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
US extends Iran nuclear cooperation sanctions waivers
The Trump administration on Monday renewed several waivers on U.S. sanctions against Iran, allowing Russian, European and Chinese companies to continue to work on Iran’s civilian nuclear facilities without drawing American penalties.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Some claim Gantz, Netanyahu closer to deal, but stumbling blocks unresolved
Interim Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White party chief Benny Gantz were said in some reports to be inching closer to forming a unity coalition, with claims that the government could be sworn in as early as next Monday, but other sources said squabbles within the premier’s bloc were complicating the negotiations.
Messianic expectations of Jews and Muslims become one -- Bible points to a false Jesus they and others will accept
The messianic expectations of Muslim and Jewish leaders are dovetailing, with many scholars from each camp agreeing that coronavirus is the harbinger of a divine figure who will arrive as a king in the midst of pandemics and economic crises.
Inside the United States
Trump advocates for $2 trillion infrastructure bill as 'Phase 4' coronavirus relief package
President Trump pushed Congress to adopt 'very big and bold' infrastructure investments in future legislation to combat the coronavirus.
S&P 500 heads for worst first quarter since 1938
U.S. stock markets steadied on Tuesday at the end of the worst first quarter for the S&P 500 since 1938 amid growing evidence of the largescale damage caused by the collapse in oil prices and business activity due to the coronavirus.
Millions of US Workers Losing Jobs as Coronavirus Spreads
Millions of U.S. workers are losing their jobs in a surge of layoffs as businesses large and small shut their operations amid the coronavirus pandemic.
DOJ office finds errors in audit of FBI's surveillance applications
The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General has found errors in an audit of the FBI's compliance with factual accuracy review procedures for 29 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act applications.
Newly established US Space Force launches first security mission
The recently established United States Space Force has launched its first national security space mission. Amidst precautions pertaining to the coronavirus pandemic, a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying a Lockheed Martin Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF-6) satellite took off from Cape Canaveral on 26 March.
Christian News
New report on erosion of Chinese religious freedom sees total communist takeover
A Christian watchdog group in the UK published a new report this week on the erosion of religious freedom in China under President Xi Jinping, whose 'sinicization' campaign has set out to absorb faith into the Chinese socialist system.
Christians in India berated and falsely charged by police for handing out food to the poor
A pastor and a team of youth missionaries from his church were abused and falsely charged in India earlier this month for providing food and clothing to the poor, in another instance of police complicity with the radical Hindu nationalist agenda.
Four Christian aid workers kidnapped in Iraq have been released
It is confirmed that four French Christian aid workers have been freed after they were kidnapped in Iraq in January. A statement from President Marcron’s office on March 27 informed that the Élysée Palace had made 'every effort to reach this outcome.' The statement thanked Iraqi authorities for their cooperation but gave no details or information about any conditions of the workers’ release.
US extends Iran nuclear cooperation sanctions waivers
The Trump administration on Monday renewed several waivers on U.S. sanctions against Iran, allowing Russian, European and Chinese companies to continue to work on Iran’s civilian nuclear facilities without drawing American penalties.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Some claim Gantz, Netanyahu closer to deal, but stumbling blocks unresolved
Interim Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White party chief Benny Gantz were said in some reports to be inching closer to forming a unity coalition, with claims that the government could be sworn in as early as next Monday, but other sources said squabbles within the premier’s bloc were complicating the negotiations.
Messianic expectations of Jews and Muslims become one -- Bible points to a false Jesus they and others will accept
The messianic expectations of Muslim and Jewish leaders are dovetailing, with many scholars from each camp agreeing that coronavirus is the harbinger of a divine figure who will arrive as a king in the midst of pandemics and economic crises.
Inside the United States
Trump advocates for $2 trillion infrastructure bill as 'Phase 4' coronavirus relief package
President Trump pushed Congress to adopt 'very big and bold' infrastructure investments in future legislation to combat the coronavirus.
S&P 500 heads for worst first quarter since 1938
U.S. stock markets steadied on Tuesday at the end of the worst first quarter for the S&P 500 since 1938 amid growing evidence of the largescale damage caused by the collapse in oil prices and business activity due to the coronavirus.
Millions of US Workers Losing Jobs as Coronavirus Spreads
Millions of U.S. workers are losing their jobs in a surge of layoffs as businesses large and small shut their operations amid the coronavirus pandemic.
DOJ office finds errors in audit of FBI's surveillance applications
The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General has found errors in an audit of the FBI's compliance with factual accuracy review procedures for 29 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act applications.
Newly established US Space Force launches first security mission
The recently established United States Space Force has launched its first national security space mission. Amidst precautions pertaining to the coronavirus pandemic, a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying a Lockheed Martin Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF-6) satellite took off from Cape Canaveral on 26 March.
