allows a new church structure that rejects the concept of a Biblical God. The book includes descriptions of a future that seems ideal in many ways but instead is not what it seems. I pray that you will enjoy it and also be warned about some very real possibilities in our future.

 
Making spiritual resources accessible to all has been his life-long quest, and with this aim he has established several theological and secular distance-training programs which now attract students from 120 countries around the world.  He comes to Rio Verde University as a guest professor courtesy of our Springville, Utah branch.
 

 

Dr. Combs has been an ordained Baptist deacon since 1984 and was chair of the deacons at Burnt Hickory Baptist Church (a Southern Baptist Church) for the 1996-97 year. He and his wife are now members of Midway Presbyterian Church (a PCA church) where he has been a Sunday School teacher since May, 2001. He is nationally certified by the USA Track and Field Organization as a track and field official with specialties in shot put, discus, javelin, hammer, and multi-events. He also competed at the Masters level in the same events until his spinal problems caused him to have to quit competition. He likes to snow ski whenever he can get to the mountains during snow season. However that too has been curtailed by the spinal problems.

Says our professor “my Ph.D. is in Chemical Physics.  After 14 years of service to KSU (Kennesaw State University) as of July 1, 2006, I was promoted to Professor and Chair Emeritus of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at KSU.  Previously for 25 years I taught at Mississippi State University and was Head of Chemistry Department there for 8 years. I retired from MSU the fall of 1992 and I also serve as Professor and Head Emeritus at MSU.  I hope that you find the information in this course interesting and helpful.  My major interest at the moment is in web-assisted education and theology.

 
During the course, if you have questions regarding the class or related comments, you can e-mail Dr. Philip at information@rioverdeunivesity.org. Currently this class is available by distance learning only. (The cost of this course may be tax deductible under either the HOPE or LIFETIME LEARNING programs approved by Congress and incorporated into IRS forms). If you are a minister, evangelist, rabbi, imam, a BACI* or other spiritual leader this course may be taken as a CEU program and provides 7.5 hour credits. Contact our admissions office for further instructions for CEU credit. [*BACI-Beth Adonai Congregations INTL is a primary supporter of RVU-School of Theology].

The textbook for the course will be the KJV Holy Bible. Other translations may be used as a substitute.

New King James Version Translation (text)

When you receive your packet (i.e. study guide and text materials) you will find the directions regarding usage of the program materials, on the first page of the study guide. You can purchase a KJV Holy Bible at most book stores or the book can be acquired from the RVU-U bookstore (go to the bookstore on the website, check the book, go to checkout).

INSTRUCTIONS: This course is designed to take the student approximately 25-30 hours to finish on average. It should take you about 2.5 hours to complete each of the first two essay exams an about 3-4 four the final exam. The first test comes after Section I. and the final exam at the end of Section III. There are three term papers required for completion of the class. The first exam counts for 40% of your grade. The un-graded second term paper accounts for 10% (there is no right answer to this exam, but it must be submitted for completion of the course), and the final exam for 50%.  A grade of 70% is required for successful completion. Begin by opening the text materials.

 
You may already have a Bible at home. To be more accurate dates are designated as A.C.E. and B.C.E. (After the Christian Era, and Before the Christian Era) instead of A.D. and B.C. Read the introduction to the coursework. Then, read Section I of the course material written by Dr. Combs. When you have completed reading the first three chapters take the mid-term exam.

You may use your Bible as this is an open book testing. When you have completed the first exam place the cover form along with your answer sheet in the enclosed pre-labeled envelope.  Mail your test to: RVU-U c/o Dr. LCombs 3214 N University Ave. Unit #435, Provo, UT 84604. Upon receipt of your test papers it will be graded by staff, recorded in your student file, and returned to you.  (A 70% grade is required for successful completion of each course.)  Keep the graded exams with your text materials. Read Section II and III by Dr. Combs. And take your essay exams then follow instructions and mail all test papers to RVU-U.

 
Good luck, and may G-d Bless your studies. Baruch HaShem.

Dr. Rivkah Cordoba-admissions

   Section I.

An Analysis of the Book of Amos