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
Bolton in Israel: Iran Nuclear Program at 'Top of List' in Talks With Netanyahu
Iran's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs are at 'the top of the list,' U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton said Sunday after arriving in Israel, where he plans to holds talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump and Putin see eye to eye on Iran leaving Syria
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin 'agreed in principle' during their latest meeting in Helsinki last month that Iranian forces should leave Syria, according to a report in Bloomberg.
Global dividends jump to record high in the second quarter amid trade war concerns
Global dividends jumped 12.9 percent year-on-year in the second quarter to $497.4 billion, hitting a new record, according to a report on the Janus Henderson Global Dividend Index.
800,000 Displaced in Flooding in Southern Indian State
Some 800,000 people have been displaced and over 350 have died in the worst flooding in a century in southern India’s Kerala state, as authorities rushed to bring drinking water to the most affected areas, officials said Sunday.
EU minister: Brexit vote could 'in theory' be reversed
Britain's vote to leave the European Union could 'in theory' be reversed although there is a still a strong probability it will go ahead, said the European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs Pierre Moscovici on Monday.
Powerful typhoon on course to hit Korea this week
Powerful typhoon Soulik is on course to strike the Korean Peninsula this week, the state weather agency said Sunday, warning people on Jeju Island and in southern coastal areas to prepare.
Amid Vatican talks, China official says foreign forces can't control religion
Religious matters in China cannot be controlled by foreigners, Beijing’s seniormost official for religion wrote in a Communist Party journal, amid talks with the Vatican to resolve a dispute over the appointment of Catholic bishops.
Pentagon: China Boosts Nuclear Readiness
China added significant numbers of bombers to its military forces in the past year as part of a large-scale military buildup targeting the United States, a Pentagon's report on the Chinese military says.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
PA leader admits efforts to torpedo Israel-Hamas truce talks
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas warned Saturday that he will not allow for two separate entities to rule Palestinian lands, effectively admitting that Ramallah was actively trying to torpedo the Egyptian-brokered cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas.
US ambassador tells Israeli MK ‘no reason to evacuate settlements’ in peace deal
In a meeting with several settler leaders Wednesday, US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman said that he saw 'no reason to evacuate settlements' in a peace deal, a Likud lawmaker said.
Inside the United States
Trump administration creates Iran Action Group at State Department
The Trump administration has created an 'elite team' at the US State Department on Iran policy hoping to streamline execution of its newly aggressive strategy toward the Islamic Republic.
Democrats on the verge of winning 222 House seats in 2018 midterm elections: Poll
Democrats are on the verge of winning 222 seats in the House of Representatives in the 2018 midterm elections, according to a new poll that increased their odds of flipping power in the lower chamber.
Fire that prompted closure of parts of Yosemite Park is contained
A massive and deadly California wildfire that sent choking smoke into Yosemite National Park, causing a temporary closure of large parts of the tourist destination, is completely contained, fire officials said on Sunday.
Christian News
House-Church Members in Iran Reportedly Sentenced to Year in Prison
A convert from Islam in Iran said he and 11 other Christians were sentenced to a year in prison for 'inclination to the land of Christianity' among other charges, according to Mohabat News.
Bolton in Israel: Iran Nuclear Program at 'Top of List' in Talks With Netanyahu
Iran's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs are at 'the top of the list,' U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton said Sunday after arriving in Israel, where he plans to holds talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump and Putin see eye to eye on Iran leaving Syria
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin 'agreed in principle' during their latest meeting in Helsinki last month that Iranian forces should leave Syria, according to a report in Bloomberg.
Global dividends jump to record high in the second quarter amid trade war concerns
Global dividends jumped 12.9 percent year-on-year in the second quarter to $497.4 billion, hitting a new record, according to a report on the Janus Henderson Global Dividend Index.
800,000 Displaced in Flooding in Southern Indian State
Some 800,000 people have been displaced and over 350 have died in the worst flooding in a century in southern India’s Kerala state, as authorities rushed to bring drinking water to the most affected areas, officials said Sunday.
EU minister: Brexit vote could 'in theory' be reversed
Britain's vote to leave the European Union could 'in theory' be reversed although there is a still a strong probability it will go ahead, said the European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs Pierre Moscovici on Monday.
