Prophecy News Watch provided by Worthy Ministries
Prophecy News Watch is a service hosted by Worthy Ministries to provide Christians daily news from a Biblical, and yet Prophetic worldview. Our news is gathered by our Christian News Service, Worthy News. For more about our vision for how we assemble our daily headlines, please read, "What is Worthy News?"
Around the World
Ukraine Rejects Russia’s Call For Orthodox Christmas Truce
Ukraine on Thursday rejected Russian calls for an Orthodox Christmas cease-fire, the first such truce since war broke out in January.
EU Restricts Chinese Travel Over COVID Fears
Diplomatic tensions were rising Thursday after the European Union “strongly" urged its 27 member states to insist on “negative COVID tests” from Chinese arrivals before they travel.
Russia’s Putin Facing More Embarrassment After Deadly Strike (Worthy News Radio)
Russia's President Vladimir Putin faced more embarrassment Wednesday after one of his senior generals admitted that the unauthorized use of mobile phones caused one of Ukraine's deadliest attacks against Russian troops.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Oman parliament votes to criminalize normal relations with Israel
Dashing hopes that Oman will become the next Arab state to normalize relations with Israel, the Omani parliament on Friday went so far as to criminalize relations or interactions with “the Zionist entity,” the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.
Israel: Increased number of IDF soldiers killed or committed suicide in 2022
An increased number of soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces were killed in uniform or died by suicide in 2022 compared to the previous year, the Jerusalem Post reports.
Survey shows 40% of Israeli Americans will settle in the US
A new survey by the Israeli American Council (IAC) shows that 40% of Israeli-Americans plan to settle in the US and not return to live in Israel, the Jerusalem Post reports. According to the IAC, there are currently 800,000 Israeli citizens and their families living in the US.
Jordanian lawmaker threatens suicide bombings in defense of Al Aqsa mosque following Ben-Gvir visit
Outraged that Israel's new National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Temple Mount in Jerusalem this week, Jordanian lawmaker Yanal Abd al-Salam Nour al-Din al-Fraihat stated the following day that his countrymen would become "suicide bombers" in defense of Palestine and the Al Aqsa Mosque, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.
Inside the United States
South Carolina Supreme Court strikes down ‘heartbeat’ abortion ban
The South Carolina Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a ban on abortion after cardiac activity is detected - typically around six weeks - ruling the restriction enacted by the Deep South state violates a state constitutional right to privacy.
McCarthy appeals to holdouts as House sits in limbo
The House sat in limbo for a third day while Republicans scrapped over the speaker’s gavel, but a deal that would end the gridlock has been offered, according to allies of Rep.-elect Kevin McCarthy and sources close to the talks.
Christian News
Iran Detains Christian Converts, Prayers Urged
Iranian Christians requested prayers Thursday for Iranian Pastor Abdolreza (Matthias) Haghnejad and his wife, Anahita (Anna) Khademi, after their detention in northern Iran.
Ukraine Rejects Russia’s Call For Orthodox Christmas Truce
Ukraine on Thursday rejected Russian calls for an Orthodox Christmas cease-fire, the first such truce since war broke out in January.
EU Restricts Chinese Travel Over COVID Fears
Diplomatic tensions were rising Thursday after the European Union “strongly" urged its 27 member states to insist on “negative COVID tests” from Chinese arrivals before they travel.
Russia’s Putin Facing More Embarrassment After Deadly Strike (Worthy News Radio)
Russia's President Vladimir Putin faced more embarrassment Wednesday after one of his senior generals admitted that the unauthorized use of mobile phones caused one of Ukraine's deadliest attacks against Russian troops.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Oman parliament votes to criminalize normal relations with Israel
Dashing hopes that Oman will become the next Arab state to normalize relations with Israel, the Omani parliament on Friday went so far as to criminalize relations or interactions with “the Zionist entity,” the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.
Israel: Increased number of IDF soldiers killed or committed suicide in 2022
An increased number of soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces were killed in uniform or died by suicide in 2022 compared to the previous year, the Jerusalem Post reports.
Survey shows 40% of Israeli Americans will settle in the US
A new survey by the Israeli American Council (IAC) shows that 40% of Israeli-Americans plan to settle in the US and not return to live in Israel, the Jerusalem Post reports. According to the IAC, there are currently 800,000 Israeli citizens and their families living in the US.
