Abraham to Armageddon Conference MC Notes

Opening Welcome (8:00)

Welcome to the Abraham to Armageddon Prophecy Conference. It is an absolute joy to have each of you with us here in historic Gettysburg.

There is an old saying that all roads lead to Rome. But today, it certainly feels as though all roads lead to Gettysburg. You have come from different states, different churches, different backgrounds, and different seasons of life. Yet this morning, by the providence of God, all of those roads have brought us together in this room.

That is especially fitting because Gettysburg became Gettysburg largely because it was at crossroads. In 1863, ten major roads converged on this small Pennsylvania town. Neither General Robert E. Lee nor General George G. Meade originally intended to fight the decisive battle of the Civil War here. But as two great armies moved across the region, the roads drew them toward the same ground. This quiet county seat became the place where the future of a nation hung in the balance.

We gather here during America’s 250th anniversary in a place that reminds us that freedom is never free, that truth must be defended, and that every generation eventually faces a moment when it must decide what it believes, what it will stand for, and upon what foundation it will build. Gettysburg reminds us of an important truth: history is not random, and the choices made in critical moments carry consequences far beyond those who make them.

This weekend, we have come together around the belief in the imminent return of Jesus and the authority of His Word. In an age of confusion, we need conviction. In an age of deception, we need discernment. In an age of fear, we need the blessed hope. And in a world that increasingly tells us that history is spiraling out of control, we have opened our Bibles to remember that Almighty God declares the end from the beginning and is directing history toward His appointed conclusion.

Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly gathered His people at strategic moments. Israel assembled at Mount Sinai to hear His Word. The disciples gathered in the upper room before they were sent into the world with the gospel. God’s people gathered so they could worship, listen, be strengthened, and then return to the places where He had called them to serve.

 That is my prayer for today.

Throughout the day, you will hear from some of the finest Bible teachers in the world. When this day ends, the same roads that brought us to Gettysburg will carry us back to our homes, churches, workplaces, and communities. May we leave more grounded in truth, more courageous in witness, more faithful in service, and more determined to proclaim Jesus Christ until He comes.

A few quick announcements…

• Restrooms… • Book and Vendor tables… • Lunch… • Cell phones… • Q&A cards… • Emergency exits…

Recognize Countries

Recognize State Legislators: Kathy Rapp

I also want to give a special thank you to our volunteers.

Why Israel? From Abraham to Armageddon

Why Israel?Why did God chose one tiny nation that occupies less than one percent of one percent of the earth’s landmass? Why has Israel remained at the center of world attention for thousands of years? Why does nearly every major geopolitical conflict eventually seem to intersect with Jerusalem? The answer is both simple and profound: because Israel is central to God’s redemptive plan.

The story begins with one man. In Genesis 12, God called Abraham and entered into an unconditional covenant with him, promising to make of him a great nation, to bless those who blessed him, to curse those who cursed him, and through his descendants to bless all the families of the earth. Those promises were not temporary. They were not symbolic. They were not later revoked or reassigned. God reaffirmed them to Isaac, to Jacob, to David, and through the prophets over and over again. They reveal the unwavering faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God.

When Jesus entered human history, He did not come accidentally or anonymously. He came as the promised Jewish Messiah, born in Bethlehem exactly as the prophets foretold. His earthly ministry unfolded in the land of Israel. He died outside the walls of Jerusalem, rose again, and commissioned His disciples from that very place. The Church itself was born in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. And according to the Scriptures, when history reaches its climax, Jesus will not return to Rome, Washington, Moscow, or New York. He will return to Jerusalem to establish His kingdom just as the prophets declared.

From Genesis to Revelation, Israel is woven into every major movement of God’s unfolding plan. If God could abandon His promises to Israel, then how could any of us have confidence that He will keep His promises to the Church? But our God cannot deny Himself.