Christian News
New report on erosion of Chinese religious freedom sees total communist takeover
A Christian watchdog group in the UK published a new report this week on the erosion of religious freedom in China under President Xi Jinping, whose 'sinicization' campaign has set out to absorb faith into the Chinese socialist system.
Christians in India berated and falsely charged by police for handing out food to the poor
A pastor and a team of youth missionaries from his church were abused and falsely charged in India earlier this month for providing food and clothing to the poor, in another instance of police complicity with the radical Hindu nationalist agenda.
Four Christian aid workers kidnapped in Iraq have been released
It is confirmed that four French Christian aid workers have been freed after they were kidnapped in Iraq in January. A statement from President Marcron’s office on March 27 informed that the Élysée Palace had made 'every effort to reach this outcome.' The statement thanked Iraqi authorities for their cooperation but gave no details or information about any conditions of the workers’ release.
Around the World
Chinese researchers isolated deadly bat coronaviruses near Wuhan animal market
Chinese government researchers isolated more than 2,000 animal viruses, including deadly bat coronaviruses, and carried out scientific work on them just three miles from a wild animal market identified as the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Argentinian court upholds criminal conviction of doctor who refused abortion for rape victim
An Argentinian appellate court has upheld the 2019 criminal conviction of a doctor who refused to give a rape victim a late-term abortion. In a divided ruling on March 23, two judges found Dr. Rodríguez Lastra had 'failed to comply with the duties of a public official' when he refused to perform the abortion in 2017. Lastra told the court his refusal was in order to protect the lives of both mother and child.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Haredi in Israel the lone resisters of government takeover
Israel's ultra-orthodox Haredi community is facing fines and arrests for resisting draconian government regulations that forbid prayer services and prevent a person from walking 328 feet outside their home except in emergencies.
IDF and US hold F-35 drill, delayed by virus, over southern Israel
The Israeli and American militaries conducted a joint exercise with their F-35 stealth fighter jets over southern Israel on Sunday, simulating in-air combat and attacks from the ground, following a delay needed to sort out how to hold such a drill during the coronavirus pandemic.
Inside the United States
Judges order Texas and Ohio to allow abortions during coronavirus pandemic
Federal judges have ordered Texas and Ohio to allow abortions to continue during the coronavirus pandemic after lawsuits from Planned Parenthood.
FDA Approves Emergency Use of Anti-Malarial Drugs to Treat People Infected with COVID-19
The US government is giving reserved approval to two new weapons in the war against the COVID-19 virus, which has so far claimed the lives of more than 2,500 in the US and a total of 35,300 people around the world.
Maryland joins with more than half of U.S. states enacting mandatory lockdowns
Maryland became the 28th U.S. state to enact a mandatory quarantine on Monday, ordering residents to stay at home with the exception of "buying food and medical reasons."
Moody’s cuts outlook on $6.6 trillion US corporate debt pile to ‘negative’
Moody’s Investors Service has cut its outlook on corporate debt to negative, saying that an economy about to tip into recession because of the coronavirus will result in rising default rates.
'Historic moment': Company plans to produce millions of 5-minute coronavirus tests
A company heralded by President Trump in the fight against the coronavirus says it plans to start mass-producing rapid COVID-19 tests this week.
Christian News
Pastors Detained, Churches Services Banned Over Coronavirus Pandemic
Authorities in Africa and Europe are evacuating churches and detaining pastors as governments say they prohibit worship services to halt the spread of the new coronavirus COVID 19. Video footage obtained by Worthy News showed the head pastor of the Open Arms Ministries congregation in Ghana's city of Kumasi taken into custody during a recent worship service. The pastor, Kofi Nkrumah Sarkodie, was rushed to a police pickup truck. Several worshippers protested the move and applauded the pastor.
Florida megachurch pastor arrested for violating coronavirus restrictions with in-person services
The lead pastor of a Florida megachurch was arrested for violating state public health orders during the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus stimulus package extends relief to churches and ministry staff
The coronavirus stimulus package signed into law last week not only serves to bolster individuals, families and for-profit companies impacted by the ongoing pandemic but also offers relief to churches and ministry staff as well.
One dead, dozens sick after Illinois church revival service, many confirmed with coronavirus
At least one person has died, and 43 people have fallen ill at an Illinois Pentecostal church, with at least 10 testing positive for coronavirus so far.