Powerful typhoon on course to hit Korea this week
Powerful typhoon Soulik is on course to strike the Korean Peninsula this week, the state weather agency said Sunday, warning people on Jeju Island and in southern coastal areas to prepare.
Amid Vatican talks, China official says foreign forces can't control religion
Religious matters in China cannot be controlled by foreigners, Beijing’s seniormost official for religion wrote in a Communist Party journal, amid talks with the Vatican to resolve a dispute over the appointment of Catholic bishops.
Pentagon: China Boosts Nuclear Readiness
China added significant numbers of bombers to its military forces in the past year as part of a large-scale military buildup targeting the United States, a Pentagon's report on the Chinese military says.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
PA leader admits efforts to torpedo Israel-Hamas truce talks
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas warned Saturday that he will not allow for two separate entities to rule Palestinian lands, effectively admitting that Ramallah was actively trying to torpedo the Egyptian-brokered cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas.
US ambassador tells Israeli MK ‘no reason to evacuate settlements’ in peace deal
In a meeting with several settler leaders Wednesday, US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman said that he saw 'no reason to evacuate settlements' in a peace deal, a Likud lawmaker said.
Inside the United States
Trump administration creates Iran Action Group at State Department
The Trump administration has created an 'elite team' at the US State Department on Iran policy hoping to streamline execution of its newly aggressive strategy toward the Islamic Republic.
Democrats on the verge of winning 222 House seats in 2018 midterm elections: Poll
Democrats are on the verge of winning 222 seats in the House of Representatives in the 2018 midterm elections, according to a new poll that increased their odds of flipping power in the lower chamber.
Fire that prompted closure of parts of Yosemite Park is contained
A massive and deadly California wildfire that sent choking smoke into Yosemite National Park, causing a temporary closure of large parts of the tourist destination, is completely contained, fire officials said on Sunday.
Christian News
House-Church Members in Iran Reportedly Sentenced to Year in Prison
A convert from Islam in Iran said he and 11 other Christians were sentenced to a year in prison for 'inclination to the land of Christianity' among other charges, according to Mohabat News.
Around the World
Trump and Putin see eye to eye on Iran leaving Syria
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin 'agreed in principle' during their latest meeting in Helsinki last month that Iranian forces should leave Syria, according to a report in Bloomberg.
U.S. readying more Turkey sanctions unless detained American pastor is released
Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said Thursday that the United States is preparing more sanctions against Turkey if American pastor Andrew Brunson is not released from custody.
Russia says drone attacks on its Syria base have increased
Russian air defense assets in Syria have downed 45 drones targeting their main base in the country, its military said Thursday, after an attack by the Islamic State group on a Syrian army base a day earlier killed seven troops.
U.S. welcomes Saudi Arabia's pledge of $100 million for Syria
The United States on Thursday welcomed Saudi Arabia’s contribution of $100 million to help stabilize parts of Syria no longer held by Islamic State, which comes as the Trump administration looks to cut back on foreign aid.
Chinese bombers likely training for US strikes: Pentagon
Chinese bombers are likely training for strikes against US and allied targets in the Pacific, according to a new Pentagon report that also details how Beijing is transforming its ground forces to 'fight and win.'
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Abbas: We will thwart Trump's plan, Nation-State Law
US administration officials who purportedly claim to want to improve the living conditions of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are 'liars,' Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said on Wednesday.
Cyprus serving as Gaza’s port still in early stages
If the emerging cease-fire arrangement with Hamas includes some kind of port or shipping corridor from Cyprus to Gaza, as some reports have indicated, no one has yet cued in the Cypriots.
Inside the United States
Democrats shatter primary turnout records, bank on anti-Trump enthusiasm to deliver Congress
Democrats saw a surge in voter turnout in primaries in flyover country this month, leaving party leaders salivating over a potential enthusiasm gap they hope will deliver control of Congress and several major governorships in November.
Wall St. rallies on solid earnings, U.S.-China trade talks
U.S. stocks rebounded on Thursday with the Dow posting its biggest percentage gain in over four months, as positive earnings and waning trade jitters buoyed investor confidence.
'Violating Freedom': CA Lawmakers Vote Again to Stop Churches from Helping Gays
The California Senate has passed a bill that would inhibit the church's ability to teach on sexuality and anyone seeking counseling to change their same-sex attraction. It does that by outlawing sexual orientation change efforts.
