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
Trump to cut troop levels in Afghanistan but stops short of full withdrawal
President Donald Trump will sharply reduce the number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan from 4,500 to 2,500 by mid-January, the Pentagon announced on Tuesday, stopping short of a threatened full withdrawal from America’s longest war after fierce opposition from allies at home and abroad.
Iran warns of ‘crushing response’ after Trump said to mull strikes on nuke sites
Iran warned on Tuesday of a “crushing response” in the wake of reports US President Donald Trump convened top advisers last week to ask if he had options to strike Iranian nuclear sites during his final weeks in office.
How did Iran, al-Qaeda end up in bed together?
This would seem to be all the truer about the most radical and fanatical Sunnis, al-Qaeda, and their counterpart fanatical Shi’ites, the Iranian regime.
Hurricane Iota hits Nicaragua, sparks warning of flash floods and landslides in parts of Central America
A powerful Hurricane Iota made landfall on the coast of Nicaragua late Monday, sparking warnings of a life-threatening storm surge and flash flooding in a region recently battered by Hurricane Eta.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF launches airstrikes against Iranian Quds Force in Syria
The Israel Defense Forces attacked Iranian and Syrian targets in Syria early Wednesday morning in response to explosives troops uncovered on Israel’s border with Syria on Tuesday.
Over 50% of Israelis would not agree to be vaccinated against COVID-19
More than half of Israelis (52%) say they “think they would not” or are “convinced they would not” be vaccinated against the coronavirus if a vaccine becomes widely available, according to a new survey by the Israel Democracy Institute.
Inside the United States
Trump Fires DHS Cyber Official, Disputing His Evaluation of the 2020 Election
President Trump in a Tuesday evening tweet fired the head of the Department of Homeland Security division responsible for election security, drawing strong criticism from Democrats, and an unapologetic response from the targeted official himself.
Zuckerberg asked during Senate hearing whether Facebook coordinates censorship with Twitter, Google
Sen. Josh Hawley questioned Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday about whether the social media giant coordinates content moderation with fellow tech giants Google and Twitter.
US successfully conducts test to intercept missile via ship for first time
The United States successfully used a ship-fired missile to intercept an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, or ICBM, in a first-of-its-kind test, according to the Missile Defense Agency.
Dominion confirms Clinton Foundation donation, Pelosi staffer tie but disputes other claims
Election tech company Dominion Voting Systems is rebutting assorted claims of partisan bias and voting manipulation in the 2020 election, including rumors of a secret U.S. military raid on purported servers in Germany and ownership interests and other influence in the firm by prominent Democratic families. At the same time, Dominion has confirmed reports it made a donation to the Clinton Foundation and hired a former Nancy Pelosi staffer as a lobbyist.
Senate passes Anti-Doping bill
The US Senate passed an anti-doping bill Monday that would allow American officials to seek criminal charges against people involved in doping at international sports events in which US athletes, sponsors, or broadcasters are participants, DW reports. While the bill is expected to be signed by President Trump, The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has expressed its concerns that the bill does not apply to US professional and collegiate sports leagues: the original draft bill included these domestic leagues.
Christian News
UK Evangelicals unsettled as Church of England announces near-future “decision” on same-sex marriage doctrine
The Church of England (CofE) has promised a “decision-making” process on sexuality doctrine, which may result in its approval of same-sex marriage by 2022, CBN News reports. The CofE Evangelical Council has said it will engage with the process but has warned of the need for obedience to Scripture.
Cuban government authorities demolish Assemblies of God church building and block other churches from opening
Government officials in Cuba have demolished an Assemblies of God church building and are preventing other churches from opening again after COVID-19 measures were lifted, Morning Star News reported Sunday. The Cuban government claimed the building was demolished to lay piping for a cement plant, but such infrastructure would have required the destruction of local homes and the relocation of residents: none of this has happened.