Throughout this conference we are going to examine issues like the rise of antisemitism, the advance of global tyranny, deception within the Church, the prophetic significance of current events. But we are not here to interpret the Bible through the lens of today’s headlines. We are here to interpret today’s headlines through the lens of God’s unchanging Word.

The story that begins with one man in Genesis reaches its culmination with one King in Revelation. History is not spiraling out of control; it is unfolding exactly according to the plan of God.  The same God who has been faithful to Israel for thousands of years will also be faithful to every promise He has made to those who belong to Christ.

Opening Prayer

Father; God of Abraham Issac and Jacob,

We come before You this morning with grateful hearts, acknowledging that You alone are God. You are the Creator of heaven and earth, the Alpha and the Omega, the One who declares the end from the beginning, and the One who is faithful to every promise You have ever made.

Father, we thank You for Your Word. Thank You that it is living, powerful, and forever settled in heaven. In a world filled with confusion, deception, and shifting opinions, we rejoice that Your truth never changes. We thank You that prophecy is not given to satisfy our curiosity, but to strengthen our faith, increase our hope, and fix our eyes upon our soon-coming Savior.

Lord, we thank You for Your covenant faithfulness. Thank You for choosing Abraham, for preserving the nation of Israel through every generation, and for demonstrating through them that You always keep Your Word. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem, just as You have commanded us. We ask that many Jewish men and women would come to recognize Jesus as their promised Messiah, and we look forward to the day when all Israel will be saved according to Your perfect plan.

Father, we pray for every speaker who will stand behind this pulpit today. Fill each one afresh with Your Holy Spirit. Grant clarity of thought, boldness of conviction, humility of heart, and faithfulness to the Scriptures. May every message point us to Jesus Christ and exalt Him above every headline, every controversy, and every earthly kingdom.

We pray for every person gathered in this room. Open our hearts to receive Your truth. Sharpen our discernment. Strengthen our faith. Encourage those who are weary. Convict those who need conviction. Comfort those who are burdened. Equip us to stand faithfully in these last days—not in fear, but in confidence, knowing that our redemption draws near.

Protect this conference, Lord. Guard us from distraction, from error, and from every scheme of the evil one. May there be genuine Christian fellowship, meaningful conversations, and divine appointments throughout this day. We pray for our volunteers, our sponsors, our worship team, our technical staff, and every person serving behind the scenes. Bless them abundantly for their labor in making this day possible.

Above all, may everything that is said and done bring honor and glory to the Lord Jesus Christ. May He be lifted high in every message, every song, every conversation, and every decision. And as we leave this place at the close of this conference, may we do so with a deeper love for Your Word, a greater burden for the lost, a renewed affection for Israel, and an even greater anticipation of the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

For it is in the precious, powerful, and matchless name of Yeshua we pray

Amen.

[Band Starts]

Session 1

Sponsor: Operation Exodus

I’d like to begin by thanking our first session sponsor, Operation Exodus. Their ministry has faithfully helped Jewish people return to their homeland, fulfilling an important role in God’s ongoing purposes for Israel. Please stop by their table today and learn more about their ministry.”

Olivier Melnick

Our first speaker is uniquely qualified to address one of the greatest issues facing our world today.

Olivier Melnick was born in Paris, France, in a Jewish family which includes Holocaust survivors and a grandfather who died in Auschwitz.

For more than thirty years he has faithfully proclaimed Jesus as Israel’s Messiah while educating Christians around the world about antisemitism and God’s enduring covenant with Israel.

He holds degrees from Moody Bible Institute and Dallas Theological Seminary and serves as Executive Director of Shalom in Messiah Ministries. He has authored eight books, including five devoted specifically to exposing the rise of antisemitism.

I have had the privilege of traveling to Israel with Olivier as we ministered to the IDF and survivors of October 7th. Olivier is also a personal friend and I am so blessed to know him and his wife Ellen.

His message this morning is entitled, ‘The Progressive Conditioning Toward the Destruction of Israel.’