Fueled by Swing With Independents, Plurality Supports Kavanaugh’s Confirmation to Supreme Court
A new Quinnipiac poll shows increased public support for Judge Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation to the Supreme Court, fueled by an eight-point swing in his favor by independents.
Drying Lake Mead could trigger federal water shortage by 2020
Nevada's Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the West, could fall below a critical threshold in just two years if a new forecast by the Bureau of Reclamation is correct.
Christian News
Military Atheist Group Wants to Throw Air Force Commander 'Behind Prison Bars' for His Christian Faith
The Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) sent a formal complaint this week to Defense Secretary James Mattis calling for an investigation of Brig. Gen. E. John Teichert, a Christian and the newly installed commander of the 412 Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The Satanic Temple Holds Rally Protesting Ten Commandments Monument
The Satanic Temple held a 'Rally for the First Amendment' at the Arkansas State Capitol Thursday and brought with them a statue known as Baphomet, a goat-headed figure associated with the group.
1,800 Soldiers Have Professed Faith in Christ at Missouri Army Base in Last 6 Months
Over 1,800 soldiers have made professions of faith in the last six months at an Army base in Missouri, a chaplain says.
‘There Are No Girls Left’: Syria’s Christian Villages Hollowed Out by ISIS
The number of Christians across the Middle East has been declining for decades as persecution and poverty have led to widespread migration. The Islamic State, also known as ISIS, considered Christians infidels and forced them to pay special taxes, accelerating the trend in Syria and Iraq.
Trump and Putin see eye to eye on Iran leaving Syria
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin 'agreed in principle' during their latest meeting in Helsinki last month that Iranian forces should leave Syria, according to a report in Bloomberg.
U.S. readying more Turkey sanctions unless detained American pastor is released
Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said Thursday that the United States is preparing more sanctions against Turkey if American pastor Andrew Brunson is not released from custody.
Russia says drone attacks on its Syria base have increased
Russian air defense assets in Syria have downed 45 drones targeting their main base in the country, its military said Thursday, after an attack by the Islamic State group on a Syrian army base a day earlier killed seven troops.
U.S. welcomes Saudi Arabia's pledge of $100 million for Syria
The United States on Thursday welcomed Saudi Arabia’s contribution of $100 million to help stabilize parts of Syria no longer held by Islamic State, which comes as the Trump administration looks to cut back on foreign aid.
Chinese bombers likely training for US strikes: Pentagon
Chinese bombers are likely training for strikes against US and allied targets in the Pacific, according to a new Pentagon report that also details how Beijing is transforming its ground forces to 'fight and win.'
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Abbas: We will thwart Trump's plan, Nation-State Law
US administration officials who purportedly claim to want to improve the living conditions of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are 'liars,' Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said on Wednesday.
Cyprus serving as Gaza’s port still in early stages
If the emerging cease-fire arrangement with Hamas includes some kind of port or shipping corridor from Cyprus to Gaza, as some reports have indicated, no one has yet cued in the Cypriots.
Inside the United States
Democrats shatter primary turnout records, bank on anti-Trump enthusiasm to deliver Congress
Democrats saw a surge in voter turnout in primaries in flyover country this month, leaving party leaders salivating over a potential enthusiasm gap they hope will deliver control of Congress and several major governorships in November.
Wall St. rallies on solid earnings, U.S.-China trade talks
U.S. stocks rebounded on Thursday with the Dow posting its biggest percentage gain in over four months, as positive earnings and waning trade jitters buoyed investor confidence.
'Violating Freedom': CA Lawmakers Vote Again to Stop Churches from Helping Gays
The California Senate has passed a bill that would inhibit the church's ability to teach on sexuality and anyone seeking counseling to change their same-sex attraction. It does that by outlawing sexual orientation change efforts.
Fueled by Swing With Independents, Plurality Supports Kavanaugh’s Confirmation to Supreme Court
A new Quinnipiac poll shows increased public support for Judge Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation to the Supreme Court, fueled by an eight-point swing in his favor by independents.
Drying Lake Mead could trigger federal water shortage by 2020
Nevada's Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the West, could fall below a critical threshold in just two years if a new forecast by the Bureau of Reclamation is correct.
