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
EU Unveils $580 Billion Aid Package Amid Virus Lockdowns
After the U.S. unveiled similar measures, the European Union has approved a $580 billion aid package to help limit the devastating economic consequences of coronavirus pandemic lockdowns in member states. However, beyond the immediate aid, the dispute remains over the structure - and funding – of a long-term recovery plan. It emerged this weekend that the European Commission, the EU's executive, has now been tasked to make proposals by May 6, when another video conference will be held.
Protests Against Anti-Virus Lockdown Spread In Europe
Protests against lengthy coronavirus-related lockdowns have spread in Europe where most people have died in the global pandemic, devastating economies and wracking lives of millions. In Germany, the continent's largest economy, police detained dozens of protesters over the weekend for violating the strict lockdown measures they were demonstrating against.
'Prominent Saudi Rights Activist Dies In Detention'
A prominent Saudi Arabian rights campaigner imprisoned since 2013 for dissident activities for which he was awarded the 'Alternative Nobel' prize has died, activists and friends confirmed. The 69-year-old Abdullah al-Hamid passed away Thursday in King Saud Medical City in Riyadh, the capital, after suffering a stroke on April 9 in prison, said London-based Saudi rights group ALQST.
Poland's Health Minister: 'Delay Elections Till 2022 Over Coronavirus'
Poland's health minister risked the anger of other government officials by suggesting to delay next month's presidential elections until 2022 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Minister Lukasz Szumowski, who is also a cardiologist, said Friday that postponing the vote 'the only safe option' as the virus disease COVID-19 spreads across the nation.
Saudi Arabia Ends Flogging As Punishment
Saudi Arabia is ending flogging as a form of punishment amid efforts to modernize the judicial system, according to a document obtained by several media outlets. The kingdom's top court said in written remarks that flogging would be replaced by prison sentences or fines, or a mixture of both.
Tense Calm In France After Lockdown Riots
A tense calm returned to the outskirts of Paris after four days of riots exacerbated by the anger of the ongoing coronavirus lockdown and police measures in France. Crowds of youths targeted riot police with fireworks and torched rubbish bins amid rising tensions. The violence began Saturday after a motorcyclist was seriously injured in Villeneuve-La-Garenne in a confrontation with police.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu confident Trump will okay West Bank annexation in ‘couple of months’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that he was 'confident' US President Donald Trump would let him fulfill his election promise to apply Israeli sovereignty over parts of the West Bank “a couple of months from now.”
High Court: Shin Bet surveillance of virus carriers must be enshrined in law
The High Court of Justice ruled Sunday that the Shin Bet security service’s cellphone tracking of confirmed coronavirus carriers cannot continue unless the government anchors the highly controversial practice in law.
Inside the United States
U.S. Top Court Rejects States' Coronavirus Appeal Against Trump Policy
Concerns remained Sunday that certain immigrants suffering from the coronavirus disease COVID-19 would not seek medical help after a U.S.Supreme Court ruling. The top court declined a request by U.S.states to halt a Trump administration policy temporarily on health grounds.
Trump Signs $500 Billion Aid Bill As U.S. Virus Deaths Rise To 50,000
U.S. President Donald Trump signed a $484 billion bill on Friday to aid employers and hospitals under pressure from the coronavirus pandemic as the related death toll rose to more than 50,000 Americans.
Christian News
US Pastor Defies Coronavirus House Arrest And Holds Services
A controversial pastor in the U.S. state of Louisiana held services in his evangelical church Sunday despite house arrest orders for violating social distancing measures linked to the coronavirus pandemic. A live stream from Life Tabernacle Church in the state capital Baton Rouge showed pastor Tony Spell walking among more than 100 congregants. Most participants were not wearing face masks or kept social distancing rules. "The virus doesn't have a brain," Spell told the worshipers. "It doesn't stop at the door of the White House and come into the door of the church house. The virus doesn't have a brain, but we can bind fear right now. God gave you an immune system to kill that virus."
Pastor in India, driven from his home, beaten and choked for filing police report
A pastor in India whose family's house was demolished a month ago was assaulted on his way home from grocery shopping by the same people who forced him to flee his village.
Pakistan Church Has Rooftop Services Amid Lockdown and Saves Slaves
An evangelical church and mission group has launched rooftop services in Pakistan after authorities banned regular church meetings amid a national lockdown to halt the coronavirus pandemic. Besides providing alternative worship, the church also saved 100 Christian families from slavery in some of Pakistan's notorious brickyards, a pastor said in an extensive interview.
