From Bill Sutter’s Desk May/Jun 2009

Have you noticed the Institute of Jewish Studies advertisement on the inside front cover of this issue of Israel My Glory? We have an exciting development! The Friends of Israel Institute of Jewish Studies (IJS) will go worldwide in September with an Internet-based, distance-learning program that will dramatically improve your access to our school’s outstanding teaching. Beginning this fall, you can enroll in IJS online and take advantage of affordable courses leading to a Certificate in Jewish Studies.

The IJS program has been tailored to meet the varying needs of students everywhere. Take one course at a time, or pursue an accelerated schedule of courses. The decision is strictly yours.

Since its inception more than 20 years ago, IJS has offered a unique program that God has used to transform lives. Through IJS you’ll become acquainted with the Jewish background of Scripture, including Jewish history and culture; the uniqueness of Israel—its land, history, geography, and place in world affairs; and the vital role Israel and the Jewish people play in redemptive history.

You’ll also learn the critical importance of interpreting Scripture literally. In an age when more and more people spiritualize, allegorize, minimize, and trivialize God’s Word, you’ll learn Scripture in its context for a proper understanding of the entire Bible, including prophecy. The Bible will come alive in your heart as you discover how God’s plan of salvation throughout the ages relates to His plan for the future. IJS will challenge your spiritual priorities and your goals for life and ministry.

The Institute of Jewish Studies’ new Internet-based, distance-learning program will make Friends of Israel’s teaching accessible anytime and anywhere by removing the limitations of geography, employment, travel, and family commitments. Even though you may have a difficult work schedule, the program’s flexibility will enable you to study and complete your assignments whenever it’s convenient for you. The learning environment will be interactive, as you will be guided by dedicated faculty—many of whom have taught in previous IJS programs.

Why is The Friends of Israel expanding IJS? Over the years we have received a multitude of inquiries and comments from people expressing a sincere interest in obtaining an IJS education that would be both affordable and convenient. More than two years ago, we earnestly began planning for distance learning, and The Friends of Israel board of trustees made a commitment to take IJS to the world.

Since it was founded in 1986 at our international headquarters, the Institute of Jewish Studies has been dedicated to training men and women to declare God’s Word concerning His love for the Jewish people and their role in His plan of salvation for the world. In 1996 The Friends of Israel and Philadelphia Biblical University (PBU) agreed to relocate the school to PBU’s campus, where it became known as The Friends of Israel Institute of Jewish Studies, a school of Philadelphia Biblical University.

Now IJS is on the move again!Instead of being geographically restricted to a specific location, we’ll be coming to you online, wherever you are in the world. And we thank God in advance for the great things He plans to accomplish.

If you are interested in taking advantage of this new IJS educational opportunity, check out the IJS advertisement on the inside front cover, or log on to www.foi.org/IJS for additional information.