Christian News
Military Atheist Group Wants to Throw Air Force Commander 'Behind Prison Bars' for His Christian Faith
The Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) sent a formal complaint this week to Defense Secretary James Mattis calling for an investigation of Brig. Gen. E. John Teichert, a Christian and the newly installed commander of the 412 Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The Satanic Temple Holds Rally Protesting Ten Commandments Monument
The Satanic Temple held a 'Rally for the First Amendment' at the Arkansas State Capitol Thursday and brought with them a statue known as Baphomet, a goat-headed figure associated with the group.
1,800 Soldiers Have Professed Faith in Christ at Missouri Army Base in Last 6 Months
Over 1,800 soldiers have made professions of faith in the last six months at an Army base in Missouri, a chaplain says.
‘There Are No Girls Left’: Syria’s Christian Villages Hollowed Out by ISIS
The number of Christians across the Middle East has been declining for decades as persecution and poverty have led to widespread migration. The Islamic State, also known as ISIS, considered Christians infidels and forced them to pay special taxes, accelerating the trend in Syria and Iraq.
Around the World
Mexico unsure if it will finish NAFTA talks with U.S. in August
Mexico’s economy minister on Wednesday said that Mexico and the United States may not meet an August goal to finish bilateral talks to revamp the NAFTA trade deal, which is beset by disagreements over automobile trade rules and other issues.
U.S. Says Small Russian Satellite A Space Weapon
Russia has deployed a suspicious satellite the United States says is part of Moscow's plans to attack orbiting satellites in a future conflict, a State Department official revealed in Geneva on Tuesday.
'ISIS 2.0': Semi-independent terror cells, loyal only to radical ideology, plot strikes around world
Osama Bin Laden has been dead for years and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s 'caliphate' in the Middle East has crumbled, but the global jihadist threat continues to boil as extremists retreat underground to plot terror strikes around the world.
Qatar to invest $15bn in Turkey amid lira currency crisis
Qatar has pledged to invest $15 billion in Turkey as Ankara rolls out measures to strengthen the lira amid a trade spat with the US.
Turkey braces for hard times amid currency crisis, US spat
Some Turks are reacting with defiance to their plunging currency and an escalating trade and political dispute with the United States - an indication that they are ready to endure economic pain and risk further deterioration in a key, yet troubled alliance dating from the Cold War.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel to boost security budget by hundreds of millions of dollars
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented the cabinet with his '2030 Security Concept' on Wednesday, which will add hundreds of millions of dollars to military spending, and outlines the expected threats, military manpower needs, and principles for using force over the next decade.
US warns no one will be 'fully pleased’ by Israeli-Palestinian peace plan
The Trump administration said Wednesday that neither Israelis nor Palestinian would be 'fully pleased' by its long-awaited Middle East peace plan, whose contents are one of the most guarded secrets in Washington.
IAI to provide Barak-8 Missile Defense System for navy’s new warships
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will provide advanced defense systems to Israel Navy’s new Sa’ar-6 corvettes to protect strategic maritime assets, the defense giant announced on Tuesday.
Inside the United States
Drugs killed almost 72,000 people last year, a record
More people than ever are dying from drug overdoses, with death tolls surpassing 72,000 in 2017, according to preliminary data out Wednesday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
U.S. and Mexico to set up joint team to fight drug cartels
U.S. and Mexican law enforcement authorities will set up a joint team based in Chicago targeting the leaders and finances of drug cartels that ship opioids into the United States, aiming to stanch a spike in overdose deaths, officials said on Wednesday.
$3.5 Million Payout: Tea Party Wins Major Victory Over IRS
Court records show a judge this week approved a settlement between the Internal Revenue Service and hundreds of Tea Party groups.
Brennan first to fall as Trump kicks off review of Obama officials' access
President Trump on Wednesday personally revoked the security clearance of former CIA Director John O. Brennan, a bitter and vocal Trump critic, citing his 'erratic conduct and behavior' as their clashes escalated over the special counsel’s Russia investigation.
Christian News
Pentecostal church holds massive 'holy supper' in Mexico
More than half a million members of a Mexican Pentecostal church called 'The Light of the World' held a massive 'holy supper' this week, one of the largest religious ceremonies in the world.
