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
FBI Director says Chinese Government is greatest threat to US
The head of the FBI has made a speech affirming that it is now the Chinese Government and Communist Party which pose the greatest threat to the US. In remarks delivered at the Hudson Institute in Washington DC Tuesday, Christopher Wray said: “The greatest long-term threat to our nation’s information and intellectual property, and to our economic vitality, is the counterintelligence and economic espionage threat from China. It’s a threat to our economic security—and by extension, to our national security.”
Pompeo Says US Seized Iranian Weapons on Way to Houthi Rebels in Yemen
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on Wednesday that US and “partner” forces seized a boat in June carrying Iranian weapons to Houthi rebels in Yemen as he renewed his call for the UN Security Council to extend an arms embargo on Iran.
Russia says Turkey tested its S-400s on US F-16 jets
Turkey, a member of NATO, tested the Russian-made S-400 air defense system on US-made F-16 jets during a drill in November 2019, Russia’s state media TASS has reported. The use of the S-400 against the F-16s was already reported last year, but the new details from Russian media appear to cement the claim and infer that something more was going on in those tests.
Serbia Struggles With Coronavirus Uprising Against Autocratic President
Serbia was facing broader civil unrest Wednesday as security forces struggled to contain angry crowds demanding the resignation of autocratic President Aleksandar Vucic.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
British PM concerned about annexation, asks Netanyahu to negotiate with Palestinians
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he is concerned about Israel’s plan to annex parts of the West Bank, the Jerusalem Post reports. In a phone call Tuesday, Johnson said annexation would hinder the prospect of peace in the region and asked the Israeli PM to return to negotiations with the Palestinians.
Annexation can still happen in July, US source tells ‘Post’
The White House peace team is expected to further discuss how to implement its Middle East vision on Wednesday, a person familiar with the discussions told The Jerusalem Post.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court expands protections for religious schools from nondiscrimination laws
The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that religious schools are allowed to fire religion teachers for any reason they wish, a major expansion of protections for religious institutions against nondiscrimination laws.
Supreme Court rules for Little Sisters of the Poor in long-running dispute over birth control mandate
The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the Little Sisters of the Poor are exempt from an Obama-era mandate to provide contraception in their healthcare plans, an outcome regarded as a major victory by religious liberty advocates.
Christian News
Media must do more to report on murderous violence against Christians in Nigeria
The EYN Church of the Brethren, the largest Christian denomination in northeast Nigeria, has reported that over 8,370 of its members have been killed and more than 700,000 displaced by Boko Haram terrorists in the country, CSW News reports. In a statement made on July 2, EYN National President Reverend Joel Billi said that from the end of 2019 to June 2020 alone there had been fifty attacks on different communities – and that these were largely “unreported or under-reported by both the print and electronic media.”
FBI Director says Chinese Government is greatest threat to US
The head of the FBI has made a speech affirming that it is now the Chinese Government and Communist Party which pose the greatest threat to the US. In remarks delivered at the Hudson Institute in Washington DC Tuesday, Christopher Wray said: “The greatest long-term threat to our nation’s information and intellectual property, and to our economic vitality, is the counterintelligence and economic espionage threat from China. It’s a threat to our economic security—and by extension, to our national security.”
Pompeo Says US Seized Iranian Weapons on Way to Houthi Rebels in Yemen
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on Wednesday that US and “partner” forces seized a boat in June carrying Iranian weapons to Houthi rebels in Yemen as he renewed his call for the UN Security Council to extend an arms embargo on Iran.
Russia says Turkey tested its S-400s on US F-16 jets
Turkey, a member of NATO, tested the Russian-made S-400 air defense system on US-made F-16 jets during a drill in November 2019, Russia’s state media TASS has reported. The use of the S-400 against the F-16s was already reported last year, but the new details from Russian media appear to cement the claim and infer that something more was going on in those tests.
Serbia Struggles With Coronavirus Uprising Against Autocratic President
Serbia was facing broader civil unrest Wednesday as security forces struggled to contain angry crowds demanding the resignation of autocratic President Aleksandar Vucic.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
British PM concerned about annexation, asks Netanyahu to negotiate with Palestinians
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he is concerned about Israel’s plan to annex parts of the West Bank, the Jerusalem Post reports. In a phone call Tuesday, Johnson said annexation would hinder the prospect of peace in the region and asked the Israeli PM to return to negotiations with the Palestinians.
