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
Pentagon Says a ‘Dozen Missiles’ Were Fired From Iran at Iraqi Bases With US Troops
Iranian officials said missiles were launched at U.S. troops in Iraq in retaliation after Iranian Gen. Qassem Suleimani’s death in Baghdad, according to Iranian state-run media outlets, in an attack that was later confirmed by the Pentagon.
Red flag over Iranian Mosque at Soleimani funeral has eschatological overtones, means all-out war
An extremely portentous symbol was raised over one of Iran's holiest mosques in the city of Qom Sunday for one of the myriad funeral rallies of fallen IRGC commander Qassem Soleimani, says a researcher at Israel's Bar-Ilan University.
Iran believed to possess more than 2,000 ballistic missiles, Pentagon officials say
U.S. defense officials believe Iran is sitting on a stockpile of thousands of ballistic missiles and powerful munitions, following the country's attack early Wednesday on American coalition forces in Iraq.
Putin makes unannounced visit to the Middle East
Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting Syria where he has held talks with his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, Syrian state media and Russia's Interfax said on Tuesday.
Erdogan seeks a "greater Turkey" through Libya conflict
MPs in Turkey passed a bill approving the deployment of troops to Libya last Thursday in support of the embattled UN-backed government there, shoring up a relationship that experts say is a consolidation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's idea of a 'greater Turkey' resembling the Ottoman Empire.
Honduras to designate Hezbollah as terrorist group
The office of Honduras's President said Tuesday that the central American country will recognize Hezbollah as a terrorist group, following a recent decision by the German Bundestag to do the same.
US officials say "major" retaliation expected from Iran following Soleimani funeral
The US is anticipating a 'major' reprisal from Iran within the next day or two, according to unnamed officials, as the three-day mourning period for fallen Iranian general Qassem Soleimani wraps up across the Islamic Republic.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Report: Hezbollah will attack Israel if US responds to Iran attack
Hezbollah will attack Israel if the United States responds to missile attacks carried out by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Tuesday night, according to the Iranian Tasnim news agency.
New envoy for Trump peace plan meets with Israeli leaders for first time
Avi Berkowitz, who replaced Jason Greenblatt as the US envoy for the Trump Administration's "Deal of the Century," met with leaders in Israel this week for the first time as officials in Jerusalem and Washington said the US may release its peace plan before third Israeli elections on March 2.
Inside the United States
Iranian attack scrambles House war powers vote
Top House Democrats’ plans to push a measure limiting the Trump administration’s war-making powers are in flux following an Iranian missile attack Tuesday on U.S. bases inside Iraq.
US Trade Deficit Falls to Lowest Level in More Than 3 Years
The U.S. trade deficit fell in November to the lowest level in more than three years as U.S. exports rose while imports declined, putting the country on track to see the first annual decline in the trade deficit in six years.
'We're going to war, bro': Fort Bragg's 82nd Airborne deploys to the Middle East
The 600 mostly young soldiers at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, were headed for the Middle East, part of a group of some 3,500 U.S. paratroopers ordered to the region. Kuwait is the first stop for many. Their final destinations are classified.
Planned Parenthood performs more abortions this year, but loses private funding
Planned Parenthood performed 345,672 abortions in its most recent fiscal year, up from 12,915 the previous year, according to the 2018-2019 annual report it released over the weekend.
Christian News
Nigerian church leader kidnapped, hostage video released
Islamic extremists kidnapped a leader of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria on January 2, a video appearing a few days later of the pastor expressing his faith in God and asking for release.
Former ISIS guru becomes a Christian after receiving a letter from Jesus in a dream
A former "Prince of ISIS" that extremists swear allegiance to and are willing to die for was converted to Christianity after meeting with a Muslim evangelist and receiving a letter dripping with Jesus' blood in a dream.
Pentagon Says a ‘Dozen Missiles’ Were Fired From Iran at Iraqi Bases With US Troops
Iranian officials said missiles were launched at U.S. troops in Iraq in retaliation after Iranian Gen. Qassem Suleimani’s death in Baghdad, according to Iranian state-run media outlets, in an attack that was later confirmed by the Pentagon.