Chinese researchers isolated deadly bat coronaviruses near Wuhan animal market
Chinese government researchers isolated more than 2,000 animal viruses, including deadly bat coronaviruses, and carried out scientific work on them just three miles from a wild animal market identified as the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Argentinian court upholds criminal conviction of doctor who refused abortion for rape victim
An Argentinian appellate court has upheld the 2019 criminal conviction of a doctor who refused to give a rape victim a late-term abortion. In a divided ruling on March 23, two judges found Dr. Rodríguez Lastra had 'failed to comply with the duties of a public official' when he refused to perform the abortion in 2017. Lastra told the court his refusal was in order to protect the lives of both mother and child.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Haredi in Israel the lone resisters of government takeover
Israel's ultra-orthodox Haredi community is facing fines and arrests for resisting draconian government regulations that forbid prayer services and prevent a person from walking 328 feet outside their home except in emergencies.
IDF and US hold F-35 drill, delayed by virus, over southern Israel
The Israeli and American militaries conducted a joint exercise with their F-35 stealth fighter jets over southern Israel on Sunday, simulating in-air combat and attacks from the ground, following a delay needed to sort out how to hold such a drill during the coronavirus pandemic.
Inside the United States
Judges order Texas and Ohio to allow abortions during coronavirus pandemic
Federal judges have ordered Texas and Ohio to allow abortions to continue during the coronavirus pandemic after lawsuits from Planned Parenthood.
FDA Approves Emergency Use of Anti-Malarial Drugs to Treat People Infected with COVID-19
The US government is giving reserved approval to two new weapons in the war against the COVID-19 virus, which has so far claimed the lives of more than 2,500 in the US and a total of 35,300 people around the world.
Maryland joins with more than half of U.S. states enacting mandatory lockdowns
Maryland became the 28th U.S. state to enact a mandatory quarantine on Monday, ordering residents to stay at home with the exception of "buying food and medical reasons."
Moody’s cuts outlook on $6.6 trillion US corporate debt pile to ‘negative’
Moody’s Investors Service has cut its outlook on corporate debt to negative, saying that an economy about to tip into recession because of the coronavirus will result in rising default rates.
'Historic moment': Company plans to produce millions of 5-minute coronavirus tests
A company heralded by President Trump in the fight against the coronavirus says it plans to start mass-producing rapid COVID-19 tests this week.
Christian News
Pastors Detained, Churches Services Banned Over Coronavirus Pandemic
Authorities in Africa and Europe are evacuating churches and detaining pastors as governments say they prohibit worship services to halt the spread of the new coronavirus COVID 19. Video footage obtained by Worthy News showed the head pastor of the Open Arms Ministries congregation in Ghana's city of Kumasi taken into custody during a recent worship service. The pastor, Kofi Nkrumah Sarkodie, was rushed to a police pickup truck. Several worshippers protested the move and applauded the pastor.
Florida megachurch pastor arrested for violating coronavirus restrictions with in-person services
The lead pastor of a Florida megachurch was arrested for violating state public health orders during the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus stimulus package extends relief to churches and ministry staff
The coronavirus stimulus package signed into law last week not only serves to bolster individuals, families and for-profit companies impacted by the ongoing pandemic but also offers relief to churches and ministry staff as well.
One dead, dozens sick after Illinois church revival service, many confirmed with coronavirus
At least one person has died, and 43 people have fallen ill at an Illinois Pentecostal church, with at least 10 testing positive for coronavirus so far.
Around the World
North Korea fires more missiles than ever amid coronavirus outbreak
North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles into the ocean off its east coast on Sunday, the latest in an unprecedented flurry of launches that South Korea decried as 'inappropriate' amid the global coronavirus pandemic.
US-led coalition pulls out of third Iraqi base this month
The U.S.-led coalition withdrew on Sunday from a military base in northern Iraq that nearly launched Washington into an open war with neighboring Iran.
Former British PM parrots "One Health" global governance paradigm as necessary response to coronavirus
Ex-British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is calling for a "temporary" one-world government as a supposed relief effort for economies hit by fear of spreading disease.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Controversial Mass Surveillance Program Has Identified 500 Coronavirus Patients, Shin Bet Says
More than 500 coronavirus patients have been identified in Israel so far by a controversial digital mass-surveillance program, the Shin Bet internal security service revealed on Thursday.
Israeli company donating to US over 6 million doses of potential coronavirus cure
Israeli pharmaceutical company Teva is donating to US hospitals over 6 million doses of hydroxychloroquine sulfate, a medicine that may cure patients of COVID-19. Already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating malaria, lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, the drug raised hopes after a study in France found it had killed the virus in 26 patients.
Inside the United States
Hospital Ship Rushing To New York Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
The world's biggest hospital ship, the USNS Comfort, arrives in New York on Monday to support medical workers fighting the new coronavirus pandemic.
President Trump signs $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package
President Donald Trump signed a $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill Friday just hours after it passed in the House, making law out of a package that will send billions of dollars directly to Americans and provide hundreds of billions more for businesses, health care systems and others impacted by the pandemic that has crippled the economy.