Nigerian Bible Translators Asking for Help as Pandemic, Terrorist Attacks on Christians, and Economic Collapse Halt Work
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, reports that Nigerian Bible translators are asking for help after suspending Bible translation projects in 30 languages.
Hungary Warns Of Christian Persecution in Europe
Hungary’s anti-migration government has warned that surging Christian persecution must end worldwide, including in Europe, which faced several Islamic terror attacks.
Trump to cut troop levels in Afghanistan but stops short of full withdrawal
President Donald Trump will sharply reduce the number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan from 4,500 to 2,500 by mid-January, the Pentagon announced on Tuesday, stopping short of a threatened full withdrawal from America’s longest war after fierce opposition from allies at home and abroad.
Iran warns of ‘crushing response’ after Trump said to mull strikes on nuke sites
Iran warned on Tuesday of a “crushing response” in the wake of reports US President Donald Trump convened top advisers last week to ask if he had options to strike Iranian nuclear sites during his final weeks in office.
How did Iran, al-Qaeda end up in bed together?
This would seem to be all the truer about the most radical and fanatical Sunnis, al-Qaeda, and their counterpart fanatical Shi’ites, the Iranian regime.
Hurricane Iota hits Nicaragua, sparks warning of flash floods and landslides in parts of Central America
A powerful Hurricane Iota made landfall on the coast of Nicaragua late Monday, sparking warnings of a life-threatening storm surge and flash flooding in a region recently battered by Hurricane Eta.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
IDF launches airstrikes against Iranian Quds Force in Syria
The Israel Defense Forces attacked Iranian and Syrian targets in Syria early Wednesday morning in response to explosives troops uncovered on Israel’s border with Syria on Tuesday.
Over 50% of Israelis would not agree to be vaccinated against COVID-19
More than half of Israelis (52%) say they “think they would not” or are “convinced they would not” be vaccinated against the coronavirus if a vaccine becomes widely available, according to a new survey by the Israel Democracy Institute.
Inside the United States
Trump Fires DHS Cyber Official, Disputing His Evaluation of the 2020 Election
President Trump in a Tuesday evening tweet fired the head of the Department of Homeland Security division responsible for election security, drawing strong criticism from Democrats, and an unapologetic response from the targeted official himself.
Zuckerberg asked during Senate hearing whether Facebook coordinates censorship with Twitter, Google
Sen. Josh Hawley questioned Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday about whether the social media giant coordinates content moderation with fellow tech giants Google and Twitter.
US successfully conducts test to intercept missile via ship for first time
The United States successfully used a ship-fired missile to intercept an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, or ICBM, in a first-of-its-kind test, according to the Missile Defense Agency.
Dominion confirms Clinton Foundation donation, Pelosi staffer tie but disputes other claims
Election tech company Dominion Voting Systems is rebutting assorted claims of partisan bias and voting manipulation in the 2020 election, including rumors of a secret U.S. military raid on purported servers in Germany and ownership interests and other influence in the firm by prominent Democratic families. At the same time, Dominion has confirmed reports it made a donation to the Clinton Foundation and hired a former Nancy Pelosi staffer as a lobbyist.
Senate passes Anti-Doping bill
The US Senate passed an anti-doping bill Monday that would allow American officials to seek criminal charges against people involved in doping at international sports events in which US athletes, sponsors, or broadcasters are participants, DW reports. While the bill is expected to be signed by President Trump, The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has expressed its concerns that the bill does not apply to US professional and collegiate sports leagues: the original draft bill included these domestic leagues.
Christian News
UK Evangelicals unsettled as Church of England announces near-future “decision” on same-sex marriage doctrine
The Church of England (CofE) has promised a “decision-making” process on sexuality doctrine, which may result in its approval of same-sex marriage by 2022, CBN News reports. The CofE Evangelical Council has said it will engage with the process but has warned of the need for obedience to Scripture.