Red flag over Iranian Mosque at Soleimani funeral has eschatological overtones, means all-out war
An extremely portentous symbol was raised over one of Iran's holiest mosques in the city of Qom Sunday for one of the myriad funeral rallies of fallen IRGC commander Qassem Soleimani, says a researcher at Israel's Bar-Ilan University.
Iran believed to possess more than 2,000 ballistic missiles, Pentagon officials say
U.S. defense officials believe Iran is sitting on a stockpile of thousands of ballistic missiles and powerful munitions, following the country's attack early Wednesday on American coalition forces in Iraq.
Putin makes unannounced visit to the Middle East
Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting Syria where he has held talks with his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, Syrian state media and Russia's Interfax said on Tuesday.
Erdogan seeks a "greater Turkey" through Libya conflict
MPs in Turkey passed a bill approving the deployment of troops to Libya last Thursday in support of the embattled UN-backed government there, shoring up a relationship that experts say is a consolidation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's idea of a 'greater Turkey' resembling the Ottoman Empire.
Honduras to designate Hezbollah as terrorist group
The office of Honduras's President said Tuesday that the central American country will recognize Hezbollah as a terrorist group, following a recent decision by the German Bundestag to do the same.
US officials say "major" retaliation expected from Iran following Soleimani funeral
The US is anticipating a 'major' reprisal from Iran within the next day or two, according to unnamed officials, as the three-day mourning period for fallen Iranian general Qassem Soleimani wraps up across the Islamic Republic.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Report: Hezbollah will attack Israel if US responds to Iran attack
Hezbollah will attack Israel if the United States responds to missile attacks carried out by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Tuesday night, according to the Iranian Tasnim news agency.
New envoy for Trump peace plan meets with Israeli leaders for first time
Avi Berkowitz, who replaced Jason Greenblatt as the US envoy for the Trump Administration's "Deal of the Century," met with leaders in Israel this week for the first time as officials in Jerusalem and Washington said the US may release its peace plan before third Israeli elections on March 2.
Inside the United States
Iranian attack scrambles House war powers vote
Top House Democrats’ plans to push a measure limiting the Trump administration’s war-making powers are in flux following an Iranian missile attack Tuesday on U.S. bases inside Iraq.
US Trade Deficit Falls to Lowest Level in More Than 3 Years
The U.S. trade deficit fell in November to the lowest level in more than three years as U.S. exports rose while imports declined, putting the country on track to see the first annual decline in the trade deficit in six years.
'We're going to war, bro': Fort Bragg's 82nd Airborne deploys to the Middle East
The 600 mostly young soldiers at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, were headed for the Middle East, part of a group of some 3,500 U.S. paratroopers ordered to the region. Kuwait is the first stop for many. Their final destinations are classified.
Planned Parenthood performs more abortions this year, but loses private funding
Planned Parenthood performed 345,672 abortions in its most recent fiscal year, up from 12,915 the previous year, according to the 2018-2019 annual report it released over the weekend.
Christian News
Nigerian church leader kidnapped, hostage video released
Islamic extremists kidnapped a leader of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria on January 2, a video appearing a few days later of the pastor expressing his faith in God and asking for release.
Former ISIS guru becomes a Christian after receiving a letter from Jesus in a dream
A former "Prince of ISIS" that extremists swear allegiance to and are willing to die for was converted to Christianity after meeting with a Muslim evangelist and receiving a letter dripping with Jesus' blood in a dream.
Around the World
Europe Frets as Iran Nuclear Deal Appears Near Collapse
The fate of the Iran nuclear deal appears to hang in the balance following an announcement by the regime that it will no longer comply with the curbs on its nuclear program, imposed by the 2015 agreement.
Iran abandons nuclear deal after Soleimani killing
Iran vowed Sunday to defy the limits placed on its nuclear enrichment by the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and completely abandon the deal, in a response to the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani that also saw a red flag of Islamic martyrdom and vengeance raised over his funeral service in Qoms.
'It was a mistake': Pentagon backtracks on Iraq troop withdrawal amid chaos over general's letter
The most senior U.S. military officer said that a letter appearing to announce an American troop withdrawal from Iraq was 'a mistake' and should not have been sent to officials in Baghdad.
US deploys 6 B-52 bombers to Diego Garcia in Indian Ocean after Soleimani strike
The U.S. Air Force is deploying six B-52 bombers to Diego Garcia, an island base in the Indian Ocean, amid the rising threat from Iran after the U.S.-led airstrike killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Fox News confirmed Monday.