Jordanian lawmaker threatens suicide bombings in defense of Al Aqsa mosque following Ben-Gvir visit
Outraged that Israel's new National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Temple Mount in Jerusalem this week, Jordanian lawmaker Yanal Abd al-Salam Nour al-Din al-Fraihat stated the following day that his countrymen would become "suicide bombers" in defense of Palestine and the Al Aqsa Mosque, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.
Inside the United States
South Carolina Supreme Court strikes down ‘heartbeat’ abortion ban
The South Carolina Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a ban on abortion after cardiac activity is detected - typically around six weeks - ruling the restriction enacted by the Deep South state violates a state constitutional right to privacy.
McCarthy appeals to holdouts as House sits in limbo
The House sat in limbo for a third day while Republicans scrapped over the speaker’s gavel, but a deal that would end the gridlock has been offered, according to allies of Rep.-elect Kevin McCarthy and sources close to the talks.
Christian News
Iran Detains Christian Converts, Prayers Urged
Iranian Christians requested prayers Thursday for Iranian Pastor Abdolreza (Matthias) Haghnejad and his wife, Anahita (Anna) Khademi, after their detention in northern Iran.
Around the World
US base in Syria hit with 2 rockets following 3rd anniversary of Soleimani killing
Two rockets struck a U.S. military base in northeastern Syria Wednesday following the 3rd anniversary of the killing of Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani by a U.S. drone strike in 2020.
U.S. Looks at Ways to Further Target Iranian Drone Production, White House Says
The United States is looking at ways to target Iranian drone production through sanctions and export controls, and is talking to private companies whose parts have been used in production, the White House said on Wednesday.
Putin sends warship armed with hypersonic cruise missiles to Atlantic
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Wednesday the deployment of a frigate armed with hypersonic Zircon cruise missiles — a type of weaponry he says has "no analogues" — to the Atlantic Ocean.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel launches new nanosatellite in quantum communication advance
Scientists from Israel’s Tel Aviv University have launched into orbit a new nanosatellite designed to advance research into quantum communication, a field of technology that aims to render information security completely unassailable by hackers, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.
Inside the United States
House rejects McCarthy for Speaker a sixth time, prompting Republicans to negotiate a deal
In a once-in-century political stalemate, the House rejected Rep. Kevin McCarthy for Speaker over six consecutive votes, prompting frustrated Republicans to break into negotiating teams Wednesday night to find a potential resolution.
The Satanic Temple plans “largest Satanic gathering in history” in Boston
The Satanic Temple (TST) has announced that its upcoming ‘SatanCon 2023’ convention in Boston, Massachusetts will be the "largest Satanic gathering in history."
FDA now allows abortion pills to be purchased from pharmacies and mail-order companies
In a move that will expand access to medical abortions in America, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday changed its rule to make abortion pills available for purchase from retail pharmacies and mail-order companies, UPI reports.
Christian News
NY Christian ministry shelters over 150 people during historic blizzard
A Christian couple leading an urban church ministry in Buffalo, New York, gave shelter to 154 people during the historic deadly blizzard which tore into the area over the 2022 Christmas weekend, the Roys Report said.
Worthy Insights
Dem Rep. Adam Schiff wanted journalist Paul Sperry’s account suspended over reporting on Trump whistleblower, Twitter Files reveals
US Rep. Adam Schiff tried to get a journalist suspended from Twitter and to have “any and all content” related to House Intelligence Committee staffers removed from the site, according to the latest document dump authorized by new owner Elon Musk.
A.I. legal assistant will help defendant fight a speeding case in court
In February, an AI from DoNotPay is set to tell a defendant exactly what to say and when during an entire court case. It is likely to be the first-ever case defended by artificial intelligence.
US base in Syria hit with 2 rockets following 3rd anniversary of Soleimani killing
Two rockets struck a U.S. military base in northeastern Syria Wednesday following the 3rd anniversary of the killing of Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani by a U.S. drone strike in 2020.
U.S. Looks at Ways to Further Target Iranian Drone Production, White House Says
The United States is looking at ways to target Iranian drone production through sanctions and export controls, and is talking to private companies whose parts have been used in production, the White House said on Wednesday.
Putin sends warship armed with hypersonic cruise missiles to Atlantic
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Wednesday the deployment of a frigate armed with hypersonic Zircon cruise missiles — a type of weaponry he says has "no analogues" — to the Atlantic Ocean.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel launches new nanosatellite in quantum communication advance
Scientists from Israel’s Tel Aviv University have launched into orbit a new nanosatellite designed to advance research into quantum communication, a field of technology that aims to render information security completely unassailable by hackers, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.