Cuban government authorities demolish Assemblies of God church building and block other churches from opening
Government officials in Cuba have demolished an Assemblies of God church building and are preventing other churches from opening again after COVID-19 measures were lifted, Morning Star News reported Sunday. The Cuban government claimed the building was demolished to lay piping for a cement plant, but such infrastructure would have required the destruction of local homes and the relocation of residents: none of this has happened.
Nigerian Bible Translators Asking for Help as Pandemic, Terrorist Attacks on Christians, and Economic Collapse Halt Work
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, reports that Nigerian Bible translators are asking for help after suspending Bible translation projects in 30 languages.
Hungary Warns Of Christian Persecution in Europe
Hungary’s anti-migration government has warned that surging Christian persecution must end worldwide, including in Europe, which faced several Islamic terror attacks.
Around the World
Pro-Western Candidate Wins Moldova’s Presidential Election
Pro-western opposition candidate Maia Sandu has won Moldova's presidential election after a run-off vote against incumbent Igor Dodon, who was openly supported by Russia.
Hungary, Poland Block EU Budget And Coronavirus Rescue
Hungary and Poland blocked approval of the European Union’s 1.8 trillion-euro ($2.1 trillion) budget and coronavirus rescue package after accusing the bloc of interfering in their domestic affairs.
Hurricane Iota bears down on Central America as 'catastrophic' Category 5 storm
Hurricane Iota made landfall in Nicaragua on Monday evening after strengthening to an incredibly powerful Category 5 storm. Several other Central American countries also braced for the storm's impact.
2,500 year old coffins, Mummies and golden statues discovered in Cairo
Egyptian officials have announced the striking discovery of almost 100 ancient coffins, some with mummies inside them, and around 40 golden statues in Cairo’s Pharaonic necropolis, Sky News reports. The findings are being temporarily exhibited by the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel archaeologists discover fortress dating back to King David era
Archaeologists in Israel have discovered an ancient fortress from the time of King David, the Christian Post reports. Announcing the discovery, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said the fortress was found during preparatory work for a new residential area in the Golan region.
U.S., Israel Could Have Some Surprises Up Their Sleeves In Final Weeks Of Trump Administration: Report
The United States and Israel could have some potential surprises waiting in store for Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, in the final weeks of the Trump administration, including the possibility of launching strikes against a nuclear facility.
Inside the United States
Lou Dobbs: 'Highly reliable source' says FBI investigating 2020 election results
Fox Business host Lou Dobbs said he received word that the FBI is investigating the 2020 election.
Americans across party lines, regions embrace marijuana
The 2020 election helped prove how broadly accepted marijuana has become throughout the United States, with measures to legalize recreational pot also breezing to victory in progressive New Jersey, moderate Arizona and conservative Montana. Fifteen states have now broadly legalized it, while 36 states allow medical marijuana.
Christian News
Britain Churches: ‘Authorities Use Pandemic To Limit Christian Worship’
Churches in several parts of Britain have told a court that authorities misuse the coronavirus pandemic to restrict Christian worship.
In Places Where Bible Ownership Is Illegal, Wycliffe Associates Is Helping Christians Print Translated Scriptures for Themselves
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, is providing equipment for Christians to print the Scriptures in their own language in places where it’s illegal to own a Bible.
More than 120 church leaders take legal action against UK government lockdown
UK church leaders are launching a legal challenge against the British government for what they describe as an “unlawful” COVID-19 ban on worship services, the Christian Post reports. Britain has been placed back under a second lockdown until December 2, with over 1.3 million coronavirus cases and more than 51,000 COVID-19 related deaths.
Pro-Western Candidate Wins Moldova’s Presidential Election
Pro-western opposition candidate Maia Sandu has won Moldova's presidential election after a run-off vote against incumbent Igor Dodon, who was openly supported by Russia.
Hungary, Poland Block EU Budget And Coronavirus Rescue
Hungary and Poland blocked approval of the European Union’s 1.8 trillion-euro ($2.1 trillion) budget and coronavirus rescue package after accusing the bloc of interfering in their domestic affairs.
