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 gearing up for major drill threatening to shut Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard forces are gearing up to stage a major exercise in the Persian Gulf, perhaps within the next 48 hours that could be aimed at demonstrating their ability to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, according to a CNN report citing two US officials 'directly familiar with the latest US assessment of IRGC troop movements.'
U.S. Issues New Warning to Europe: End Business With Iran or Face Harsh Sanctions
Congress and the Trump administration are issuing a stern warning to European partners: End all business ties with the Iranian regime or face harsh new sanctions in the coming months, a move that could impact international financial markets and U.S. banks tied to foreign monetary institutions, according to multiple senior U.S. officials who spoke to the Washington Free Beacon about diplomatic efforts to pressure Europe on Iran.
Pope changes Catholic Church teaching on death penalty, declares it 'inadmissible'
Pope Francis changed the Catholic Church's stance on the death penalty in a new policy published Thursday, saying it is 'inadmissible' because it 'attacks' the inherent dignity of all humans.
Syria claims to down ‘hostile target’ during airstrike near Damascus
Syria said late Thursday that its air defenses destroyed an unspecified enemy target during an attempted airstrike west of Damascus, as residents reported a series of loud explosions around the Syrian capital.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
White House bolstering Mideast team ahead of peace plan rollout
US officials say the Trump administration is staffing up a Middle East policy team at the White House in anticipation of unveiling its long awaited but largely mysterious Israeli-Palestinian peace plan.
Netanyahu warns that Israel will stop any Iranian attempt to close Red Sea
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran on Wednesday that Israel, together with an 'international coalition,' would not allow the Islamic Republic to close a key regional waterway.
Israeli airstrike kills 7 ISIS terrorists on Syrian border
An Israeli airstrike on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights border has eliminated seven terrorists, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit said Thursday.
After talks in Cairo, Hamas leaders head to Gaza for 'consultations'
Senior Hamas officials who held talks with Egyptian intelligence officials in Cairo over the past three days were scheduled to arrive in the Gaza Strip Thursday to meet with party leaders, sources close to the Islamist movement said.
Annual Pride Parade takes over Jerusalem
In a rainbow of color and diversity, an estimated 35,000 people took to the capital’s streets Thursday for the 17th-annual Jerusalem March for Pride and Tolerance, with numerous groups, organizations and public officials participating in the parade.
Inside the United States
Republicans to press ahead with Kavanaugh conformation despite National Archives delay
The National Archives says it will take months to process the records Republicans have asked to see from Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh’s previous government work, throwing a curveball at the GOP, which had hoped to review the documents, hold hearings and confirm him to the Supreme Court before October.
Remains received from North Korea 'consistent' with being US service members, Pentagon says
The human remains returned to the U.S. by North Korea last week are 'consistent with being Americans,' according to an official who saw the contents of the 55 boxes.
Worst red tide bloom in over a decade kills hundreds of marine mammals along Florida's west coast
The ongoing toxic algae bloom is considered to be the longest red tide outbreak for the Gulf of Mexico in over a decade, and officials say it will most likely last until 2019.
Apple makes history by becoming first US company to reach $1 trillion market value
Apple, the popular technology stock owned by millions of Americans through funds in their 401(k)s, has become the first publicly traded U.S. company to hit a market value of $1 trillion.
Fired-up liberals send $1 billion to candidates, causes ahead of midterms
The online fundraising platform ActBlue this week surged past the $1 billion mark in contributions to Democratic candidates and causes in this election cycle.
Trump national security team says Russia behind effort to meddle in U.S. elections
U.S. President Donald Trump’s national security team said on Thursday that Russia is behind 'pervasive' attempts to interfere in upcoming U.S. elections, in a rejection of denials of meddling that Russian President Vladimir Putin made directly to Trump.
Christian News
Assault on Christian Leader in Nepal Reflects Growing Threat
Pastor Sagar Baizu, 46, had finished one meeting and had an hour before the next one, so he decided to stop at a café on a major thoroughfare in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, on July 19.
Iran gearing up for major drill threatening to shut Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard forces are gearing up to stage a major exercise in the Persian Gulf, perhaps within the next 48 hours that could be aimed at demonstrating their ability to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, according to a CNN report citing two US officials 'directly familiar with the latest US assessment of IRGC troop movements.'