Court rejects appeal for American pastor's release from detention, Turkish media says
Turkey on Wednesday rejected the U.S.' appeal for an American pastor's release from detention, Turkish media reported.
Christian Baker Again Under Fire Again -- This Time for Refusing to Bake a Transgender Cake
In June, the Supreme Court decided the case Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, issuing a powerful rebuke to the Colorado Civil Rights Commission for its 'religious hostility' toward Christian baker Jack Phillips. Phillips had refused to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding, and the commission had compared his decision to religious arguments in favor of the Ku Klux Klan and Nazism.
Mexico unsure if it will finish NAFTA talks with U.S. in August
Mexico’s economy minister on Wednesday said that Mexico and the United States may not meet an August goal to finish bilateral talks to revamp the NAFTA trade deal, which is beset by disagreements over automobile trade rules and other issues.
U.S. Says Small Russian Satellite A Space Weapon
Russia has deployed a suspicious satellite the United States says is part of Moscow's plans to attack orbiting satellites in a future conflict, a State Department official revealed in Geneva on Tuesday.
'ISIS 2.0': Semi-independent terror cells, loyal only to radical ideology, plot strikes around world
Osama Bin Laden has been dead for years and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s 'caliphate' in the Middle East has crumbled, but the global jihadist threat continues to boil as extremists retreat underground to plot terror strikes around the world.
Qatar to invest $15bn in Turkey amid lira currency crisis
Qatar has pledged to invest $15 billion in Turkey as Ankara rolls out measures to strengthen the lira amid a trade spat with the US.
Turkey braces for hard times amid currency crisis, US spat
Some Turks are reacting with defiance to their plunging currency and an escalating trade and political dispute with the United States - an indication that they are ready to endure economic pain and risk further deterioration in a key, yet troubled alliance dating from the Cold War.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel to boost security budget by hundreds of millions of dollars
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented the cabinet with his '2030 Security Concept' on Wednesday, which will add hundreds of millions of dollars to military spending, and outlines the expected threats, military manpower needs, and principles for using force over the next decade.
US warns no one will be 'fully pleased’ by Israeli-Palestinian peace plan
The Trump administration said Wednesday that neither Israelis nor Palestinian would be 'fully pleased' by its long-awaited Middle East peace plan, whose contents are one of the most guarded secrets in Washington.
IAI to provide Barak-8 Missile Defense System for navy’s new warships
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will provide advanced defense systems to Israel Navy’s new Sa’ar-6 corvettes to protect strategic maritime assets, the defense giant announced on Tuesday.
Inside the United States
Drugs killed almost 72,000 people last year, a record
More people than ever are dying from drug overdoses, with death tolls surpassing 72,000 in 2017, according to preliminary data out Wednesday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
U.S. and Mexico to set up joint team to fight drug cartels
U.S. and Mexican law enforcement authorities will set up a joint team based in Chicago targeting the leaders and finances of drug cartels that ship opioids into the United States, aiming to stanch a spike in overdose deaths, officials said on Wednesday.
$3.5 Million Payout: Tea Party Wins Major Victory Over IRS
Court records show a judge this week approved a settlement between the Internal Revenue Service and hundreds of Tea Party groups.
Brennan first to fall as Trump kicks off review of Obama officials' access
President Trump on Wednesday personally revoked the security clearance of former CIA Director John O. Brennan, a bitter and vocal Trump critic, citing his 'erratic conduct and behavior' as their clashes escalated over the special counsel’s Russia investigation.
Christian News
Pentecostal church holds massive 'holy supper' in Mexico
More than half a million members of a Mexican Pentecostal church called 'The Light of the World' held a massive 'holy supper' this week, one of the largest religious ceremonies in the world.
Court rejects appeal for American pastor's release from detention, Turkish media says
Turkey on Wednesday rejected the U.S.' appeal for an American pastor's release from detention, Turkish media reported.
Christian Baker Again Under Fire Again -- This Time for Refusing to Bake a Transgender Cake
In June, the Supreme Court decided the case Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, issuing a powerful rebuke to the Colorado Civil Rights Commission for its 'religious hostility' toward Christian baker Jack Phillips. Phillips had refused to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding, and the commission had compared his decision to religious arguments in favor of the Ku Klux Klan and Nazism.