Annexation can still happen in July, US source tells ‘Post’
The White House peace team is expected to further discuss how to implement its Middle East vision on Wednesday, a person familiar with the discussions told The Jerusalem Post.
Inside the United States
Supreme Court expands protections for religious schools from nondiscrimination laws
The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that religious schools are allowed to fire religion teachers for any reason they wish, a major expansion of protections for religious institutions against nondiscrimination laws.
Supreme Court rules for Little Sisters of the Poor in long-running dispute over birth control mandate
The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the Little Sisters of the Poor are exempt from an Obama-era mandate to provide contraception in their healthcare plans, an outcome regarded as a major victory by religious liberty advocates.
Christian News
Media must do more to report on murderous violence against Christians in Nigeria
The EYN Church of the Brethren, the largest Christian denomination in northeast Nigeria, has reported that over 8,370 of its members have been killed and more than 700,000 displaced by Boko Haram terrorists in the country, CSW News reports. In a statement made on July 2, EYN National President Reverend Joel Billi said that from the end of 2019 to June 2020 alone there had been fifty attacks on different communities – and that these were largely “unreported or under-reported by both the print and electronic media.”
Around the World
US notifies UN of withdrawal from World Health Organization
The Trump administration has formally notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, although the pullout won’t take effect until next year, meaning it could be rescinded under a new administration or if circumstances change.
Another explosion in Iran
The latest in a series of unexplained blasts at sensitive sites in Iran, a further explosion reportedly killed two people and injured three at a factory in Tehran early Tuesday morning, the Times of Israel (ToI) reports. A local governor stated the blast was caused by human error but some have suggested it may be part of sustained sabotage campaign.
North Korea Rejects Meeting US Amid Nuclear Standoff
North Korea has warned Washington that it has "no intention" of meeting with the United States to discuss issues such as stalled nuclear diplomacy.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Nasrallah says Hezbollah ‘ready to do anything’ to prevent annexation
The leader of the Iran-backed Hezbollah terror group on Tuesday vowed to prevent Israel’s annexation of parts of the West Bank.
Iran says world ‘must respond’ to Israel after blast at nuclear site
Iran on Tuesday called for action against Israel, following a recent blast at the Natanz nuclear facility that has been blamed on the Jewish state.
Likud Surges in Recent Polls
A new poll shows that if Israeli elections were held today, the Likud party led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would remain the most popular party, with Benny Gantz’s Blue and White party trailing in fourth place, Israel News reported. The poll conducted by Professor Yitzhak Katz of Maagar Mochot for 103 FM Radio showed Likud would win 38 seats, Yesh Atid-Telem 17 seats, the Joint Arab List 15 seats, and Blue and White 10 seats.
Inside the United States
Federal Reserve Admits There Is A Coin Shortage
The Federal Reserve announced on June 11th that COVID-19 had caused a disruption in the normal flow and distribution of circulation of US coinage. The following week, Jerome Powell, the head of the Federal Reserve, spoke before the US House Committee of Financial Services. He informed the members that the partial shutdown had created a stoppage of the flow of coins in our economy. Consequently, some retailers are asking customers to use exact change. Mr. Powell also shared that he believes the condition will be only temporary because the economy is opening back up.
Michigan bill allows companies to implant microchips in volunteer employees
On 24 June, the Michigan House of Representatives passed a controversial bipartisan bill allowing companies to implant a microchip in employees who agree to it, Zero Hedge reports. The stated aim of the bill is to improve business efficiency while protecting employee privacy. Under the bill, only those in agreement can be given a chip and employers cannot make it mandatory. The bill now passes to the state Senate for consideration.
Christian News
India Christians Flee As Mob Attacks Prayer House
Christian villagers in rural northern India have reportedly fled their homes after an angry mob attacked their prayer house and threatened to kill or rape believers. Five suspects were briefly detained, but violence continued, rights activists told Worthy News.
Wycliffe Associates Providing Technology That Makes the Bible Accessible for Oral Cultures and for Those Who Can’t Read
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, has received requests for 479 Bible Translation Recording Kits (BTRKs) that make it possible to complete an entire recorded translation of the Bible.