U.S. Issues New Warning to Europe: End Business With Iran or Face Harsh Sanctions
Congress and the Trump administration are issuing a stern warning to European partners: End all business ties with the Iranian regime or face harsh new sanctions in the coming months, a move that could impact international financial markets and U.S. banks tied to foreign monetary institutions, according to multiple senior U.S. officials who spoke to the Washington Free Beacon about diplomatic efforts to pressure Europe on Iran.
Pope changes Catholic Church teaching on death penalty, declares it 'inadmissible'
Pope Francis changed the Catholic Church's stance on the death penalty in a new policy published Thursday, saying it is 'inadmissible' because it 'attacks' the inherent dignity of all humans.
Syria claims to down ‘hostile target’ during airstrike near Damascus
Syria said late Thursday that its air defenses destroyed an unspecified enemy target during an attempted airstrike west of Damascus, as residents reported a series of loud explosions around the Syrian capital.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
White House bolstering Mideast team ahead of peace plan rollout
US officials say the Trump administration is staffing up a Middle East policy team at the White House in anticipation of unveiling its long awaited but largely mysterious Israeli-Palestinian peace plan.
Netanyahu warns that Israel will stop any Iranian attempt to close Red Sea
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran on Wednesday that Israel, together with an 'international coalition,' would not allow the Islamic Republic to close a key regional waterway.
Israeli airstrike kills 7 ISIS terrorists on Syrian border
An Israeli airstrike on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights border has eliminated seven terrorists, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit said Thursday.
After talks in Cairo, Hamas leaders head to Gaza for 'consultations'
Senior Hamas officials who held talks with Egyptian intelligence officials in Cairo over the past three days were scheduled to arrive in the Gaza Strip Thursday to meet with party leaders, sources close to the Islamist movement said.
Annual Pride Parade takes over Jerusalem
In a rainbow of color and diversity, an estimated 35,000 people took to the capital’s streets Thursday for the 17th-annual Jerusalem March for Pride and Tolerance, with numerous groups, organizations and public officials participating in the parade.
Inside the United States
Republicans to press ahead with Kavanaugh conformation despite National Archives delay
The National Archives says it will take months to process the records Republicans have asked to see from Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh’s previous government work, throwing a curveball at the GOP, which had hoped to review the documents, hold hearings and confirm him to the Supreme Court before October.
Remains received from North Korea 'consistent' with being US service members, Pentagon says
The human remains returned to the U.S. by North Korea last week are 'consistent with being Americans,' according to an official who saw the contents of the 55 boxes.
Worst red tide bloom in over a decade kills hundreds of marine mammals along Florida's west coast
The ongoing toxic algae bloom is considered to be the longest red tide outbreak for the Gulf of Mexico in over a decade, and officials say it will most likely last until 2019.
Apple makes history by becoming first US company to reach $1 trillion market value
Apple, the popular technology stock owned by millions of Americans through funds in their 401(k)s, has become the first publicly traded U.S. company to hit a market value of $1 trillion.
Fired-up liberals send $1 billion to candidates, causes ahead of midterms
The online fundraising platform ActBlue this week surged past the $1 billion mark in contributions to Democratic candidates and causes in this election cycle.
Trump national security team says Russia behind effort to meddle in U.S. elections
U.S. President Donald Trump’s national security team said on Thursday that Russia is behind 'pervasive' attempts to interfere in upcoming U.S. elections, in a rejection of denials of meddling that Russian President Vladimir Putin made directly to Trump.
Christian News
Assault on Christian Leader in Nepal Reflects Growing Threat
Pastor Sagar Baizu, 46, had finished one meeting and had an hour before the next one, so he decided to stop at a café on a major thoroughfare in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, on July 19.
Around the World
Turkey Vows to Retaliate After US Sanctions Two Ministers Over Brunson Case
Turkey’s Islamist government vowed late Wednesday to respond to the imposition of U.S. sanctions against two of its government ministers over the treatment of an American pastor, and one of the targeted ministers shrugged off the move, saying he had no financial interests in the United States.
Zimbabwe's hopeful election gives way to deadly violence
Zimbabwe’s hopes to move past the long, damaging reign of ousted President Robert Mugabe hung in the balance Wednesday amid expanding violent protests and charges of ballot fraud over the results of the first post-Mugabe presidential election Monday.