Hurricane Iota bears down on Central America as 'catastrophic' Category 5 storm
Hurricane Iota made landfall in Nicaragua on Monday evening after strengthening to an incredibly powerful Category 5 storm. Several other Central American countries also braced for the storm's impact.
2,500 year old coffins, Mummies and golden statues discovered in Cairo
Egyptian officials have announced the striking discovery of almost 100 ancient coffins, some with mummies inside them, and around 40 golden statues in Cairo’s Pharaonic necropolis, Sky News reports. The findings are being temporarily exhibited by the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel archaeologists discover fortress dating back to King David era
Archaeologists in Israel have discovered an ancient fortress from the time of King David, the Christian Post reports. Announcing the discovery, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said the fortress was found during preparatory work for a new residential area in the Golan region.
U.S., Israel Could Have Some Surprises Up Their Sleeves In Final Weeks Of Trump Administration: Report
The United States and Israel could have some potential surprises waiting in store for Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, in the final weeks of the Trump administration, including the possibility of launching strikes against a nuclear facility.
Inside the United States
Lou Dobbs: 'Highly reliable source' says FBI investigating 2020 election results
Fox Business host Lou Dobbs said he received word that the FBI is investigating the 2020 election.
Americans across party lines, regions embrace marijuana
The 2020 election helped prove how broadly accepted marijuana has become throughout the United States, with measures to legalize recreational pot also breezing to victory in progressive New Jersey, moderate Arizona and conservative Montana. Fifteen states have now broadly legalized it, while 36 states allow medical marijuana.
Christian News
Britain Churches: ‘Authorities Use Pandemic To Limit Christian Worship’
Churches in several parts of Britain have told a court that authorities misuse the coronavirus pandemic to restrict Christian worship.
In Places Where Bible Ownership Is Illegal, Wycliffe Associates Is Helping Christians Print Translated Scriptures for Themselves
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, is providing equipment for Christians to print the Scriptures in their own language in places where it’s illegal to own a Bible.
More than 120 church leaders take legal action against UK government lockdown
UK church leaders are launching a legal challenge against the British government for what they describe as an “unlawful” COVID-19 ban on worship services, the Christian Post reports. Britain has been placed back under a second lockdown until December 2, with over 1.3 million coronavirus cases and more than 51,000 COVID-19 related deaths.
Around the World
Europe Faces Christmas Hurdles Over Coronavirus Pandemic
European leaders say their citizens should prepare for a bleak winter as the coronavirus rages across nations. Countries from West to East Europe warned it is too early to plan for Christmas travel because COVID-19 cases continue to rise.
ASEAN, China, other partners sign world's biggest trade pact
China and 14 other countries agreed Sunday to set up the world’s largest trading bloc, encompassing nearly a third of all economic activity, in a deal many in Asia are hoping will help hasten a recovery from the shocks of the pandemic.
Brexit: Trade deal 'may not succeed' before year end
The U.K.’s chief Brexit negotiator said Sunday before renewed talks that a trade deal with the European Union may not succeed, but he was still hopeful of a resolution.
Abu Mohammed al-Masri, Al Qaeda's No. 2, killed in US-Israel joint operation in Iran
The United States and Israel worked together to track and kill a senior Al Qaeda operative in Iran earlier this year, a bold intelligence operation by the two allied nations that came as the Trump administration was ramping up pressure on Tehran.
Pompeo arrives in Paris, kicking off 7-country tour
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Paris Saturday for the first stop on a planned seven-country tour.
Iran to Block Inspectors at Nuclear Sites
Iran will reduce the access international nuclear inspectors have to its sites following a new watchdog report indicating Tehran is stockpiling more than 12 times the amount of enriched uranium allowed under the 2015 nuclear agreement.
Strong typhoon leaves 42 dead, 20 missing in Philippines
Thick mud and debris coated many villages around the Philippine capital on Friday after a typhoon killed at least 42 people and caused extensive flooding that sent people fleeing to their roofs, officials said.