Group of Pastors in Cuba share Gospel through face masks
A group of pastors in Cuba is sharing the gospel message during the coronavirus pandemic by having Scriptures written on face masks to wear and give out as they minister. Fox News learned of this outreach from Vernon Brewer, the CEO and founder of the World Help Christian humanitarian aid organization.
Facebook removes videos of military chaplains referring to God
Facebook has removed four videos of military chaplains encouraging prayer and referring to God during the COVID-19 pandemic, Fox News reported on Thursday. The posts were taken down after the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRRF) complained the videos constituted 'illicit proselytizing' of Christianity.
Christian organization calling on US churches to reopen May 3
The Liberty Counsel (LC) Christian non-profit organization has launched the ReOpen Church Sunday campaign, calling on US churches to resume congregating in person on May 3, the Christian Post reports. As the campaign follows weeks of on-line worship services due to the coronavirus pandemic, LC advises that congregations should continue to observe social-distancing and sanitation measures at in-person services. However, LC says: 'Now is the time to act.'
EU Unveils $580 Billion Aid Package Amid Virus Lockdowns
After the U.S. unveiled similar measures, the European Union has approved a $580 billion aid package to help limit the devastating economic consequences of coronavirus pandemic lockdowns in member states. However, beyond the immediate aid, the dispute remains over the structure - and funding – of a long-term recovery plan. It emerged this weekend that the European Commission, the EU's executive, has now been tasked to make proposals by May 6, when another video conference will be held.
Protests Against Anti-Virus Lockdown Spread In Europe
Protests against lengthy coronavirus-related lockdowns have spread in Europe where most people have died in the global pandemic, devastating economies and wracking lives of millions. In Germany, the continent's largest economy, police detained dozens of protesters over the weekend for violating the strict lockdown measures they were demonstrating against.
'Prominent Saudi Rights Activist Dies In Detention'
A prominent Saudi Arabian rights campaigner imprisoned since 2013 for dissident activities for which he was awarded the 'Alternative Nobel' prize has died, activists and friends confirmed. The 69-year-old Abdullah al-Hamid passed away Thursday in King Saud Medical City in Riyadh, the capital, after suffering a stroke on April 9 in prison, said London-based Saudi rights group ALQST.
Poland's Health Minister: 'Delay Elections Till 2022 Over Coronavirus'
Poland's health minister risked the anger of other government officials by suggesting to delay next month's presidential elections until 2022 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Minister Lukasz Szumowski, who is also a cardiologist, said Friday that postponing the vote 'the only safe option' as the virus disease COVID-19 spreads across the nation.
Saudi Arabia Ends Flogging As Punishment
Saudi Arabia is ending flogging as a form of punishment amid efforts to modernize the judicial system, according to a document obtained by several media outlets. The kingdom's top court said in written remarks that flogging would be replaced by prison sentences or fines, or a mixture of both.
Tense Calm In France After Lockdown Riots
A tense calm returned to the outskirts of Paris after four days of riots exacerbated by the anger of the ongoing coronavirus lockdown and police measures in France. Crowds of youths targeted riot police with fireworks and torched rubbish bins amid rising tensions. The violence began Saturday after a motorcyclist was seriously injured in Villeneuve-La-Garenne in a confrontation with police.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu confident Trump will okay West Bank annexation in ‘couple of months’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that he was 'confident' US President Donald Trump would let him fulfill his election promise to apply Israeli sovereignty over parts of the West Bank “a couple of months from now.”
High Court: Shin Bet surveillance of virus carriers must be enshrined in law
The High Court of Justice ruled Sunday that the Shin Bet security service’s cellphone tracking of confirmed coronavirus carriers cannot continue unless the government anchors the highly controversial practice in law.
Inside the United States
U.S. Top Court Rejects States' Coronavirus Appeal Against Trump Policy
Concerns remained Sunday that certain immigrants suffering from the coronavirus disease COVID-19 would not seek medical help after a U.S.Supreme Court ruling. The top court declined a request by U.S.states to halt a Trump administration policy temporarily on health grounds.
Trump Signs $500 Billion Aid Bill As U.S. Virus Deaths Rise To 50,000
U.S. President Donald Trump signed a $484 billion bill on Friday to aid employers and hospitals under pressure from the coronavirus pandemic as the related death toll rose to more than 50,000 Americans.
Christian News
US Pastor Defies Coronavirus House Arrest And Holds Services
A controversial pastor in the U.S. state of Louisiana held services in his evangelical church Sunday despite house arrest orders for violating social distancing measures linked to the coronavirus pandemic. A live stream from Life Tabernacle Church in the state capital Baton Rouge showed pastor Tony Spell walking among more than 100 congregants. Most participants were not wearing face masks or kept social distancing rules. "The virus doesn't have a brain," Spell told the worshipers. "It doesn't stop at the door of the White House and come into the door of the church house. The virus doesn't have a brain, but we can bind fear right now. God gave you an immune system to kill that virus."