Standoff Over Leaflets, Bibles Send Into North Korea
A standoff over information leaflets and Bibles being sent by defectors and Christian groups into North Korea has flared up again.
US notifies UN of withdrawal from World Health Organization
The Trump administration has formally notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, although the pullout won’t take effect until next year, meaning it could be rescinded under a new administration or if circumstances change.
Another explosion in Iran
The latest in a series of unexplained blasts at sensitive sites in Iran, a further explosion reportedly killed two people and injured three at a factory in Tehran early Tuesday morning, the Times of Israel (ToI) reports. A local governor stated the blast was caused by human error but some have suggested it may be part of sustained sabotage campaign.
North Korea Rejects Meeting US Amid Nuclear Standoff
North Korea has warned Washington that it has "no intention" of meeting with the United States to discuss issues such as stalled nuclear diplomacy.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Nasrallah says Hezbollah ‘ready to do anything’ to prevent annexation
The leader of the Iran-backed Hezbollah terror group on Tuesday vowed to prevent Israel’s annexation of parts of the West Bank.
Iran says world ‘must respond’ to Israel after blast at nuclear site
Iran on Tuesday called for action against Israel, following a recent blast at the Natanz nuclear facility that has been blamed on the Jewish state.
Likud Surges in Recent Polls
A new poll shows that if Israeli elections were held today, the Likud party led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would remain the most popular party, with Benny Gantz’s Blue and White party trailing in fourth place, Israel News reported. The poll conducted by Professor Yitzhak Katz of Maagar Mochot for 103 FM Radio showed Likud would win 38 seats, Yesh Atid-Telem 17 seats, the Joint Arab List 15 seats, and Blue and White 10 seats.
Inside the United States
Federal Reserve Admits There Is A Coin Shortage
The Federal Reserve announced on June 11th that COVID-19 had caused a disruption in the normal flow and distribution of circulation of US coinage. The following week, Jerome Powell, the head of the Federal Reserve, spoke before the US House Committee of Financial Services. He informed the members that the partial shutdown had created a stoppage of the flow of coins in our economy. Consequently, some retailers are asking customers to use exact change. Mr. Powell also shared that he believes the condition will be only temporary because the economy is opening back up.
Michigan bill allows companies to implant microchips in volunteer employees
On 24 June, the Michigan House of Representatives passed a controversial bipartisan bill allowing companies to implant a microchip in employees who agree to it, Zero Hedge reports. The stated aim of the bill is to improve business efficiency while protecting employee privacy. Under the bill, only those in agreement can be given a chip and employers cannot make it mandatory. The bill now passes to the state Senate for consideration.
Christian News
India Christians Flee As Mob Attacks Prayer House
Christian villagers in rural northern India have reportedly fled their homes after an angry mob attacked their prayer house and threatened to kill or rape believers. Five suspects were briefly detained, but violence continued, rights activists told Worthy News.
Wycliffe Associates Providing Technology That Makes the Bible Accessible for Oral Cultures and for Those Who Can’t Read
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, has received requests for 479 Bible Translation Recording Kits (BTRKs) that make it possible to complete an entire recorded translation of the Bible.
Standoff Over Leaflets, Bibles Send Into North Korea
A standoff over information leaflets and Bibles being sent by defectors and Christian groups into North Korea has flared up again.
Around the World
Arrested Under New Law, Hong Kong Protesters Get Swabbed for DNA
As Hong Kong sees life change rapidly under a new security law, protesters have quickly learned that actions that weren’t worthy of police attention a little more than a week ago could now warrant an arrest, DNA sample, and search of their home -- in addition to the possibility of jail time.
Iran Says Fire At Natanz Nuclear Facility Caused Significant Damage
A fire last week at the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran caused significant damage, an Iranian nuclear official said on July 5 in a new assessment of the incident, adding that it could slow down the development and production of advanced centrifuges in the medium term.
North Korea army reportedly rotting from inside
A growing number of defectors from North Korea’s army are telling of conditions of extreme deprivation suffered by those enlisted, the Wall Street Journal reports. One defector called Mr. Roh told the WSJ: “It was lawless there, if you had money, you could basically get away with anything.”