Please give a warm Gettysburg welcome to our friend, Olivier Melnick.”

Session 2

Sponsor: Harvest House

“Our thanks to Harvest House Publishers for partnering with us and continuing to publish solid, biblical resources that strengthen believers around the world. They provided for each of you a copy of Jan Markell’s book, “When Jesus Returns.”

Dr. Andy Woods

Our next speaker hardly needs an introduction. Dr. Andy Woods serves as President of Chafer Theological Seminary and Senior Pastor of Sugar Land Bible Church.

Before entering ministry he practiced law, earned his Juris Doctor, and later completed both his Th.M. and Ph.D. at Dallas Theological Seminary, where he received the Donald Campbell Award for Excellence in Bible Exposition.

Dr. Woods is one of today’s foremost defenders of dispensational theology and biblical prophecy, and his teaching ministry has strengthened countless pastors and believers across the world.

I must also add, there are few people that I look up to both theologically and physically. Today he’ll address ‘The Mystery of Antisemitism.’ Please welcome my friend, Dr. Andy Woods.

Session 3

Sponsor: End Times Headlines

We’re grateful for End Times Headlines and their commitment to helping Christians stay informed through the lens of Scripture. Be sure to visit them throughout the conference.”

Dr. J.B. Hixson

Our next speaker has become one of the clearest voices helping the Church understand the prophetic implications of the rapidly changing world around us.

Dr. J.B. Hixson is founder and president of Not By Works Ministries, Lead Teaching Pastor of Plum Creek Chapel in Colorado, and the author of fifteen books.

He earned degrees from Houston Baptist University, Dallas Theological Seminary, and Baptist Bible Seminary, and has served on the faculties of numerous colleges and seminaries.

His research into globalism, digital control, artificial intelligence, and the coming Beast system has challenged Christians everywhere to think biblically about current events.

He and Wendy are a great friend to Coming Soon! Ministries and to Andrea and I.

Today he will present ‘Fade to Black: The Rise of Global Tyranny.’ Please welcome Dr. J.B. Hixson.”

AFTER LUNCH

Session 5

One of the great blessings of this conference is hearing directly from Israel itself.

 Chaim Malespin serves faithfully in Israel and has been on the front lines as a sergeant major in the IDF. As messianic believer he is also passionate about encouraging believers, strengthening communities, and standing boldly for the Jewish people during some of the most difficult days in modern history. He also runs the Allyah Return Center, a ministry dedicated to welcoming Jewish people making Allyah to Israel, and also the Faithful Galileans. Please direct your attention to the screens.

El Shaddai Sponosorships

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World View Matters Video

Before we begin our next session with Tom Hughes, I’d like to introduce you to a good friend of Coming Soon! Ministries.

David Fiorazo is an author, speaker, and broadcaster who has faithfully challenged Christians to think biblically in a culture that is increasingly hostile to truth. Through his ministry, Worldview Matters, David reminds us that every issue we face—whether it is education, government, technology, Israel, the family, or the Church—is ultimately a worldview issue.

As believers, we don’t interpret God’s Word through the lens of culture. We interpret culture through the lens of God’s Word. That conviction is exactly what has brought us together here today.

David couldn’t be with us in person, but he wanted to send a special greeting to everyone gathered for the Abraham to Armageddon Prophecy Conference. Please direct your attention to the screens as we hear from our friend, David Fiorazo.

Session 7

Sponsor: Prophecy Watchers

We’re thankful for Prophecy Watchers and their decades-long commitment to proclaiming the soon return of Jesus Christ and helping believers understand biblical prophecy. We are thankful of their support and encouragementas we present this conference today.

Pastor Tom Hughes

Our next speaker has faithfully taught Bible prophecy for more than thirty years. Pastor Tom Hughes is founder of Hope For Our Times and 412 Churches. Through his daily prophecy updates, television ministry, books, conferences, and worldwide speaking engagements, he has helped millions understand the significance of the days in which we live.