Pastor in India, driven from his home, beaten and choked for filing police report
A pastor in India whose family's house was demolished a month ago was assaulted on his way home from grocery shopping by the same people who forced him to flee his village.
Pakistan Church Has Rooftop Services Amid Lockdown and Saves Slaves
An evangelical church and mission group has launched rooftop services in Pakistan after authorities banned regular church meetings amid a national lockdown to halt the coronavirus pandemic. Besides providing alternative worship, the church also saved 100 Christian families from slavery in some of Pakistan's notorious brickyards, a pastor said in an extensive interview.
Group of Pastors in Cuba share Gospel through face masks
A group of pastors in Cuba is sharing the gospel message during the coronavirus pandemic by having Scriptures written on face masks to wear and give out as they minister. Fox News learned of this outreach from Vernon Brewer, the CEO and founder of the World Help Christian humanitarian aid organization.
Facebook removes videos of military chaplains referring to God
Facebook has removed four videos of military chaplains encouraging prayer and referring to God during the COVID-19 pandemic, Fox News reported on Thursday. The posts were taken down after the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRRF) complained the videos constituted 'illicit proselytizing' of Christianity.
Christian organization calling on US churches to reopen May 3
The Liberty Counsel (LC) Christian non-profit organization has launched the ReOpen Church Sunday campaign, calling on US churches to resume congregating in person on May 3, the Christian Post reports. As the campaign follows weeks of on-line worship services due to the coronavirus pandemic, LC advises that congregations should continue to observe social-distancing and sanitation measures at in-person services. However, LC says: 'Now is the time to act.'
Around the World
Iran Threatens "Crushing Response" To U.S. Attacks
Iran threatens a 'crushing response' to any American military attacks in the Persian Gulf after United States President Donald Trump threatened to 'shoot down and destroy' Iranian vessels. The leader of Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that the security of the Gulf is among Iran's strategic priorities.
Russia, Turkey, and Iran To Meet On Syria
The foreign ministers of Russia, Turkey, and Iran will hold a video conference on April 22 to discuss Syria and a de-escalation deal in the last rebel-held enclave in Idlib.
EU Leaders Weigh Massive Virus Economic Recovery Measures
European Union leaders are set to weigh Thursday the damage the coronavirus has inflicted on health care systems and the lives of around half a billion citizens across the bloc as they struggle to devise a more robust plan to resuscitate their ravaged economies.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hezbollah and Israel Try To Avoid War, For Now
Israel and the Islamic militant Hezbollah group have reportedly agreed on informal rules of engagement as they prepare for possible war while trying to avoid setting it off. The New York Times newspaper reports that Israel has mostly refrained from killing members of Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran and committed to destroying the Jewish state.
Constitutional 'Basic Laws' in Israel take a hit from new unity agreement
Constitutional scholars in Israel are crying foul about the new unity agreement signed by alternating Prime Ministers Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz, saying it destroys the separation of powers necessary to democratic governance.
US says Israeli annexation of parts of West Bank is for Israel to decide
Concerning Israel’s annexation of parts of the West Bank, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said: 'The Israelis will ultimately make those decisions. That’s an Israeli decision,' the Times of Israel reports. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Pompeo added that the US would share its views on the issue in a private setting.
Inside the United States
U.S. Unemployment Hits 26 Million, Worst Since Great Depression
U.S. unemployment is nearing levels of the Great Depression of the 1930s, with one in 6 Americans of working age out of a job as the coronavirus pandemic essentially shut down the economy. About 4.4 million Americans filed for unemployment insurance last week alone, reported the U.S. Labor Department on Thursday.
California federal judge says churches cannot hold in-person services during pandemic
A California federal judge determined Wednesday that churches in the state are prohibited from holding in-person services during the coronavirus pandemic, the Los Angeles Times reports. The case was brought by three Southern California churches who argued that the state’s lockdown rules were a violation of the First Amendment and the right to freedom of religion and assembly.
U.S. new home sales tumble in March
Sales of new U.S. single-family homes dropped by the most in more than 6-1/2 years in March and further declines are likely as the novel coronavirus outbreak batters the economy and throws millions of Americans out of work.
Christian News
Christians killed by Muslim Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria
Four Christians were killed last week in an attack by Muslim Fulani herdsmen in Kaduna state, Nigeria, Morningstar News reports. This attack is the latest in a string of murders committed by herdsmen targeting Christians: Nigeria ranks second after Pakistan on the Open Doors’ 2020 World Watch List for countries where Christians are killed for their faith.