Iran planning Gulf 'swarm' drill involving 100 gun boats within days, US officials say
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard is expected to put 100 gun boats in the Persian Gulf sometime in the next 48 hours to practice 'swarm' tactics simulating actions which could potentially shut down the Strait of Hormuz, where roughly 10 percent of the world’s oil passes through each year, two U.S. officials said Wednesday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US Senate passes huge defense bill including $550 million for Israel
The US Senate easily passed a $716.3 billion defense authorization bill Wednesday that includes funding for Israel to defend itself against Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as ramping up military spending and bolstering America’s posture against Russia while avoiding policy changes that would have antagonized US President Donald Trump.
After Trump's talks offer, US reassures Israel of tough policy on Iran
Senior officials in US President Donald Trump’s administration assured Israel that its tough stance against Iran has not changed, after Trump’s offer to engage in talks was strongly rebuffed by Iranian officials.
Hezbollah likely to replace ISIS on Israel's northern border, IDF says
The Syrian army is expected to complete its takeover of the country's southwest, near the border with Israel, in the next day or two. This will allegedly restore a familiar situation, in which Syria's regime is once again stable, even if under the auspices of Russia.
29 fires erupt as Palestinian arson terrorism continues to scorch western Negev
Twenty-nine fires erupted in Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip border Tuesday, as Palestinian arson terrorism continued to wreak havoc near the volatile frontier.
Under heavy police guard, Jerusalem readies for city’s largest-ever Pride Parade
Tens of thousands of people are expected to march for equal rights for the LGBT community under heavy police protection Thursday afternoon in what is being billed as the largest-ever gay pride parade in Jerusalem.
Inside the United States
Lawmakers defuse Trump's shutdown threat by passing partial spending bills ahead of deadline
Congress is taking big strides to defuse President Trump’s shutdown threat, working to pass as many spending bills as possible before next month’s deadline so most of the government will remain open no matter what Mr. Trump demands on border security.
Holding It Steady: Fed Leaves Rates Unchanged Amid Positive Growth Talk
It’s steady as she goes for the Fed this time around, as many investors had pretty much baked in. After a June hike of the benchmark federal-funds rate to a range between 1.75% and 2%, the Fed concluded this week’s meeting Wednesday by standing pat and keeping rates right there.
Court rules Trump anti-sanctuary policy unconstitutional
A federal appeals court ruled President Trump’s executive order punishing sanctuary cities by withholding money is unconstitutional — but in a twist, the court cleared the way for the government to carry out the policy in much of the country.
Christian News
'You Always Have a Friend at the White House': Trump Sits Down With Faith Leaders
President Donald Trump met with inner city pastors Wednesday to discuss prison reform, workforce development and partnering with the faith-based community.
Turkey Vows to Retaliate After US Sanctions Two Ministers Over Brunson Case
Turkey’s Islamist government vowed late Wednesday to respond to the imposition of U.S. sanctions against two of its government ministers over the treatment of an American pastor, and one of the targeted ministers shrugged off the move, saying he had no financial interests in the United States.
Zimbabwe's hopeful election gives way to deadly violence
Zimbabwe’s hopes to move past the long, damaging reign of ousted President Robert Mugabe hung in the balance Wednesday amid expanding violent protests and charges of ballot fraud over the results of the first post-Mugabe presidential election Monday.
Iran planning Gulf 'swarm' drill involving 100 gun boats within days, US officials say
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard is expected to put 100 gun boats in the Persian Gulf sometime in the next 48 hours to practice 'swarm' tactics simulating actions which could potentially shut down the Strait of Hormuz, where roughly 10 percent of the world’s oil passes through each year, two U.S. officials said Wednesday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
US Senate passes huge defense bill including $550 million for Israel
The US Senate easily passed a $716.3 billion defense authorization bill Wednesday that includes funding for Israel to defend itself against Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as ramping up military spending and bolstering America’s posture against Russia while avoiding policy changes that would have antagonized US President Donald Trump.
After Trump's talks offer, US reassures Israel of tough policy on Iran
Senior officials in US President Donald Trump’s administration assured Israel that its tough stance against Iran has not changed, after Trump’s offer to engage in talks was strongly rebuffed by Iranian officials.