Inside the United States
House rejects McCarthy for Speaker a sixth time, prompting Republicans to negotiate a deal
In a once-in-century political stalemate, the House rejected Rep. Kevin McCarthy for Speaker over six consecutive votes, prompting frustrated Republicans to break into negotiating teams Wednesday night to find a potential resolution.
The Satanic Temple plans “largest Satanic gathering in history” in Boston
The Satanic Temple (TST) has announced that its upcoming ‘SatanCon 2023’ convention in Boston, Massachusetts will be the "largest Satanic gathering in history."
FDA now allows abortion pills to be purchased from pharmacies and mail-order companies
In a move that will expand access to medical abortions in America, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday changed its rule to make abortion pills available for purchase from retail pharmacies and mail-order companies, UPI reports.
Christian News
NY Christian ministry shelters over 150 people during historic blizzard
A Christian couple leading an urban church ministry in Buffalo, New York, gave shelter to 154 people during the historic deadly blizzard which tore into the area over the 2022 Christmas weekend, the Roys Report said.
Worthy Insights
Dem Rep. Adam Schiff wanted journalist Paul Sperry’s account suspended over reporting on Trump whistleblower, Twitter Files reveals
US Rep. Adam Schiff tried to get a journalist suspended from Twitter and to have “any and all content” related to House Intelligence Committee staffers removed from the site, according to the latest document dump authorized by new owner Elon Musk.
A.I. legal assistant will help defendant fight a speeding case in court
In February, an AI from DoNotPay is set to tell a defendant exactly what to say and when during an entire court case. It is likely to be the first-ever case defended by artificial intelligence.
Around the World
China, Russia to Boost Ties ‘At All Levels’ in 2023 Despite U.S. Pressure
Determined to thwart the ongoing efforts of the United States to simultaneously counter both of its top rivals, China and Russia have made a joint resolution to increase their cooperation on a variety of fronts in the New Year.
Russia to modernize nuclear forces in 2023, add more multi-warhead nukes
Russia is bolstering its strategic nuclear forces in 2023 with further deployment of multi-warhead nuclear missiles and further modernization of its long-range strategic bomber division, the Russian Defense Ministry announced this week.
Putin’s Military Criticized After Deadliest Ukraine Attack
Russian President Vladimir Putin faced embarrassment Tuesday after one of Ukraine’s deadliest attacks on Russian troops was reportedly caused by the unauthorized use of mobile phones.
UK set to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as terror organization
The UK is set to follow the United States in designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, Jewish News UK reports. With Tehran continually threatening the annihilation of Israel, a designation of the 250,000-strong IRGC as a terror organization has long been sought by British Jewish and pro-Israel groups.
Zelensky signs controversial law to increase governmental control of Ukrainian media
Overriding strong objections from press freedom organizations, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday signed controversial legislation granting the government increased regulatory power over Ukrainian journalism and media groups, the Hill reports. Zelensky has wanted to strengthen governmental control of the Ukrainian media since he came to office in 2019.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Ben Gvir faces dilemma as activists ask to hold Passover sacrifice on Temple Mount
A fringe religious group on Monday night asked newly installed National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir for permission to perform the Passover ritual sacrifice on the Temple Mount this coming spring.
Hezbollah chief: Middle East could ‘explode’ after Ben-Gvir’s Temple Mount visit
Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah warned on Tuesday of consequences for Israeli Cabinet member Itamar Ben-Gvir’s visit to Jerusalem’s Temple Mount.
UN Security Council slated to meet on widely decried Temple Mount visit by Ben Gvir
The United Nations Security Council will convene an emergency session to discuss firebrand National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s visit to Jerusalem’s flashpoint Temple Mount, which drew a flood of international condemnations on Tuesday, a source said Tuesday.
UN General Assembly condemned Israel more than all other countries combined last year
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed more resolutions against Israel than it passed against all other countries put together in 2022, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.
Inside the United States
Christian affiliation dominates roster of 118th Congress; majority is Protestant
A higher percentage of members of the 118th Congress, 88%, identify as Christian than the share of Christians in the U.S. population, which stands at 63%, a Pew Research Center analysis revealed Tuesday.
Bomb Cyclone to Hit California Days After Deadly Floods
California is set to get battered by another intense rainstorm, just days after a previous storm caused severe flooding throughout the Golden State.
US House Adjourns After Not Electing Speaker
The U.S. House of Representatives adjourned Tuesday after failing three times to elect a Speaker in a development not seen for a century.