Iran Threatens "Crushing Response" To U.S. Attacks
Iran threatens a 'crushing response' to any American military attacks in the Persian Gulf after United States President Donald Trump threatened to 'shoot down and destroy' Iranian vessels. The leader of Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that the security of the Gulf is among Iran's strategic priorities.
Russia, Turkey, and Iran To Meet On Syria
The foreign ministers of Russia, Turkey, and Iran will hold a video conference on April 22 to discuss Syria and a de-escalation deal in the last rebel-held enclave in Idlib.
EU Leaders Weigh Massive Virus Economic Recovery Measures
European Union leaders are set to weigh Thursday the damage the coronavirus has inflicted on health care systems and the lives of around half a billion citizens across the bloc as they struggle to devise a more robust plan to resuscitate their ravaged economies.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Hezbollah and Israel Try To Avoid War, For Now
Israel and the Islamic militant Hezbollah group have reportedly agreed on informal rules of engagement as they prepare for possible war while trying to avoid setting it off. The New York Times newspaper reports that Israel has mostly refrained from killing members of Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran and committed to destroying the Jewish state.
Constitutional 'Basic Laws' in Israel take a hit from new unity agreement
Constitutional scholars in Israel are crying foul about the new unity agreement signed by alternating Prime Ministers Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz, saying it destroys the separation of powers necessary to democratic governance.
US says Israeli annexation of parts of West Bank is for Israel to decide
Concerning Israel’s annexation of parts of the West Bank, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said: 'The Israelis will ultimately make those decisions. That’s an Israeli decision,' the Times of Israel reports. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Pompeo added that the US would share its views on the issue in a private setting.
Inside the United States
U.S. Unemployment Hits 26 Million, Worst Since Great Depression
U.S. unemployment is nearing levels of the Great Depression of the 1930s, with one in 6 Americans of working age out of a job as the coronavirus pandemic essentially shut down the economy. About 4.4 million Americans filed for unemployment insurance last week alone, reported the U.S. Labor Department on Thursday.
California federal judge says churches cannot hold in-person services during pandemic
A California federal judge determined Wednesday that churches in the state are prohibited from holding in-person services during the coronavirus pandemic, the Los Angeles Times reports. The case was brought by three Southern California churches who argued that the state’s lockdown rules were a violation of the First Amendment and the right to freedom of religion and assembly.
U.S. new home sales tumble in March
Sales of new U.S. single-family homes dropped by the most in more than 6-1/2 years in March and further declines are likely as the novel coronavirus outbreak batters the economy and throws millions of Americans out of work.
Christian News
Christians killed by Muslim Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria
Four Christians were killed last week in an attack by Muslim Fulani herdsmen in Kaduna state, Nigeria, Morningstar News reports. This attack is the latest in a string of murders committed by herdsmen targeting Christians: Nigeria ranks second after Pakistan on the Open Doors’ 2020 World Watch List for countries where Christians are killed for their faith.
Around the World
Regional conflict in Middle East looks likely again as Trump and Iran trade threats, Syria reports Israeli airstrikes
President Trump threatened Iran with severe retaliation Wednesday after the U.S. military claimed Iranian ships had made 'dangerous and threatening approaches' toward American navy vessels in the Persian Gulf last week.
Trump orders Navy to 'destroy' Iranian boats 'harassing' US ships in warning over provocative maneuvers
President Trump said he directed the Navy to destroy Iranian military vessels that conduct provocative maneuvers near U.S. ships in the Persian Gulf.
Iran Guards reveal secret space program in satellite launch
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launched its first satellite into space Wednesday, dramatically revealing what experts described as a secret military space program that could advance its ballistic missile development amid wider tensions between the Islamic Republic and the US.
Iran launches first military satellite into space
Iran successfully launched its first military satellite into space on Wednesday, authorities in Tehran said, spurring warnings from Washington and heightening tensions between the two countries.
UN Fears Global Famines Of "Biblical Proportions" Due To Virus Pandemic
A United Nations agency has warned that the world risks widespread famines 'of Biblical proportions' due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
End times, world war predictions of rabbis line up with implementation of 'Deal of the Century'
Prophecies from rabbis about the coming of the Messiah and a third World War are coalescing with the timing of the implementation of the 'Deal of the Century' peace plan this summer under a new Israeli unity government.
Christians Recall Holocaust In Worldwide Online Session
Tens of thousands of Christians joined an online ceremony marking Yom Hashoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day, amid concerns that antisemitism will spread as fast as the coronavirus. While a memorial siren sounded across Israel, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) had viewers stand to honor 6 million Jews murdered in the Holocaust, also known as Shoah.