China 'Congratulates' Biden On U.S. 'Election Victory'
China on Friday "congratulated" Joe Biden with his claimed victory in the November 3 presidential elections, despite ongoing White House investigations into reported voter fraud.
France Troops Kill Top al-Qaida leader in Mali
France said Friday its forces had killed the top leader of the al-Qaida terror group in Mali known for killing civilians, including many Christians.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Are Israel and the US planning to attack Iran?
The speculation has a number of catalysts. First was the firing of Mark Esper as secretary of defense this past week and the replacement of him and other top Pentagon officials with Trump ideologues. Some media outlets in the US have raised the possibility that Trump wanted to get Esper out of the way, so he could more easily carry out controversial military moves.
Arabs states draw closer to Israel to counter defiant Turkey, Iran
The decision by three Arab states to make peace with Israel can be credited both to efforts by the White House under US President Donald Trump administration and the recognition by these Sunni states that doing so would bolster their security against ongoing threats from Turkey and Iran.
Netanyahu announces purchase of 4 million vaccines by January
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday an agreement to purchase 4 million vaccines from Pfizer as early as January, an agreement that will cost well over $200 million and remains subject to the vaccine receiving approval in the United States.
Archaeologists find 1,000 year-old coins in Jerusalem
Israeli archaeologists have unearthed a jar containing 1,000-year-old coins in the Old City of Jerusalem, CBN News reports. Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) inspector Yevgenia Kapil made the discovery during preliminary digging for a Western Wall elevator installation in October.
Inside the United States
House of Representatives will have at least 26 pro-life Republican congresswomen next year
Following the November 3 election, at least 15 new pro-life Republican congresswomen will enter the House of Representatives, CNS News reports. The newcomers will join the 11 incumbent congresswomen who have been re-elected.
Thousands flock to pro-Trump rallies in D.C.
Thousands of supporters for President Trump filled Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C., on Saturday as several rallies took place speaking out against what they see as widespread vote fraud throwing the election to presumptive President-elect Joseph R. Biden.
October federal deficit is a record high
The federal budget deficit last month was $284 billion, the highest for any October, the Treasury Department reported Thursday.
Acting Secretary of Defense: 'We are not a people of perpetual war'
Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller in a letter Friday to the Defense Department stated that the end America's nearly two-decade-long war with Al Qaeda is close, and that the U.S. is looking to "transition our efforts from a leadership to supporting role" in that conflict.
Christian News
Azerbaijan President Pledges To Protect Churches As Armenians Flee Nagorno-Karabakh
The president of Azerbaijan has pledged that Christian churches will be protected when his strongly Muslim nation takes over control of areas in the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. Ilham Aliyev spoke as thousands of predominantly Christian Armenians fled several areas in the enclave leaving behind torched homes.
Christians providing humanitarian relief in typhoon-bashed Philippines
A Christian group is providing urgent relief to those affected by devastating typhoons in the Philippines, CBN News reports. Aid workers from Operation Blessing, an international Christian humanitarian organization, are currently giving disaster relief to residents in the Bicol and Metro Manila regions of the country.
Europe Faces Christmas Hurdles Over Coronavirus Pandemic
European leaders say their citizens should prepare for a bleak winter as the coronavirus rages across nations. Countries from West to East Europe warned it is too early to plan for Christmas travel because COVID-19 cases continue to rise.
ASEAN, China, other partners sign world's biggest trade pact
China and 14 other countries agreed Sunday to set up the world’s largest trading bloc, encompassing nearly a third of all economic activity, in a deal many in Asia are hoping will help hasten a recovery from the shocks of the pandemic.
Brexit: Trade deal 'may not succeed' before year end
The U.K.’s chief Brexit negotiator said Sunday before renewed talks that a trade deal with the European Union may not succeed, but he was still hopeful of a resolution.