Hezbollah likely to replace ISIS on Israel's northern border, IDF says
The Syrian army is expected to complete its takeover of the country's southwest, near the border with Israel, in the next day or two. This will allegedly restore a familiar situation, in which Syria's regime is once again stable, even if under the auspices of Russia.
29 fires erupt as Palestinian arson terrorism continues to scorch western Negev
Twenty-nine fires erupted in Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip border Tuesday, as Palestinian arson terrorism continued to wreak havoc near the volatile frontier.
Under heavy police guard, Jerusalem readies for city’s largest-ever Pride Parade
Tens of thousands of people are expected to march for equal rights for the LGBT community under heavy police protection Thursday afternoon in what is being billed as the largest-ever gay pride parade in Jerusalem.
Inside the United States
Lawmakers defuse Trump's shutdown threat by passing partial spending bills ahead of deadline
Congress is taking big strides to defuse President Trump’s shutdown threat, working to pass as many spending bills as possible before next month’s deadline so most of the government will remain open no matter what Mr. Trump demands on border security.
Holding It Steady: Fed Leaves Rates Unchanged Amid Positive Growth Talk
It’s steady as she goes for the Fed this time around, as many investors had pretty much baked in. After a June hike of the benchmark federal-funds rate to a range between 1.75% and 2%, the Fed concluded this week’s meeting Wednesday by standing pat and keeping rates right there.
Court rules Trump anti-sanctuary policy unconstitutional
A federal appeals court ruled President Trump’s executive order punishing sanctuary cities by withholding money is unconstitutional — but in a twist, the court cleared the way for the government to carry out the policy in much of the country.
Christian News
'You Always Have a Friend at the White House': Trump Sits Down With Faith Leaders
President Donald Trump met with inner city pastors Wednesday to discuss prison reform, workforce development and partnering with the faith-based community.
Around the World
Trump to propose 25-percent tariff on $200 billion of Chinese imports: source
The Trump administration plans to propose slapping a 25-percent tariff on $200 billion of imported Chinese goods after initially setting them at 10 percent, in a bid to pressure Beijing into making trade concessions, a source familiar with the plan said on Tuesday.
Rival Koreas' generals end talks with no agreement
Rare general-level talks between the two Koreas ended with no agreement Tuesday, but the top delegates said they had a meaningful discussion on easing their countries’ decades-long military standoff.
U.S., Mexico meeting in Washington to talk about NAFTA, but Canada is left out
Canada’s continental partners are simply trying to work through difficult bilateral sticking points on NAFTA, federal insiders insist, even as the Canadian government appears to have been left out of ongoing talks between the United States and Mexico.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Russian envoy: Deal reached to keep Iran 85 km from Israeli-Syria border
Russia and Israel have reached an agreement to remove Iranian forces in Syria to within 85 kilometers of the Golan Heights border, Russia's special envoy for Syria told the Sputnik news agency on Wednesday.
IDF's massive May attack in Syria combined artillery and jets
The IDF released on Tuesday a video clip showing parts of Israel’s May attacks on more than 50 Iranian targets in Syria in what was the widest military operation launched by the IDF in the war-torn country since 1974.
Inside the United States
Trump administration considering tax break on capital gains
The Trump administration is studying the idea of implementing a big tax break for wealthy Americans by reducing the taxes levied on capital gains, but no decision has been made yet on whether to proceed.
Trump in Florida: 'The Time Has Come for Photo ID' for Voting
President Trump, speaking at a rally in Tampa, Fla., resurrected the issue of photo ID at the polls, suggesting that all voters should be required to show ID when they vote for president, senator, governor, or congressman.
3D Printed Guns Have Been Outlawed for 30 years
The National Rifle Association had to point out Tuesday that any untraceable gun is outlawed in reference to the recent legal settlement that will allow for the blueprints on how to print and set up a gun from a 3D printer to be available to the public.
Liberal Media 'Freak Out' Over New Religious Liberty Task Force, Accuse Trump Admin of 'Holy War on LGBT People'
Opinion pages, blogs, websites and other media sources are full of reports Tuesday with reaction to Attorney General Jeff Sessions' Religious Liberty Task Force. The overriding concern seems to be that it is a direct set-up for discriminating against the homosexual community.