Venezuela dictator Maduro takes over legislature in move condemned by Pompeo
Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro took over his country's National Assembly Sunday, consolidating his power by co-opting the legislature largely considered the South American nation's last democratic institution.
Brushfires in Australia could become "mega blaze"
Australian brushfires have burned over 12 million acres in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, encompassing an area twice as big as Maryland, as officials over the weekend suggested the inferno may metastasize into a 'mega blaze.'
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
For Israel, Iran strike could be back on the table
Iran’s dramatic announcement that it no longer intends to honor its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers could soon revive discussions in Israel over a possible military strike on Iranian targets.
Possible marketplace from the time of Jesus discovered near Pilgrimage Road
More evidence of a bustling marketplace was discovered in Jerusalem near the Pilgrimage Road that led to the Second Temple in Jesus' time, rounding out the picture of an artery that connected to places like the Pool of Siloam.
Inside the United States
War powers act put forward by Pelosi to limit Trump against Iran
The U.S. House of Representatives will vote on a resolution this week to limit the war powers of President Trump should a conflict with Iran erupt.
Trump’s Appeals Court Nominee Introduces His Same-Sex Husband and Twin Baby Daughters
Then-Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Bumatay, whom President Donald Trump had nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Night Circuit, introduced his same-sex husband and their twin baby daughters when he appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his confirmation hearing on Oct. 30, 2019.
Donald Trump launches evangelical coalition as he defends Iran decision
President Donald Trump launched his 'Evangelicals for Trump' coalition on Friday night as he defended the US killing of Iran's top military leader, Qasem Soleimani, in the face of strong criticism.
More Than Third of US Healthcare Costs Go to Bureaucracy
U.S. insurers and providers spent more than $800 billion in 2017 on administration, or nearly $2,500 per person -- more than four times the per-capita administrative costs in Canada's single-payer system, a new study finds.
March against anti-Semitism in New York draws huge crowd
A solidarity march against a spate of anti-Semitic attacks in New York City saw over 25,000 attendees Sunday, as New York governor Andrew Cuomo promised to commit another $45 million to fight the epidemic.
Christian News
Church and cars destroyed in India on New Year's
A church was virtually demolished and three cars destroyed in India's Tamil Nadu state on New Year's eve, leaving a pastor uncertain of his flock's future but determined to continue his ministry.
New Jesus Movie Planned: Actors Using Sign Language to Reach Deaf Audience of 70 Million Worldwide
Although numerous movies and television series with biblical themes and stories that have been produced over the years, there's one audience that has never seen of the story of Jesus Christ in their own heart language -- the estimated 70 million people worldwide who are deaf.
Europe Frets as Iran Nuclear Deal Appears Near Collapse
The fate of the Iran nuclear deal appears to hang in the balance following an announcement by the regime that it will no longer comply with the curbs on its nuclear program, imposed by the 2015 agreement.
Iran abandons nuclear deal after Soleimani killing
Iran vowed Sunday to defy the limits placed on its nuclear enrichment by the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and completely abandon the deal, in a response to the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani that also saw a red flag of Islamic martyrdom and vengeance raised over his funeral service in Qoms.
'It was a mistake': Pentagon backtracks on Iraq troop withdrawal amid chaos over general's letter
The most senior U.S. military officer said that a letter appearing to announce an American troop withdrawal from Iraq was 'a mistake' and should not have been sent to officials in Baghdad.
US deploys 6 B-52 bombers to Diego Garcia in Indian Ocean after Soleimani strike
The U.S. Air Force is deploying six B-52 bombers to Diego Garcia, an island base in the Indian Ocean, amid the rising threat from Iran after the U.S.-led airstrike killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Fox News confirmed Monday.
Venezuela dictator Maduro takes over legislature in move condemned by Pompeo
Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro took over his country's National Assembly Sunday, consolidating his power by co-opting the legislature largely considered the South American nation's last democratic institution.
Brushfires in Australia could become "mega blaze"
Australian brushfires have burned over 12 million acres in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, encompassing an area twice as big as Maryland, as officials over the weekend suggested the inferno may metastasize into a 'mega blaze.'