Inside the United States
Texas Governor says Jesus Christ will always be there for you
In a video interview on Saturday evening, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott encouraged Texans to put their faith in God, CBN News reports. Interviewed by Pastor Jack Graham during an online service at Prestonwood Baptist Church, the governor said: 'We are all tested, we are all challenged. There is a solution that will support you and will always be there for you and that's Jesus Christ, it's God Almighty.'
US has over 45,000 COVID-19 related fatalities
The US COVID-19 death toll was 45,343 on Wednesday morning, Worldometers.info reports. The first known US fatality from coronavirus came on February 28 in Washington State. Currently, New York has the highest number of deaths with 19,693; Wyoming has the fewest with 6.
Christian News
Daughter of Indian pastor killed in 2015 receives bullet wound
The daughter of a murdered pastor in India was shot last week, five years after the death of her father and in the same house.
'Iran Jails and Lashes Christian Woman For Faith And Protest'
Christian rights activist Mary (Fatemeh) Mohammadi says she has been sentenced to three months and one-day imprisonment and 10 lashes for publicly protesting Iran's downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane.
Church in Harlem NY loses 11 members to coronavirus in 30 days
A church in Harlem has lost 11 members to the coronavirus pandemic in 30 days. Rev. Johnnie Green of the 1200-member Mount Neboh Baptist Church told the Christian Post: 'It is simply unfathomable and unfortunate that so many people in our congregation [have died].'
Regional conflict in Middle East looks likely again as Trump and Iran trade threats, Syria reports Israeli airstrikes
President Trump threatened Iran with severe retaliation Wednesday after the U.S. military claimed Iranian ships had made 'dangerous and threatening approaches' toward American navy vessels in the Persian Gulf last week.
Trump orders Navy to 'destroy' Iranian boats 'harassing' US ships in warning over provocative maneuvers
President Trump said he directed the Navy to destroy Iranian military vessels that conduct provocative maneuvers near U.S. ships in the Persian Gulf.
Iran Guards reveal secret space program in satellite launch
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launched its first satellite into space Wednesday, dramatically revealing what experts described as a secret military space program that could advance its ballistic missile development amid wider tensions between the Islamic Republic and the US.
Iran launches first military satellite into space
Iran successfully launched its first military satellite into space on Wednesday, authorities in Tehran said, spurring warnings from Washington and heightening tensions between the two countries.
UN Fears Global Famines Of "Biblical Proportions" Due To Virus Pandemic
A United Nations agency has warned that the world risks widespread famines 'of Biblical proportions' due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
End times, world war predictions of rabbis line up with implementation of 'Deal of the Century'
Prophecies from rabbis about the coming of the Messiah and a third World War are coalescing with the timing of the implementation of the 'Deal of the Century' peace plan this summer under a new Israeli unity government.
Christians Recall Holocaust In Worldwide Online Session
Tens of thousands of Christians joined an online ceremony marking Yom Hashoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day, amid concerns that antisemitism will spread as fast as the coronavirus. While a memorial siren sounded across Israel, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) had viewers stand to honor 6 million Jews murdered in the Holocaust, also known as Shoah.
Inside the United States
Texas Governor says Jesus Christ will always be there for you
In a video interview on Saturday evening, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott encouraged Texans to put their faith in God, CBN News reports. Interviewed by Pastor Jack Graham during an online service at Prestonwood Baptist Church, the governor said: 'We are all tested, we are all challenged. There is a solution that will support you and will always be there for you and that's Jesus Christ, it's God Almighty.'
US has over 45,000 COVID-19 related fatalities
The US COVID-19 death toll was 45,343 on Wednesday morning, Worldometers.info reports. The first known US fatality from coronavirus came on February 28 in Washington State. Currently, New York has the highest number of deaths with 19,693; Wyoming has the fewest with 6.
Christian News
Daughter of Indian pastor killed in 2015 receives bullet wound
The daughter of a murdered pastor in India was shot last week, five years after the death of her father and in the same house.
'Iran Jails and Lashes Christian Woman For Faith And Protest'
Christian rights activist Mary (Fatemeh) Mohammadi says she has been sentenced to three months and one-day imprisonment and 10 lashes for publicly protesting Iran's downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane.
Church in Harlem NY loses 11 members to coronavirus in 30 days
A church in Harlem has lost 11 members to the coronavirus pandemic in 30 days. Rev. Johnnie Green of the 1200-member Mount Neboh Baptist Church told the Christian Post: 'It is simply unfathomable and unfortunate that so many people in our congregation [have died].'