S&P 500 companies suffer worst losses since 2008 global financial meltdown
Stocks saw their worst performance since the 2008 global financial crisis as the Standard & Poor's 500 Index fell 10 points to close at 3,840 by the end of 2022, CBS News reports. A market-capitalization-weighted index of 500 leading US publicly traded companies and a key gauge of the stock market overall; the S&P 500 index was down 19.4% by the end of last year.
Christian News
Pakistan Christians Help Family Of Raped, Killed Widow
Christians in Pakistan said Tuesday they will support five orphans left behind after their widowed mother was gang raped and killed by five suspected Muslim men, now in custody.
Worthy Insights
Why Elon Musk’s ‘X App’ could be an even bigger headache for D.C. than Twitter
Even before Elon Musk’s dramatic and controversial takeover of Twitter, the restless mogul was pitching the social-media company as his key to realizing a much bigger dream.
China, Russia to Boost Ties ‘At All Levels’ in 2023 Despite U.S. Pressure
Determined to thwart the ongoing efforts of the United States to simultaneously counter both of its top rivals, China and Russia have made a joint resolution to increase their cooperation on a variety of fronts in the New Year.
Russia to modernize nuclear forces in 2023, add more multi-warhead nukes
Russia is bolstering its strategic nuclear forces in 2023 with further deployment of multi-warhead nuclear missiles and further modernization of its long-range strategic bomber division, the Russian Defense Ministry announced this week.
Putin’s Military Criticized After Deadliest Ukraine Attack
Russian President Vladimir Putin faced embarrassment Tuesday after one of Ukraine’s deadliest attacks on Russian troops was reportedly caused by the unauthorized use of mobile phones.
UK set to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as terror organization
The UK is set to follow the United States in designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, Jewish News UK reports. With Tehran continually threatening the annihilation of Israel, a designation of the 250,000-strong IRGC as a terror organization has long been sought by British Jewish and pro-Israel groups.
Zelensky signs controversial law to increase governmental control of Ukrainian media
Overriding strong objections from press freedom organizations, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday signed controversial legislation granting the government increased regulatory power over Ukrainian journalism and media groups, the Hill reports. Zelensky has wanted to strengthen governmental control of the Ukrainian media since he came to office in 2019.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Ben Gvir faces dilemma as activists ask to hold Passover sacrifice on Temple Mount
A fringe religious group on Monday night asked newly installed National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir for permission to perform the Passover ritual sacrifice on the Temple Mount this coming spring.
Hezbollah chief: Middle East could ‘explode’ after Ben-Gvir’s Temple Mount visit
Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah warned on Tuesday of consequences for Israeli Cabinet member Itamar Ben-Gvir’s visit to Jerusalem’s Temple Mount.
UN Security Council slated to meet on widely decried Temple Mount visit by Ben Gvir
The United Nations Security Council will convene an emergency session to discuss firebrand National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s visit to Jerusalem’s flashpoint Temple Mount, which drew a flood of international condemnations on Tuesday, a source said Tuesday.
UN General Assembly condemned Israel more than all other countries combined last year
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed more resolutions against Israel than it passed against all other countries put together in 2022, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.
Inside the United States
Christian affiliation dominates roster of 118th Congress; majority is Protestant
A higher percentage of members of the 118th Congress, 88%, identify as Christian than the share of Christians in the U.S. population, which stands at 63%, a Pew Research Center analysis revealed Tuesday.
Bomb Cyclone to Hit California Days After Deadly Floods
California is set to get battered by another intense rainstorm, just days after a previous storm caused severe flooding throughout the Golden State.
US House Adjourns After Not Electing Speaker
The U.S. House of Representatives adjourned Tuesday after failing three times to elect a Speaker in a development not seen for a century.
S&P 500 companies suffer worst losses since 2008 global financial meltdown
Stocks saw their worst performance since the 2008 global financial crisis as the Standard & Poor's 500 Index fell 10 points to close at 3,840 by the end of 2022, CBS News reports. A market-capitalization-weighted index of 500 leading US publicly traded companies and a key gauge of the stock market overall; the S&P 500 index was down 19.4% by the end of last year.
Christian News
Pakistan Christians Help Family Of Raped, Killed Widow
Christians in Pakistan said Tuesday they will support five orphans left behind after their widowed mother was gang raped and killed by five suspected Muslim men, now in custody.
Worthy Insights
Why Elon Musk’s ‘X App’ could be an even bigger headache for D.C. than Twitter
Even before Elon Musk’s dramatic and controversial takeover of Twitter, the restless mogul was pitching the social-media company as his key to realizing a much bigger dream.