Abu Mohammed al-Masri, Al Qaeda's No. 2, killed in US-Israel joint operation in Iran
The United States and Israel worked together to track and kill a senior Al Qaeda operative in Iran earlier this year, a bold intelligence operation by the two allied nations that came as the Trump administration was ramping up pressure on Tehran.
Pompeo arrives in Paris, kicking off 7-country tour
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Paris Saturday for the first stop on a planned seven-country tour.
Iran to Block Inspectors at Nuclear Sites
Iran will reduce the access international nuclear inspectors have to its sites following a new watchdog report indicating Tehran is stockpiling more than 12 times the amount of enriched uranium allowed under the 2015 nuclear agreement.
Strong typhoon leaves 42 dead, 20 missing in Philippines
Thick mud and debris coated many villages around the Philippine capital on Friday after a typhoon killed at least 42 people and caused extensive flooding that sent people fleeing to their roofs, officials said.
China 'Congratulates' Biden On U.S. 'Election Victory'
China on Friday "congratulated" Joe Biden with his claimed victory in the November 3 presidential elections, despite ongoing White House investigations into reported voter fraud.
France Troops Kill Top al-Qaida leader in Mali
France said Friday its forces had killed the top leader of the al-Qaida terror group in Mali known for killing civilians, including many Christians.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Are Israel and the US planning to attack Iran?
The speculation has a number of catalysts. First was the firing of Mark Esper as secretary of defense this past week and the replacement of him and other top Pentagon officials with Trump ideologues. Some media outlets in the US have raised the possibility that Trump wanted to get Esper out of the way, so he could more easily carry out controversial military moves.
Arabs states draw closer to Israel to counter defiant Turkey, Iran
The decision by three Arab states to make peace with Israel can be credited both to efforts by the White House under US President Donald Trump administration and the recognition by these Sunni states that doing so would bolster their security against ongoing threats from Turkey and Iran.
Netanyahu announces purchase of 4 million vaccines by January
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday an agreement to purchase 4 million vaccines from Pfizer as early as January, an agreement that will cost well over $200 million and remains subject to the vaccine receiving approval in the United States.
Archaeologists find 1,000 year-old coins in Jerusalem
Israeli archaeologists have unearthed a jar containing 1,000-year-old coins in the Old City of Jerusalem, CBN News reports. Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) inspector Yevgenia Kapil made the discovery during preliminary digging for a Western Wall elevator installation in October.
Inside the United States
House of Representatives will have at least 26 pro-life Republican congresswomen next year
Following the November 3 election, at least 15 new pro-life Republican congresswomen will enter the House of Representatives, CNS News reports. The newcomers will join the 11 incumbent congresswomen who have been re-elected.
Thousands flock to pro-Trump rallies in D.C.
Thousands of supporters for President Trump filled Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C., on Saturday as several rallies took place speaking out against what they see as widespread vote fraud throwing the election to presumptive President-elect Joseph R. Biden.
October federal deficit is a record high
The federal budget deficit last month was $284 billion, the highest for any October, the Treasury Department reported Thursday.
Acting Secretary of Defense: 'We are not a people of perpetual war'
Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller in a letter Friday to the Defense Department stated that the end America's nearly two-decade-long war with Al Qaeda is close, and that the U.S. is looking to "transition our efforts from a leadership to supporting role" in that conflict.
Christian News
Azerbaijan President Pledges To Protect Churches As Armenians Flee Nagorno-Karabakh
The president of Azerbaijan has pledged that Christian churches will be protected when his strongly Muslim nation takes over control of areas in the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. Ilham Aliyev spoke as thousands of predominantly Christian Armenians fled several areas in the enclave leaving behind torched homes.
Christians providing humanitarian relief in typhoon-bashed Philippines
A Christian group is providing urgent relief to those affected by devastating typhoons in the Philippines, CBN News reports. Aid workers from Operation Blessing, an international Christian humanitarian organization, are currently giving disaster relief to residents in the Bicol and Metro Manila regions of the country.