Tom has consistently reminded believers that Bible prophecy isn’t given to frighten us—it is given to fill us with hope in Jesus Christ. He has been such an encouragement to me as a friend and even laughs at my jokes!

His message this afternoon is entitled, ‘Israel at the Center of God’s Prophetic Clock.’

Please welcome Pastor Tom Hughes.

Session 8

Sponsor: Eyes to See Ministries

We’re grateful for Eyes to See Ministries and their partnership in helping believers develop biblical discernment in these increasingly deceptive days. Peter Yonnotta is a strong voice and a solid teacher around the world for the gospel

Brandon Holthaus

Our final message today before our Q&A is one that will leave you encouraged and empowered. Our final keynote speaker is one of the leading voices calling the Church back to biblical discernment. Pastor Brandon Holthaus serves as Senior Pastor of Rock Harbor Church in Bakersfield CA, and teaches eschatology and Israelology at Summit Bible College. His ministry combines biblical exposition, apologetics, prophecy, and cultural analysis, equipping believers to stand firm in an age of increasing deception.

Brandon has been such a great friend to me and CrossWay Christian Fellowship. I’ve had the privilege several times to be a part of events at Rock Harbor and I’m so glad to have him out here on the East Coast.

This afternoon he will challenge us with a message entitled ‘Israel: The Dividing Line in the Church.’

Please give a warm welcome to Pastor Brandon Holthaus

Before the Q&A

Ladies and gentlemen, what a day. We’ve heard about God’s covenant with Israel, the rise of antisemitism, global tyranny, spiritual deception, and the central place Israel occupies in God’s prophetic program.

Now we have the privilege of bringing all of our speakers back to the platform for what is always one of the most enjoyable parts of the conference—the live question-and-answer session.

Closing Remarks

Today we have traveled from Abraham to Armageddon. We have examined God’s covenant with Israel, the rise of antisemitism, the advance of global tyranny, the deception confronting the Church, and the certainty of God’s prophetic Word. We have been reminded again and again that the headlines are not writing history—they are simply catching up with what God declared thousands of years ago.

If there is one truth I hope every one of us leaves with today, it is this: God keeps His Word.He kept His promises to Abraham, Moses, and David. He fulfilled His promises in the first coming of Jesus Christ and He will most certainly fulfill every promise concerning His second coming.

But let me leave you with this challenge: Bible prophecy was never given merely to satisfy our curiosity about the future. It was given to transform the way we live today. Every prophecy concerning Christ’s return is ultimately a call to holy living. It is a call to faithful service. It is a call to steadfast endurance. It is a call to urgency in proclaiming the gospel while there is still time.

Think about this: one day our study of prophecy will give way to the fulfillment of prophecy. One day faith will become sight. That happens when the trumpet sounds.

One day the Church will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. One day Israel’s Messiah will stand upon the Mount of Olives. One day every knee will bow, every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, and every promise of God will stand vindicated before the entire world.

Until that day, we have work to do. Stand for truth. Love God’s Word. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Share the gospel without compromise. Disciple our families. Strengthen our churches. Encourage one another. And keep looking up, because our redemption draws near.

Before we dismiss, I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who made today possible. Thank you to each of our outstanding speakers for faithfully handling God’s Word. Thank you to our sponsors and ministry partners for investing in this conference and making this day possible. Thank you to our worship team, our audio-visual crew with JP Lilly, our volunteers, our conference committee, our security team, our hospitality team, and everyone who served behind the scenes. Most of what happened today was never seen from this stage, but the Lord has seen every act of service, and we are deeply grateful for each one of you.

As you leave today, stop by the ministry tables, meet our speakers, have them sign your books, encourage our sponsors, and continue the conversations that began today.

God bless you, travel safely, and may we leave here with a shout. Let us leave here today with the cry of the early Church.

Join me with a great big ‘MARANATHA!’