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
For Israel, Iran strike could be back on the table
Iran’s dramatic announcement that it no longer intends to honor its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers could soon revive discussions in Israel over a possible military strike on Iranian targets.
Possible marketplace from the time of Jesus discovered near Pilgrimage Road
More evidence of a bustling marketplace was discovered in Jerusalem near the Pilgrimage Road that led to the Second Temple in Jesus' time, rounding out the picture of an artery that connected to places like the Pool of Siloam.
Inside the United States
War powers act put forward by Pelosi to limit Trump against Iran
The U.S. House of Representatives will vote on a resolution this week to limit the war powers of President Trump should a conflict with Iran erupt.
Trump’s Appeals Court Nominee Introduces His Same-Sex Husband and Twin Baby Daughters
Then-Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Bumatay, whom President Donald Trump had nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Night Circuit, introduced his same-sex husband and their twin baby daughters when he appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his confirmation hearing on Oct. 30, 2019.
Donald Trump launches evangelical coalition as he defends Iran decision
President Donald Trump launched his 'Evangelicals for Trump' coalition on Friday night as he defended the US killing of Iran's top military leader, Qasem Soleimani, in the face of strong criticism.
More Than Third of US Healthcare Costs Go to Bureaucracy
U.S. insurers and providers spent more than $800 billion in 2017 on administration, or nearly $2,500 per person -- more than four times the per-capita administrative costs in Canada's single-payer system, a new study finds.
March against anti-Semitism in New York draws huge crowd
A solidarity march against a spate of anti-Semitic attacks in New York City saw over 25,000 attendees Sunday, as New York governor Andrew Cuomo promised to commit another $45 million to fight the epidemic.
Christian News
Church and cars destroyed in India on New Year's
A church was virtually demolished and three cars destroyed in India's Tamil Nadu state on New Year's eve, leaving a pastor uncertain of his flock's future but determined to continue his ministry.
New Jesus Movie Planned: Actors Using Sign Language to Reach Deaf Audience of 70 Million Worldwide
Although numerous movies and television series with biblical themes and stories that have been produced over the years, there's one audience that has never seen of the story of Jesus Christ in their own heart language -- the estimated 70 million people worldwide who are deaf.
Around the World
Iran abandons nuclear deal after Soleimani killing
Iran vowed Sunday to defy the limits placed on its nuclear enrichment by the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and completely abandon the deal, in a response to the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani that also saw a red flag of Islamic martyrdom and vengeance raised over his funeral service in Qoms.
First signs of revenge from Iran for death of Soleimani in Syria, Iraq, Kenya
Syrian regime forces and Iranian militias fired three missiles at the Conoco gas fields in Deir Ezzor in eastern Syria and six rockets were fired into the Green Zone in Baghdad that houses the US embassy Sunday as tensions flared across the region.
Trump warns Iran: US has targeted '52 Iranian sites' and will 'hit very fast and very hard' if needed
President Trump issued a stern warning to Iran on Saturday through a series of Twitter messages intended to deter the country from retaliating after the U.S.-ordered airstrike that killed Iran's Gen. Qassem Soleimani last week.
US base in Kenya attacked by Somali Islamic terrorists
A military airstrip in Kenya was attacked by Al Qaida-linked Al Shabab early Sunday, destroying several American aircraft, as US and Kenyan military shored up defenses against the Somalian terrorist organization.
Iranian regime offers $80 million for the head of Trump
The Islamic regime in Iran offered a reward of $80 million dollars on Sunday for the head of US President Donald Trump, following a US airstrike on Friday at the Baghdad International Airport that killed the chief of Iranian operations abroad.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iron Dome defense system notes 85% success rate in 2019, IDF says
The Israeli military on Thursday released data on operational activity on all fronts in 2019, showing that its 'campaign between the wars' – an ongoing Israeli military and intelligence effort to disrupt the force buildup of the Iranian-Shiite axis throughout the Middle East – is nowhere near winding down.
Inside the United States
White House notifies Congress of Soleimani strike, fulfilling War Powers Act duties
The White House fulfilled its duties under the War Powers Act by sending Congress a notification of the airstrike that killed top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani.