EU's Executive Regrets Its President's Support For Croatian Ruling Party
The European Union's executive has apologized after its leader threw her support behind the victorious ruling conservative party in Croatia's parliamentary elections. Ursula von der Leyen, the German president of the European Commission, appeared with other center-right politicians in a promotional video clip posted by the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Mossad said to foil Iranian attacks on Israeli embassies in Europe, elsewhere
Mossad spy agency recently foiled planned or attempted Iranian attacks on Israeli diplomatic missions in Europe and elsewhere, according to a report Monday.
Israel Launches New Spy Satellite To 'Monitor Iran'
Israel's Defense Ministry has announced the successful launch of a new spy satellite that the ministry said would provide high-quality surveillance for its military intelligence.
Inside the United States
Shootings in New York City up 205% in weeks since disbandment of plainclothes unit compared to last year
After making the decision to disband its plainclothes "anti-crime" unit, New York City has seen a 205% increase in shootings in comparison to the same time period last year.
Trump’s Taxes, Birth Control Top Supreme Court’s Closing Agenda
The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to cap a term like no other with potentially blockbuster decisions covering birth control, religious rights and President Donald Trump’s efforts to keep his financial records private.
Mississippi bans sex-selective, race-selective, disability-selective abortion
Mississippi has a new law, according to which it is illegal to perform an abortion on the sole grounds of the baby’s race, sex, or disability, the Washington Free Beacon reports. Gov. Tate Reeves (R., Miss.) signed the Life Equality Act (LEA) into law on Wednesday.
Christian News
Singing in churches temporarily banned in California as coronavirus cases spike
Californians are temporarily banned from singing in churches as part of an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Arrested Under New Law, Hong Kong Protesters Get Swabbed for DNA
As Hong Kong sees life change rapidly under a new security law, protesters have quickly learned that actions that weren’t worthy of police attention a little more than a week ago could now warrant an arrest, DNA sample, and search of their home -- in addition to the possibility of jail time.
Iran Says Fire At Natanz Nuclear Facility Caused Significant Damage
A fire last week at the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran caused significant damage, an Iranian nuclear official said on July 5 in a new assessment of the incident, adding that it could slow down the development and production of advanced centrifuges in the medium term.
North Korea army reportedly rotting from inside
A growing number of defectors from North Korea’s army are telling of conditions of extreme deprivation suffered by those enlisted, the Wall Street Journal reports. One defector called Mr. Roh told the WSJ: “It was lawless there, if you had money, you could basically get away with anything.”
EU's Executive Regrets Its President's Support For Croatian Ruling Party
The European Union's executive has apologized after its leader threw her support behind the victorious ruling conservative party in Croatia's parliamentary elections. Ursula von der Leyen, the German president of the European Commission, appeared with other center-right politicians in a promotional video clip posted by the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Mossad said to foil Iranian attacks on Israeli embassies in Europe, elsewhere
Mossad spy agency recently foiled planned or attempted Iranian attacks on Israeli diplomatic missions in Europe and elsewhere, according to a report Monday.
Israel Launches New Spy Satellite To 'Monitor Iran'
Israel's Defense Ministry has announced the successful launch of a new spy satellite that the ministry said would provide high-quality surveillance for its military intelligence.
Inside the United States
Shootings in New York City up 205% in weeks since disbandment of plainclothes unit compared to last year
After making the decision to disband its plainclothes "anti-crime" unit, New York City has seen a 205% increase in shootings in comparison to the same time period last year.
Trump’s Taxes, Birth Control Top Supreme Court’s Closing Agenda
The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to cap a term like no other with potentially blockbuster decisions covering birth control, religious rights and President Donald Trump’s efforts to keep his financial records private.
Mississippi bans sex-selective, race-selective, disability-selective abortion
Mississippi has a new law, according to which it is illegal to perform an abortion on the sole grounds of the baby’s race, sex, or disability, the Washington Free Beacon reports. Gov. Tate Reeves (R., Miss.) signed the Life Equality Act (LEA) into law on Wednesday.
Christian News
Singing in churches temporarily banned in California as coronavirus cases spike
Californians are temporarily banned from singing in churches as part of an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus.