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
Boris Johnson eyes parliament vote before Christmas to 'get Brexit done'
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will “get Brexit done” by Jan. 31 and then agree on a new trade deal with the European Union by the end of 2020, cabinet office minister Michael Gove said on Sunday, vowing to deliver on the government’s top priority.
Trump reaches preliminary trade agreement with China
The Trump administration announced Sunday that it would drop its plans to impose tariffs on $160 billion of Chinese goods in exchange for Chinese investment in American farming as part of the promised trade deal between the two nations.
Turkey, Russia ‘Very Close’ to Second Missile Defense Deal
Turkey could finalize terms for delivery of a second consignment of S-400 advanced missile defenses from Russia by April when the first batch will be ready to operate, Ankara's defense industry chief said on Friday.
North Korea conducts another test at long-range rocket site
North Korea said Saturday that it successfully performed another 'crucial test' at its long-range rocket launch site that will further strengthen its nuclear deterrent.
Trump preparing to withdraw 4,000 troops from Afghanistan
President Trump is reportedly planning to withdraw 4,000 troops from Afghanistan as part of a pledge he made this summer to end American involvement in conflict in the area.
2019 saw attacks on houses of worship with alarming frequency worldwide
On December 1, a band of assailants opened fire on worshipers at a small-town Protestant church in Burkina Faso, an impoverished West African country where the Christian minority is increasingly a target of attacks. The victims included the pastor and several teenage boys; regional authorities attributed the attack to 'unidentified armed men' who, according to witnesses, got away on motorcycles.
Brexit looks to be forthcoming with Boris Johnson election victory
Prime Minister Boris Johnson coasted to a landslide victory as British election results trickled in overnight, positioning himself to be the man to deliver Brexit on the promised January 31st deadline.
Turkey could close Incirlik air base in face of U.S. threats: Erdogan
Turkey could shut down its Incirlik airbase, which hosts U.S. nuclear warheads, in response to threats of U.S. sanctions and a separate U.S. Senate resolution that recognized mass killings of Armenians a century ago as genocide, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday.
Two Chinese diplomats expelled from US after entering military base: report
Two Chinese diplomats have been secretly kicked out of the US after driving onto a sensitive military base in Virginia — the first such expulsions in more than 30 years, according to a report Sunday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu tells High Court he'll resign from all ministerial posts by Jan. 1
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said he will resign from all ministerial positions by Jan. 1, 2020, but stressed he has no intention of stepping down as premier.
In Egypt, Abbas and Sissi discuss Arab support for the Palestinians
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi met on Sunday in the Sinai resort town of Sharm al-Sheikh and discussed Arab support for the Palestinians in international forums, the official PA news site Wafa reported.
IDF to begin major exercise in northern Israel
Today, the IDF will begin an extensive military exercise in northern Israel, which will include explosions and 'intense movement' of forces, vehicles and aircraft, the IDF wrote on its Twitter page.
Inside the United States
Trump impeachment moves forward as President claims 'coup'
Democrats in the House of Representatives voted to impeach Donald Trump Friday on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of justice over a phone call between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump that the American President has referred to as 'a perfect phone call.'
Mississippi 15-week Abortion Ban is Blocked by Appeals Court
A federal appeals court declared Friday that Mississippi’s ban on abortion at 15 weeks is unconstitutional, dealing a blow to those seeking to overturn the landmark Supreme Courtruling that legalized abortion nationwide.
Republicans aim to avoid war with White House over impeachment strategy
Senate Republicans are trying to avoid a high-profile fight with the White House as they plot their impeachment trial strategy.
Christian News
1,700 Cambodians come to Christ from Franklin Graham preaching
About 1,700 people made a decision for Christ in Cambodia over the weekend at an event hosted by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, breaking decades of religious oppression.
High school freshman barred from starting Christian club in New York
A Christian student at a New York high school was prevented from forming a Christian club when the principal told her it would be 'seen as exclusive,' her requests to the school administration to form the club repeatedly denied over 4 months.
Boris Johnson eyes parliament vote before Christmas to 'get Brexit done'
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will “get Brexit done” by Jan. 31 and then agree on a new trade deal with the European Union by the end of 2020, cabinet office minister Michael Gove said on Sunday, vowing to deliver on the government’s top priority.
Trump reaches preliminary trade agreement with China
The Trump administration announced Sunday that it would drop its plans to impose tariffs on $160 billion of Chinese goods in exchange for Chinese investment in American farming as part of the promised trade deal between the two nations.
Turkey, Russia ‘Very Close’ to Second Missile Defense Deal
Turkey could finalize terms for delivery of a second consignment of S-400 advanced missile defenses from Russia by April when the first batch will be ready to operate, Ankara's defense industry chief said on Friday.
North Korea conducts another test at long-range rocket site
North Korea said Saturday that it successfully performed another 'crucial test' at its long-range rocket launch site that will further strengthen its nuclear deterrent.
Trump preparing to withdraw 4,000 troops from Afghanistan
President Trump is reportedly planning to withdraw 4,000 troops from Afghanistan as part of a pledge he made this summer to end American involvement in conflict in the area.
2019 saw attacks on houses of worship with alarming frequency worldwide
On December 1, a band of assailants opened fire on worshipers at a small-town Protestant church in Burkina Faso, an impoverished West African country where the Christian minority is increasingly a target of attacks. The victims included the pastor and several teenage boys; regional authorities attributed the attack to 'unidentified armed men' who, according to witnesses, got away on motorcycles.
Brexit looks to be forthcoming with Boris Johnson election victory
Prime Minister Boris Johnson coasted to a landslide victory as British election results trickled in overnight, positioning himself to be the man to deliver Brexit on the promised January 31st deadline.
Turkey could close Incirlik air base in face of U.S. threats: Erdogan
Turkey could shut down its Incirlik airbase, which hosts U.S. nuclear warheads, in response to threats of U.S. sanctions and a separate U.S. Senate resolution that recognized mass killings of Armenians a century ago as genocide, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday.
Two Chinese diplomats expelled from US after entering military base: report
Two Chinese diplomats have been secretly kicked out of the US after driving onto a sensitive military base in Virginia — the first such expulsions in more than 30 years, according to a report Sunday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu tells High Court he'll resign from all ministerial posts by Jan. 1
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said he will resign from all ministerial positions by Jan. 1, 2020, but stressed he has no intention of stepping down as premier.
In Egypt, Abbas and Sissi discuss Arab support for the Palestinians
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi met on Sunday in the Sinai resort town of Sharm al-Sheikh and discussed Arab support for the Palestinians in international forums, the official PA news site Wafa reported.
IDF to begin major exercise in northern Israel
Today, the IDF will begin an extensive military exercise in northern Israel, which will include explosions and 'intense movement' of forces, vehicles and aircraft, the IDF wrote on its Twitter page.
Inside the United States
Trump impeachment moves forward as President claims 'coup'
Democrats in the House of Representatives voted to impeach Donald Trump Friday on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of justice over a phone call between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump that the American President has referred to as 'a perfect phone call.'
Mississippi 15-week Abortion Ban is Blocked by Appeals Court
A federal appeals court declared Friday that Mississippi’s ban on abortion at 15 weeks is unconstitutional, dealing a blow to those seeking to overturn the landmark Supreme Courtruling that legalized abortion nationwide.
Republicans aim to avoid war with White House over impeachment strategy
Senate Republicans are trying to avoid a high-profile fight with the White House as they plot their impeachment trial strategy.
Christian News
1,700 Cambodians come to Christ from Franklin Graham preaching
About 1,700 people made a decision for Christ in Cambodia over the weekend at an event hosted by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, breaking decades of religious oppression.
High school freshman barred from starting Christian club in New York
A Christian student at a New York high school was prevented from forming a Christian club when the principal told her it would be 'seen as exclusive,' her requests to the school administration to form the club repeatedly denied over 4 months.
Around the World
Trump Signs Off on Trade Deal With China to Avert December Tariffs
President Donald Trump signed off on a so-called phase-one trade deal with China, averting the Dec. 15 introduction of a new wave of U.S. tariffs on about $160 billion of consumer goods from the Asian nation, according to people familiar with the matter.
UK Exit Polls Point to Conclusive Win for Conservatives, Worst Labour Showing in Decades
The Conservative Party looks in line for a decisive win in Thursday’s British general election – the third in less than five years – with exit polls suggesting it would take 368 seats in the 650-seat House of Commons, 42 more than the minimum needed for a majority government.
China to buy $50 billion in U.S. farm products in return for tariff concessions-U.S. sources
The White House has agreed to suspend some tariffs on Chinese goods and reduce others in return for Beijing’s pledge to hike purchases of U.S. farm products in 2020, sources said on Thursday, taking a step towards de-escalating the trade war between the world’s two biggest economies.
EU welcomes clear UK Conservative victory as clarity over Brexit
European diplomats on Thursday welcomed the clarity an apparently decisive election victory for the Conservative Party gave to Britain’s stalled withdrawal from the EU, but said it would be challenging to agree a trade deal by the end of 2020.
Iran 'identified defused' huge cyberattack by a foreign government
The Iranian telecommunications minister said Wednesday that Iran had foiled a large-scale cyberattack on its critical infrastructure by a highly sophisticated state-level team of hackers.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Blue and White opens 3-seat lead over Likud in first poll of new elections
The Blue and White party is building a lead over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud, according to a pre-election poll released Thursday, but neither would receive enough support together with their allies to break Israel’s months-long political stalemate.
Israel Knesset disbands, third elections called
Israel's 22nd Knesset disbanded Wednesday at midnight, slating the country for third elections in under a year, and positioning neither Netanyahu nor Gantz for the 61-seat majority necessary to form a ruling coalition.
Israeli seeks to muster million-man march against Israel's political elite
An Israeli social media influencer is planning a million-man march on Israel's Supreme Court before new elections in Spring 2020, which, if successful, will be the largest demonstration of the popular will in the nation's history.
Inside the United States
Congressional negotiators reach tentative $1.3 trillion federal spending deal
Top congressional negotiators said Thursday they had reached a deal in principle to approve $1.3 trillion in federal spending for 2020, probably averting a government shutdown next week.
House Republicans and Democrats Spend Marathon Session Arguing Over Articles of Impeachment
House Democrats say President Trump should be impeached because one, he abused his power, and two, he obstructed Congress.
Pentagon Tests Long-banned Ballistic Missile over Pacific
The Pentagon on Thursday flight-tested a missile that had been banned under a treaty that the United States and Russia abandoned last summer. Some U.S. arms control advocates said the test risks an unnecessary arms race with Moscow.
Christian News
Christians arrested in India's Madhya Pradesh state for false charges of forced conversion
In the past 7 days, 8 Christians were attacked in India and charged with forced religious conversions, radicals landing them in prison under an oft-misused law against religious coercion.
Undercover cops raid Christian wedding in Pakistan
Four policemen disguised as civilians attacked a Christian wedding in Punjab province, Pakistan, damaging homes, hurling abusive slurs at women guests, and registering a case against the Christians involved.
Gaza Christians barred from visiting Bethlehem, Jerusalem on Christmas
Christians in the Gaza Strip will not be allowed to visit holy cities such as Bethlehem and Jerusalem to celebrate Christmas this year, Israeli authorities said on Thursday.
Trump Signs Off on Trade Deal With China to Avert December Tariffs
President Donald Trump signed off on a so-called phase-one trade deal with China, averting the Dec. 15 introduction of a new wave of U.S. tariffs on about $160 billion of consumer goods from the Asian nation, according to people familiar with the matter.
UK Exit Polls Point to Conclusive Win for Conservatives, Worst Labour Showing in Decades
The Conservative Party looks in line for a decisive win in Thursday’s British general election – the third in less than five years – with exit polls suggesting it would take 368 seats in the 650-seat House of Commons, 42 more than the minimum needed for a majority government.
China to buy $50 billion in U.S. farm products in return for tariff concessions-U.S. sources
The White House has agreed to suspend some tariffs on Chinese goods and reduce others in return for Beijing’s pledge to hike purchases of U.S. farm products in 2020, sources said on Thursday, taking a step towards de-escalating the trade war between the world’s two biggest economies.
EU welcomes clear UK Conservative victory as clarity over Brexit
European diplomats on Thursday welcomed the clarity an apparently decisive election victory for the Conservative Party gave to Britain’s stalled withdrawal from the EU, but said it would be challenging to agree a trade deal by the end of 2020.
Iran 'identified defused' huge cyberattack by a foreign government
The Iranian telecommunications minister said Wednesday that Iran had foiled a large-scale cyberattack on its critical infrastructure by a highly sophisticated state-level team of hackers.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Blue and White opens 3-seat lead over Likud in first poll of new elections
The Blue and White party is building a lead over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud, according to a pre-election poll released Thursday, but neither would receive enough support together with their allies to break Israel’s months-long political stalemate.
Israel Knesset disbands, third elections called
Israel's 22nd Knesset disbanded Wednesday at midnight, slating the country for third elections in under a year, and positioning neither Netanyahu nor Gantz for the 61-seat majority necessary to form a ruling coalition.
Israeli seeks to muster million-man march against Israel's political elite
An Israeli social media influencer is planning a million-man march on Israel's Supreme Court before new elections in Spring 2020, which, if successful, will be the largest demonstration of the popular will in the nation's history.
Inside the United States
Congressional negotiators reach tentative $1.3 trillion federal spending deal
Top congressional negotiators said Thursday they had reached a deal in principle to approve $1.3 trillion in federal spending for 2020, probably averting a government shutdown next week.
House Republicans and Democrats Spend Marathon Session Arguing Over Articles of Impeachment
House Democrats say President Trump should be impeached because one, he abused his power, and two, he obstructed Congress.
Pentagon Tests Long-banned Ballistic Missile over Pacific
The Pentagon on Thursday flight-tested a missile that had been banned under a treaty that the United States and Russia abandoned last summer. Some U.S. arms control advocates said the test risks an unnecessary arms race with Moscow.
Christian News
Christians arrested in India's Madhya Pradesh state for false charges of forced conversion
In the past 7 days, 8 Christians were attacked in India and charged with forced religious conversions, radicals landing them in prison under an oft-misused law against religious coercion.
Undercover cops raid Christian wedding in Pakistan
Four policemen disguised as civilians attacked a Christian wedding in Punjab province, Pakistan, damaging homes, hurling abusive slurs at women guests, and registering a case against the Christians involved.
Gaza Christians barred from visiting Bethlehem, Jerusalem on Christmas
Christians in the Gaza Strip will not be allowed to visit holy cities such as Bethlehem and Jerusalem to celebrate Christmas this year, Israeli authorities said on Thursday.
Around the World
U.S. Hits Iran With More Sanctions, Hopes For Prisoner Talks
The United States has hit Iran with new sanctions targeting several transport firms it accused of transporting lethal aid from Iran to Yemen and proliferating weapons of mass destruction.
Satellite images uncover new Iranian tunnel in Syria used to hide missiles
Satellite images taken in October revealed a new underground tunnel that Iran is building in Syria, the US government says to hide weapons.
Mexico to Send New Regional Trade Agreement to Senate
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Wednesday he will send a new regional trade agreement to the Senate immediately for ratification.
Burmese leader arrives in Netherlands to stand trial for genocide
Burma's leader Aung San Suu Kyi arrived at the International Court of Justice in the Hague Tuesday to arbitrate the case against her for genocide opened by Muslim country Gambia.
Major leak of Iranian financial data points to hostile state actor
The details of 15 million Iranian debit cards were leaked online when banks were burned during protests that began November 15 for a 50% spike in fuel prices.
US Military Leaders, Congress Spar Over Syria Pullout
U.S. lawmakers and military leaders sparred Wednesday over the U.S. decision in October to pull troops out of northern Syria amid the threat of a Turkish offensive.
Senate Panel Passes Bill To Impose Sanctions On Turkey; Delays Vote On Tough Russia Measures
A U.S. Senate committee has passed legislation with bipartisan support to hit Turkey with sanctions but refrained from voting on a controversial Russian sanctions bill.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Knesset advance legislation to dissolve, hold fresh elections
Knesset members on Wednesday began the process of passing a bill to dissolve parliament and hold an unprecedented third election in 12 months.
Inside the United States
Feds Collect Record Taxes Through November; But Still Run $343.3 Billion Deficit With Second-Highest Spending in Nation's History
The federal government collected record total tax revenues of $470,706,000,000 in October and November, the first two months of fiscal 2020, according to the Monthly Treasury Statement released today.
Trump changes federal definitions of Jewishness and anti-Semitism to combat anti-Israel college campaigns
The White House announced Wednesday that a new executive order targeting anti-Semitism on college campuses will be signed by President Trump, broadening the federal definition of Judaism to encompass ethnicity as well as religion.
IG report debunks media, Trump foes' conspiracy theories
The Justice Department inspector general’s report rebuts a number of Trump-Russia assertions made by key players, including the news media, former FBI Director James B. Comey and Rep. Adam B. Schiff, a leading conspiracy proponent.
House passes ‘progressive’ defense bill, 377-48
In a strong bipartisan vote, the House passed a compromise defense policy bill that authorizes a new Space Force and $738 billion for the Pentagon, but a small but vocal group of Democrats voted against it because of the absence of new war powers restrictions, arms control language and border wall mandates. The vote was 377-48.
Graham alleges ‘massive criminal conspiracy’ in FBI’s Russia probe in blistering hearing statement
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham accused the FBI officials who investigated the Trump campaign’s ties to Russia of a 'massive criminal conspiracy' in a fiery opening statement Wednesday for a hearing where the Justice Department's top watchdog testified.
71% Have Little or No Trust in House Impeachment Inquiry, Monmouth University Poll Shows
Americans remain greatly skeptical of the way the House impeachment inquiry has been conducted, results of a new Monmouth University Poll released Wednesday reveal.
Jewish community targeted by Black Hebrew Israelite killer in Jersey City
The anti-Jewish motives of the Jersey City shooters who killed 4 people on Tuesday near a Kosher supermarket began to surface Wednesday as investigators uncovered the main shooter's online history.
Christian News
Christians killed on bus in Kenya when Al Shabaab infiltrates
Militants from Somali Islamist group Al Shabaab attacked a bus in Kenya Friday, killing 11 people, most of whom were assumed to be Christians.
Christian doctor in UK cleared after falsely charged with sharing his faith in an invasive way
A Christian doctor in the UK in danger of losing his job and medical license for 3 months was cleared of any wrongdoing by the National Medical Council after it found the charges against him were based on a highly questionable report.
Indian parliament provides certain Christians citizenship, but critics fear a move away from religious freedom
New legislation passed in India's parliament grants citizenship to beleaguered Christian foreigners, among others, but the US Commission on International Religious Freedom says it is a dangerous move.
U.S. Hits Iran With More Sanctions, Hopes For Prisoner Talks
The United States has hit Iran with new sanctions targeting several transport firms it accused of transporting lethal aid from Iran to Yemen and proliferating weapons of mass destruction.
Satellite images uncover new Iranian tunnel in Syria used to hide missiles
Satellite images taken in October revealed a new underground tunnel that Iran is building in Syria, the US government says to hide weapons.
Mexico to Send New Regional Trade Agreement to Senate
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Wednesday he will send a new regional trade agreement to the Senate immediately for ratification.
Burmese leader arrives in Netherlands to stand trial for genocide
Burma's leader Aung San Suu Kyi arrived at the International Court of Justice in the Hague Tuesday to arbitrate the case against her for genocide opened by Muslim country Gambia.
Major leak of Iranian financial data points to hostile state actor
The details of 15 million Iranian debit cards were leaked online when banks were burned during protests that began November 15 for a 50% spike in fuel prices.
US Military Leaders, Congress Spar Over Syria Pullout
U.S. lawmakers and military leaders sparred Wednesday over the U.S. decision in October to pull troops out of northern Syria amid the threat of a Turkish offensive.
Senate Panel Passes Bill To Impose Sanctions On Turkey; Delays Vote On Tough Russia Measures
A U.S. Senate committee has passed legislation with bipartisan support to hit Turkey with sanctions but refrained from voting on a controversial Russian sanctions bill.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Knesset advance legislation to dissolve, hold fresh elections
Knesset members on Wednesday began the process of passing a bill to dissolve parliament and hold an unprecedented third election in 12 months.
Inside the United States
Feds Collect Record Taxes Through November; But Still Run $343.3 Billion Deficit With Second-Highest Spending in Nation's History
The federal government collected record total tax revenues of $470,706,000,000 in October and November, the first two months of fiscal 2020, according to the Monthly Treasury Statement released today.
Trump changes federal definitions of Jewishness and anti-Semitism to combat anti-Israel college campaigns
The White House announced Wednesday that a new executive order targeting anti-Semitism on college campuses will be signed by President Trump, broadening the federal definition of Judaism to encompass ethnicity as well as religion.
IG report debunks media, Trump foes' conspiracy theories
The Justice Department inspector general’s report rebuts a number of Trump-Russia assertions made by key players, including the news media, former FBI Director James B. Comey and Rep. Adam B. Schiff, a leading conspiracy proponent.
House passes ‘progressive’ defense bill, 377-48
In a strong bipartisan vote, the House passed a compromise defense policy bill that authorizes a new Space Force and $738 billion for the Pentagon, but a small but vocal group of Democrats voted against it because of the absence of new war powers restrictions, arms control language and border wall mandates. The vote was 377-48.
Graham alleges ‘massive criminal conspiracy’ in FBI’s Russia probe in blistering hearing statement
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham accused the FBI officials who investigated the Trump campaign’s ties to Russia of a 'massive criminal conspiracy' in a fiery opening statement Wednesday for a hearing where the Justice Department's top watchdog testified.
71% Have Little or No Trust in House Impeachment Inquiry, Monmouth University Poll Shows
Americans remain greatly skeptical of the way the House impeachment inquiry has been conducted, results of a new Monmouth University Poll released Wednesday reveal.
Jewish community targeted by Black Hebrew Israelite killer in Jersey City
The anti-Jewish motives of the Jersey City shooters who killed 4 people on Tuesday near a Kosher supermarket began to surface Wednesday as investigators uncovered the main shooter's online history.
Christian News
Christians killed on bus in Kenya when Al Shabaab infiltrates
Militants from Somali Islamist group Al Shabaab attacked a bus in Kenya Friday, killing 11 people, most of whom were assumed to be Christians.
Christian doctor in UK cleared after falsely charged with sharing his faith in an invasive way
A Christian doctor in the UK in danger of losing his job and medical license for 3 months was cleared of any wrongdoing by the National Medical Council after it found the charges against him were based on a highly questionable report.
Indian parliament provides certain Christians citizenship, but critics fear a move away from religious freedom
New legislation passed in India's parliament grants citizenship to beleaguered Christian foreigners, among others, but the US Commission on International Religious Freedom says it is a dangerous move.