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
Iran admits downing of Ukrainian jet a 'mistake'
Iran conceded on Saturday to having made a 'disastrous mistake' in shooting down a Ukrainian airliner that was carrying 176 passengers, an allegation the regime initially denied.
Russia warship comes close to colliding with US ship in Middle East
An American Navy ship was approached by a Russian Navy ship in the north Arabian sea last Thursday when the Russian ship made an 'aggressive' maneuver, US officials said, Russian officials, responding by pointing the finger at the US.
Mark Esper: Iran 'probably and could have been' targeting 4 U.S. embassies
Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Sunday said Iran 'probably and could have been' planning to target the U.S. embassy in Baghdad and three other diplomatic facilities abroad in the days leading to the American strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.
Rocket Attack Hits Military Base in Iraq, Pompeo Calls Them ‘Continued Violations’
Several people were wounded on Sunday in an attack on the Balad airbase in northern Iraq that houses U.S. personnel, according to the Iraqi military. The incident was decried by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hours later.
As protests restart in Iran, demonstrators refuse to trample US, Israeli flags
Protesters gathered on the streets of Iran Sunday for a second day of demonstrations against the regime, prompted by the Iranian leadership’s belated admission that it accidentally downed a Ukrainian airliner last week, killing all 176 people on board.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel reportedly attacks Syria-Iraq border, thwarts shipment of Iranian ballistic missiles
Israeli aircraft attacked a truck convoy near the Syria-Iraq border in an effort to thwart the delivery of weapon systems to pro-Iranian militias, Arab media reported overnight Thursday. Israel has not commented on the incident.
Rare, 2,000-year-old Jerusalem measuring table reveals Temple Mount market
After discovering a highly rare, 2,000-year-old measuring table that was once used to assess wine or olive oil containers in Jerusalem, experts believe they've pinpointed the location of a crucial ancient market near the Temple Mount.
Inside the United States
Record 158,803,000 Americans Employed; 1.85M Year-to-Year Increase
'As we begin this new year, our economy is booming,' President Trump told a rally in Toledo, Ohio Thursday night. 'Wages are soaring, workers are thriving, and America’s future has never looked brighter.'
2020 will see two supermoons and a blue moon close to elections
The year 2020 will see 13 full moons, two supermoons, and a blue moon in October around the same time as the US Presidential election.
Planned Parenthood performs record number of abortions
Planned Parenthood performed a record number of abortions in 2018 and 2019, according to new data released by the organization, even while the overall number of abortions that took place in the US fell.
Virginia gun proposal puts concealed carry agreements with other states in jeopardy
Virginia Democratic Del. Dan Helmer filed a bill Wednesday that would give the commonwealth’s attorney general, Mark Herring, discretion over which states’ carry permits Virginia would continue to recognize.
Gallup: Americans' Ideology, 37% Conservative, 24% Liberal, 35% Moderate
Polling data from 2019 show that America is 'center-right' politically, with 37% describing themselves as 'conservative,' 35% saying they are 'moderate,' and only 24% stating they are 'liberal.'
House Passes Three Bills To Advance 5G and Cyber Security in US
A package of bills designed to give the United States an advantage over China in the race to employ 5G, the fastest wireless networks available, were passed by the House on Wednesday.
Christian News
Muslim herdsmen kill a dozen more Christians in Nigeria
Muslim Fulani herdsmen killed 13 Christians in Plateau State, Nigeria on Wednesday, Jan. 8, adding to a body count that has seen scores of Christian farmers murdered by the pastoralists in the last few years.
Grave of martyred pastor destroyed in Iran
The grave of an Assemblies of God pastor from Mashad, Iran--the same town in which Soleimani replacement Brig. Gen. Esmail Qaani rose through the ranks--was destroyed this past December by the Iranian regime.
Iran admits downing of Ukrainian jet a 'mistake'
Iran conceded on Saturday to having made a 'disastrous mistake' in shooting down a Ukrainian airliner that was carrying 176 passengers, an allegation the regime initially denied.
Russia warship comes close to colliding with US ship in Middle East
An American Navy ship was approached by a Russian Navy ship in the north Arabian sea last Thursday when the Russian ship made an 'aggressive' maneuver, US officials said, Russian officials, responding by pointing the finger at the US.
Mark Esper: Iran 'probably and could have been' targeting 4 U.S. embassies
Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Sunday said Iran 'probably and could have been' planning to target the U.S. embassy in Baghdad and three other diplomatic facilities abroad in the days leading to the American strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.
Rocket Attack Hits Military Base in Iraq, Pompeo Calls Them ‘Continued Violations’
Several people were wounded on Sunday in an attack on the Balad airbase in northern Iraq that houses U.S. personnel, according to the Iraqi military. The incident was decried by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hours later.
As protests restart in Iran, demonstrators refuse to trample US, Israeli flags
Protesters gathered on the streets of Iran Sunday for a second day of demonstrations against the regime, prompted by the Iranian leadership’s belated admission that it accidentally downed a Ukrainian airliner last week, killing all 176 people on board.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel reportedly attacks Syria-Iraq border, thwarts shipment of Iranian ballistic missiles
Israeli aircraft attacked a truck convoy near the Syria-Iraq border in an effort to thwart the delivery of weapon systems to pro-Iranian militias, Arab media reported overnight Thursday. Israel has not commented on the incident.
Rare, 2,000-year-old Jerusalem measuring table reveals Temple Mount market
After discovering a highly rare, 2,000-year-old measuring table that was once used to assess wine or olive oil containers in Jerusalem, experts believe they've pinpointed the location of a crucial ancient market near the Temple Mount.
Inside the United States
Record 158,803,000 Americans Employed; 1.85M Year-to-Year Increase
'As we begin this new year, our economy is booming,' President Trump told a rally in Toledo, Ohio Thursday night. 'Wages are soaring, workers are thriving, and America’s future has never looked brighter.'
2020 will see two supermoons and a blue moon close to elections
The year 2020 will see 13 full moons, two supermoons, and a blue moon in October around the same time as the US Presidential election.
Planned Parenthood performs record number of abortions
Planned Parenthood performed a record number of abortions in 2018 and 2019, according to new data released by the organization, even while the overall number of abortions that took place in the US fell.
Virginia gun proposal puts concealed carry agreements with other states in jeopardy
Virginia Democratic Del. Dan Helmer filed a bill Wednesday that would give the commonwealth’s attorney general, Mark Herring, discretion over which states’ carry permits Virginia would continue to recognize.
Gallup: Americans' Ideology, 37% Conservative, 24% Liberal, 35% Moderate
Polling data from 2019 show that America is 'center-right' politically, with 37% describing themselves as 'conservative,' 35% saying they are 'moderate,' and only 24% stating they are 'liberal.'
House Passes Three Bills To Advance 5G and Cyber Security in US
A package of bills designed to give the United States an advantage over China in the race to employ 5G, the fastest wireless networks available, were passed by the House on Wednesday.
Christian News
Muslim herdsmen kill a dozen more Christians in Nigeria
Muslim Fulani herdsmen killed 13 Christians in Plateau State, Nigeria on Wednesday, Jan. 8, adding to a body count that has seen scores of Christian farmers murdered by the pastoralists in the last few years.
Grave of martyred pastor destroyed in Iran
The grave of an Assemblies of God pastor from Mashad, Iran--the same town in which Soleimani replacement Brig. Gen. Esmail Qaani rose through the ranks--was destroyed this past December by the Iranian regime.
Around the World
Trump says China trade deal may be signed shortly after January 15
U.S. President Donald Trump, who announced last month that the Phase 1 trade deal with China would be signed on Jan. 15, said on Thursday the agreement could be signed 'shortly thereafter.'
UN to vote Friday on new Syria cross-border aid resolution
Facing a Friday deadline that could halt the delivery of humanitarian aid to more than 1 million Syrians every month, the divided U.N. Security Council is set to vote on rival resolutions that would continue deliveries through border crossings to mainly rebel-held areas.
Iranian missile now thought to be the cause of downed Ukrainian jet
Western officials are now leaning toward the conclusion that Iran shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet Wednesday that was leaving the airport in Tehran and bound for Kyiv.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
U.S. senators back bill to provide $3.3 billion for Israel
Republican and Democratic U.S. senators introduced legislation on Thursday to provide $3.3 billion in annual aid to Israel, seeking to put into law an aid agreement between the two countries reached in 2016 amid concern over rising Middle East tensions.
Israel unveils new laser to intercept missiles
Israel has developed a new high-energy laser that requires only electricity to operate, the Defense Ministry's Directorate of Defense Research and Development revealed Wednesday.
Serious Flooding Occurring Throughout Israel
Heavy rains continued to cause mass flooding throughout Israel, during which time the Sea of Galilee has drastically risen approximately 9 inches over the past 24 hours.
Inside the United States
Democrats pass measure aimed at curbing Trump military authority in Iran
House Democrats Thursday passed a resolution to curb President Trump’s authority to use military force against Iran.
Continuous tremors across Puerto Rico see larger earthquakes, possibly more to come
At least one person is dead and unknown damage sustained in Puerto Rico from a 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Tuesday, as President Trump devoted $5 billion in aid relief to the island.
Christian News
More than 400 Language Groups Worldwide without the Scriptures are Ready to Begin Bible Translations
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, announces that Bible translators from more than 400 language groups around the globe are ready to begin work on translating the Scriptures.
American Pastor jailed in India may be released soon
An American Pastor arrested in India at the beginning of October may be released, though attorneys representing him say the Indian government has committed an 'injustice' against the leader of IHOP in Shelbyville, TN.
Trump says China trade deal may be signed shortly after January 15
U.S. President Donald Trump, who announced last month that the Phase 1 trade deal with China would be signed on Jan. 15, said on Thursday the agreement could be signed 'shortly thereafter.'
UN to vote Friday on new Syria cross-border aid resolution
Facing a Friday deadline that could halt the delivery of humanitarian aid to more than 1 million Syrians every month, the divided U.N. Security Council is set to vote on rival resolutions that would continue deliveries through border crossings to mainly rebel-held areas.
Iranian missile now thought to be the cause of downed Ukrainian jet
Western officials are now leaning toward the conclusion that Iran shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet Wednesday that was leaving the airport in Tehran and bound for Kyiv.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
U.S. senators back bill to provide $3.3 billion for Israel
Republican and Democratic U.S. senators introduced legislation on Thursday to provide $3.3 billion in annual aid to Israel, seeking to put into law an aid agreement between the two countries reached in 2016 amid concern over rising Middle East tensions.
Israel unveils new laser to intercept missiles
Israel has developed a new high-energy laser that requires only electricity to operate, the Defense Ministry's Directorate of Defense Research and Development revealed Wednesday.
Serious Flooding Occurring Throughout Israel
Heavy rains continued to cause mass flooding throughout Israel, during which time the Sea of Galilee has drastically risen approximately 9 inches over the past 24 hours.
Inside the United States
Democrats pass measure aimed at curbing Trump military authority in Iran
House Democrats Thursday passed a resolution to curb President Trump’s authority to use military force against Iran.
Continuous tremors across Puerto Rico see larger earthquakes, possibly more to come
At least one person is dead and unknown damage sustained in Puerto Rico from a 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Tuesday, as President Trump devoted $5 billion in aid relief to the island.
Christian News
More than 400 Language Groups Worldwide without the Scriptures are Ready to Begin Bible Translations
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, announces that Bible translators from more than 400 language groups around the globe are ready to begin work on translating the Scriptures.
American Pastor jailed in India may be released soon
An American Pastor arrested in India at the beginning of October may be released, though attorneys representing him say the Indian government has committed an 'injustice' against the leader of IHOP in Shelbyville, TN.
Around the World
Trump returns to "maximum pressure," avoids military confrontation following Iranian strike
President Trump announced that the US would not be responding militarily to a barrage of 16 missiles launched from Iran in the early hours of the morning Wednesday that hit Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq and damaged aircraft hangers and a US helicopter.
Erdogan, Putin launch new gas line, vow Mideast diplomacy
The presidents of Turkey and Russia inaugurated the dual natural gas line connecting their countries Wednesday, opening up a new export path for Russian gas into Turkey and Europe and promising cooperation in trade and diplomacy.
Two Earthquakes Hit Iran ‘Close to Nuclear Power Plant’
Two earthquakes measuring 4.9 and 4.5 in magnitudes hit Iran on Wednesday, Jan. 8, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Putin, Erdogan Call for De-Escalation After Iran Missile Attack
Hours after Iran fired missiles at U.S. soldiers in Iraqi military bases, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for a de-escalation between both parties.
Trump Asking NATO to Become More Involved With Middle East in Wake of Iran Missile Strikes
President Donald Trump said he’d be asking the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, to get more involved with the Middle East after Iran fired missiles at Iraqi bases hosting U.S. troops on Jan. 7.
Ukraine investigating 'all possible causes' of plane crash in Iran
A Ukrainian passenger jet crashed minutes after takeoff from Iran Wednesday, killing all 176 passengers and crew.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iran will suffer ‘crushing blow’ if it attacks Israel, Netanyahu warns
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday warned Iran against attacking Israel in response to the American killing last week of senior military commander Qassem Soleimani.
Israel Reveals Breakthrough in Laser-Based Aerial Defense System
Israel’s Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that a breakthrough has been made in using laser beams to thwart aerial attacks.
Netanyahu said exploring uniting Likud with other factions on right
Likud party chief Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly looking into a joint run with right-wing and religious factions in Israel’s upcoming national elections, as he warned Wednesday that some smaller parties on the right may fail to enter the Knesset if they do not join forces.
Inside the United States
House to vote Thursday to curb President's war powers
House Democrats emerged from a classified briefing Wednesday deeply skeptical of President Donald Trump’s decision to order the killing of a top Iranian leader and unconvinced that he posed an 'imminent' threat to United States forces.
U.S. private payrolls post largest gain in eight months
U.S. private payrolls increased by the most in eight months in December, pointing to sustained labor market strength though job gains last month were likely flattered by a seasonal quirk.
Strongest Earthquake to Hit Puerto Rico Since 1918, Over 500 Earthquakes in Past 10 Days
More than half of Puerto Rico’s 3 million people remained without power on Wednesday and thousands slept outdoors after earthquakes toppled homes on the Caribbean island and raised fears more could collapse.
Trump returns to "maximum pressure," avoids military confrontation following Iranian strike
President Trump announced that the US would not be responding militarily to a barrage of 16 missiles launched from Iran in the early hours of the morning Wednesday that hit Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq and damaged aircraft hangers and a US helicopter.
Erdogan, Putin launch new gas line, vow Mideast diplomacy
The presidents of Turkey and Russia inaugurated the dual natural gas line connecting their countries Wednesday, opening up a new export path for Russian gas into Turkey and Europe and promising cooperation in trade and diplomacy.
Two Earthquakes Hit Iran ‘Close to Nuclear Power Plant’
Two earthquakes measuring 4.9 and 4.5 in magnitudes hit Iran on Wednesday, Jan. 8, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Putin, Erdogan Call for De-Escalation After Iran Missile Attack
Hours after Iran fired missiles at U.S. soldiers in Iraqi military bases, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for a de-escalation between both parties.
Trump Asking NATO to Become More Involved With Middle East in Wake of Iran Missile Strikes
President Donald Trump said he’d be asking the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, to get more involved with the Middle East after Iran fired missiles at Iraqi bases hosting U.S. troops on Jan. 7.
Ukraine investigating 'all possible causes' of plane crash in Iran
A Ukrainian passenger jet crashed minutes after takeoff from Iran Wednesday, killing all 176 passengers and crew.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iran will suffer ‘crushing blow’ if it attacks Israel, Netanyahu warns
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday warned Iran against attacking Israel in response to the American killing last week of senior military commander Qassem Soleimani.
Israel Reveals Breakthrough in Laser-Based Aerial Defense System
Israel’s Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that a breakthrough has been made in using laser beams to thwart aerial attacks.
Netanyahu said exploring uniting Likud with other factions on right
Likud party chief Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly looking into a joint run with right-wing and religious factions in Israel’s upcoming national elections, as he warned Wednesday that some smaller parties on the right may fail to enter the Knesset if they do not join forces.
Inside the United States
House to vote Thursday to curb President's war powers
House Democrats emerged from a classified briefing Wednesday deeply skeptical of President Donald Trump’s decision to order the killing of a top Iranian leader and unconvinced that he posed an 'imminent' threat to United States forces.
U.S. private payrolls post largest gain in eight months
U.S. private payrolls increased by the most in eight months in December, pointing to sustained labor market strength though job gains last month were likely flattered by a seasonal quirk.
Strongest Earthquake to Hit Puerto Rico Since 1918, Over 500 Earthquakes in Past 10 Days
More than half of Puerto Rico’s 3 million people remained without power on Wednesday and thousands slept outdoors after earthquakes toppled homes on the Caribbean island and raised fears more could collapse.