Meth use up sixfold, fentanyl use quadrupled in U.S. in last 6 years
A study of over 1 million urine drug tests from across the United States shows soaring rates of use of methamphetamines and fentanyl, often used together in potentially lethal ways.
Machete-wielding assailant from Hanukkah attack Orthodox Jews indicted
The perpetrator of a Dec. 28th attack on a rabbi's Hanukkah party in New York was indicted on six counts of attempted murder Friday, up from the five counts he was charged with on the night of the incident.
Christian News
3,000 Christian sites across Europe attacked, desecrated, or vandalized in 2019
A new report from the Gatestone Institute found that 3,000 Christian sites, with the largest concentration in France and Germany, were desecrated in Europe in 2019, which was on pace to become a record-breaking year for the incidents.
United Methodist Church to split into separate conservative and liberal denominations
The United Methodist Church is planning to split over the issue of same-sex marriage and gay clergy, church officials said Friday.
Christian group warns of 'chaos' in Iraq after U.S. strike
A leading international group monitoring persecution of Christians says Iran, newly spurned by Thursday night’s drone strike that killed the Islamic republic’s elite military commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani, may target Christians living in Iraq as revenge for the U.S. attacks.
Iran abandons nuclear deal after Soleimani killing
Iran vowed Sunday to defy the limits placed on its nuclear enrichment by the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and completely abandon the deal, in a response to the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani that also saw a red flag of Islamic martyrdom and vengeance raised over his funeral service in Qoms.
First signs of revenge from Iran for death of Soleimani in Syria, Iraq, Kenya
Syrian regime forces and Iranian militias fired three missiles at the Conoco gas fields in Deir Ezzor in eastern Syria and six rockets were fired into the Green Zone in Baghdad that houses the US embassy Sunday as tensions flared across the region.
Trump warns Iran: US has targeted '52 Iranian sites' and will 'hit very fast and very hard' if needed
President Trump issued a stern warning to Iran on Saturday through a series of Twitter messages intended to deter the country from retaliating after the U.S.-ordered airstrike that killed Iran's Gen. Qassem Soleimani last week.
US base in Kenya attacked by Somali Islamic terrorists
A military airstrip in Kenya was attacked by Al Qaida-linked Al Shabab early Sunday, destroying several American aircraft, as US and Kenyan military shored up defenses against the Somalian terrorist organization.
Iranian regime offers $80 million for the head of Trump
The Islamic regime in Iran offered a reward of $80 million dollars on Sunday for the head of US President Donald Trump, following a US airstrike on Friday at the Baghdad International Airport that killed the chief of Iranian operations abroad.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iron Dome defense system notes 85% success rate in 2019, IDF says
The Israeli military on Thursday released data on operational activity on all fronts in 2019, showing that its 'campaign between the wars' – an ongoing Israeli military and intelligence effort to disrupt the force buildup of the Iranian-Shiite axis throughout the Middle East – is nowhere near winding down.
Inside the United States
White House notifies Congress of Soleimani strike, fulfilling War Powers Act duties
The White House fulfilled its duties under the War Powers Act by sending Congress a notification of the airstrike that killed top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani.
Meth use up sixfold, fentanyl use quadrupled in U.S. in last 6 years
A study of over 1 million urine drug tests from across the United States shows soaring rates of use of methamphetamines and fentanyl, often used together in potentially lethal ways.
Machete-wielding assailant from Hanukkah attack Orthodox Jews indicted
The perpetrator of a Dec. 28th attack on a rabbi's Hanukkah party in New York was indicted on six counts of attempted murder Friday, up from the five counts he was charged with on the night of the incident.
Christian News
3,000 Christian sites across Europe attacked, desecrated, or vandalized in 2019
A new report from the Gatestone Institute found that 3,000 Christian sites, with the largest concentration in France and Germany, were desecrated in Europe in 2019, which was on pace to become a record-breaking year for the incidents.
United Methodist Church to split into separate conservative and liberal denominations
The United Methodist Church is planning to split over the issue of same-sex marriage and gay clergy, church officials said Friday.
Christian group warns of 'chaos' in Iraq after U.S. strike
A leading international group monitoring persecution of Christians says Iran, newly spurned by Thursday night’s drone strike that killed the Islamic republic’s elite military commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani, may target Christians living in Iraq as revenge for the U.S. attacks.