Why coronavirus antibody testing in one Colorado town could provide a way forward
United Biomedical is now working with San Miguel County, which includes the famous Rocky Mountain ski destination, to test all 8,000 residents for COVID-19 antibodies -- making it the first community in the country to do widespread antibody testing. The idea, officials said, is to learn from an individual’s blood whether there is evidence the person has already been exposed. With that information, officials can then make decisions about whether quarantines and restrictions would need to continue and whether they need to be as widespread as they are in states and cities across the country right now.
Christian News
Jakarta Pastor Baptizes Muslims as Church Expands
Peter Tumbelaka wasn’t in a hurry to become the pastor of Jakarta’s largest Pentecostal churches where many Muslims convert to Christianity. “I thought I could remain an architect and an engineer. But God had different plans,” the 52-year-old preacher told BosNewsLife in Indonesia’s bustling capital.
Pastor in Nepal accused of spreading misinformation for saying God has power over coronavirus
A pastor in Nepal was thrown into prison for exercising his God-given authority over coronavirus after police disguised themselves as Christians in need of healing prayer.
Montagnard Christian released after sixteen years of severe beatings in Vietnam
A Montagnard Christian in Vietnam was released from prison in February following sixteen years of torture by the Vietnamese government for protesting its treatment of ethnic and religious minorities.
New York Times Op-Ed Blames Christians, Not China, For Spread Of Wuhan Coronavirus
A New York Times op-ed published Friday is casting blame on the evangelical movement for the Wuhan coronavirus plaguing the nation.
North Korea fires more missiles than ever amid coronavirus outbreak
North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles into the ocean off its east coast on Sunday, the latest in an unprecedented flurry of launches that South Korea decried as 'inappropriate' amid the global coronavirus pandemic.
US-led coalition pulls out of third Iraqi base this month
The U.S.-led coalition withdrew on Sunday from a military base in northern Iraq that nearly launched Washington into an open war with neighboring Iran.
Former British PM parrots "One Health" global governance paradigm as necessary response to coronavirus
Ex-British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is calling for a "temporary" one-world government as a supposed relief effort for economies hit by fear of spreading disease.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Controversial Mass Surveillance Program Has Identified 500 Coronavirus Patients, Shin Bet Says
More than 500 coronavirus patients have been identified in Israel so far by a controversial digital mass-surveillance program, the Shin Bet internal security service revealed on Thursday.
Israeli company donating to US over 6 million doses of potential coronavirus cure
Israeli pharmaceutical company Teva is donating to US hospitals over 6 million doses of hydroxychloroquine sulfate, a medicine that may cure patients of COVID-19. Already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating malaria, lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, the drug raised hopes after a study in France found it had killed the virus in 26 patients.
Inside the United States
Hospital Ship Rushing To New York Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
The world's biggest hospital ship, the USNS Comfort, arrives in New York on Monday to support medical workers fighting the new coronavirus pandemic.
President Trump signs $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package
President Donald Trump signed a $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill Friday just hours after it passed in the House, making law out of a package that will send billions of dollars directly to Americans and provide hundreds of billions more for businesses, health care systems and others impacted by the pandemic that has crippled the economy.
Why coronavirus antibody testing in one Colorado town could provide a way forward
United Biomedical is now working with San Miguel County, which includes the famous Rocky Mountain ski destination, to test all 8,000 residents for COVID-19 antibodies -- making it the first community in the country to do widespread antibody testing. The idea, officials said, is to learn from an individual’s blood whether there is evidence the person has already been exposed. With that information, officials can then make decisions about whether quarantines and restrictions would need to continue and whether they need to be as widespread as they are in states and cities across the country right now.
Christian News
Jakarta Pastor Baptizes Muslims as Church Expands
Peter Tumbelaka wasn’t in a hurry to become the pastor of Jakarta’s largest Pentecostal churches where many Muslims convert to Christianity. “I thought I could remain an architect and an engineer. But God had different plans,” the 52-year-old preacher told BosNewsLife in Indonesia’s bustling capital.
Pastor in Nepal accused of spreading misinformation for saying God has power over coronavirus
A pastor in Nepal was thrown into prison for exercising his God-given authority over coronavirus after police disguised themselves as Christians in need of healing prayer.
Montagnard Christian released after sixteen years of severe beatings in Vietnam
A Montagnard Christian in Vietnam was released from prison in February following sixteen years of torture by the Vietnamese government for protesting its treatment of ethnic and religious minorities.
New York Times Op-Ed Blames Christians, Not China, For Spread Of Wuhan Coronavirus
A New York Times op-ed published Friday is casting blame on the evangelical movement for the Wuhan coronavirus plaguing the nation.