Judge issues temporary restraining order stopping release of 3D-printed gun
A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order Tuesday blocking a Texas organization from posting new online blueprints for 3D-printed guns, delivering a last-minute win to gun control backers who were worried about the implications of untraceable firearms being manufactured at home.
Mismanaged, overcrowded forests provide fuel to historic California wildfires, experts say
Neglect and mismanagement have left western U.S. forests overcrowded, firefighting experts say, leaving them more susceptible to the kinds of major wildfires that are currently ravaging California.
Christian News
Turkish court rejects U.S. pastor's appeal
A Turkish court rejected an appeal on Tuesday for an American pastor to be released from house arrest during his trial on terrorism charges, his lawyer said, in a case that has raised the threat of U.S. sanctions against Ankara.
'You Cannot Take Jesus Away From Us': Iranian Christians Testify About Being Imprisoned for Christ
Two Iranian Christians are pleading with the world to hear the cries of the Iranian people as they recounted their own ordeal of being imprisoned for their faith.
Trump to propose 25-percent tariff on $200 billion of Chinese imports: source
The Trump administration plans to propose slapping a 25-percent tariff on $200 billion of imported Chinese goods after initially setting them at 10 percent, in a bid to pressure Beijing into making trade concessions, a source familiar with the plan said on Tuesday.
Rival Koreas' generals end talks with no agreement
Rare general-level talks between the two Koreas ended with no agreement Tuesday, but the top delegates said they had a meaningful discussion on easing their countries’ decades-long military standoff.
U.S., Mexico meeting in Washington to talk about NAFTA, but Canada is left out
Canada’s continental partners are simply trying to work through difficult bilateral sticking points on NAFTA, federal insiders insist, even as the Canadian government appears to have been left out of ongoing talks between the United States and Mexico.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Russian envoy: Deal reached to keep Iran 85 km from Israeli-Syria border
Russia and Israel have reached an agreement to remove Iranian forces in Syria to within 85 kilometers of the Golan Heights border, Russia's special envoy for Syria told the Sputnik news agency on Wednesday.
IDF's massive May attack in Syria combined artillery and jets
The IDF released on Tuesday a video clip showing parts of Israel’s May attacks on more than 50 Iranian targets in Syria in what was the widest military operation launched by the IDF in the war-torn country since 1974.
Inside the United States
Trump administration considering tax break on capital gains
The Trump administration is studying the idea of implementing a big tax break for wealthy Americans by reducing the taxes levied on capital gains, but no decision has been made yet on whether to proceed.
Trump in Florida: 'The Time Has Come for Photo ID' for Voting
President Trump, speaking at a rally in Tampa, Fla., resurrected the issue of photo ID at the polls, suggesting that all voters should be required to show ID when they vote for president, senator, governor, or congressman.
3D Printed Guns Have Been Outlawed for 30 years
The National Rifle Association had to point out Tuesday that any untraceable gun is outlawed in reference to the recent legal settlement that will allow for the blueprints on how to print and set up a gun from a 3D printer to be available to the public.
Liberal Media 'Freak Out' Over New Religious Liberty Task Force, Accuse Trump Admin of 'Holy War on LGBT People'
Opinion pages, blogs, websites and other media sources are full of reports Tuesday with reaction to Attorney General Jeff Sessions' Religious Liberty Task Force. The overriding concern seems to be that it is a direct set-up for discriminating against the homosexual community.
Judge issues temporary restraining order stopping release of 3D-printed gun
A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order Tuesday blocking a Texas organization from posting new online blueprints for 3D-printed guns, delivering a last-minute win to gun control backers who were worried about the implications of untraceable firearms being manufactured at home.
Mismanaged, overcrowded forests provide fuel to historic California wildfires, experts say
Neglect and mismanagement have left western U.S. forests overcrowded, firefighting experts say, leaving them more susceptible to the kinds of major wildfires that are currently ravaging California.
Christian News
Turkish court rejects U.S. pastor's appeal
A Turkish court rejected an appeal on Tuesday for an American pastor to be released from house arrest during his trial on terrorism charges, his lawyer said, in a case that has raised the threat of U.S. sanctions against Ankara.
'You Cannot Take Jesus Away From Us': Iranian Christians Testify About Being Imprisoned for Christ
Two Iranian Christians are pleading with the world to hear the cries of the Iranian people as they recounted their own ordeal of being imprisoned for their faith.