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
Plunge in Oil Prices Could Shake Up Middle East, Russia
A week ago, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies agreed to slash production by 9.7 million barrels, a deal that brought an end to a price war between two of the biggest exporters, Russia and Saudi Arabia.
Coronavirus origins in lab not ruled out by scientific studies
A scientific study recommended by White House medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci pointing to the origin of coronavirus pandemic as a jump from animals to humans also concludes it cannot be ruled out that the virus may have escaped from a laboratory.
Belarus Open Despite Coronavirus Concerns
Schools have reopened in Belarus after an extended spring break linked to the coronavirus outbreak that infected thousands here. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled the ex-Soviet nation with an iron fist for more than a quarter-century, ordered classes to resume at the nation's 3,067 schools.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu orders nation-wide lockdown on Independence Day
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the country to go into lockdown for the country's Independence Day scheduled for April 28, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.
Violent anti-Semitic incidents increased by 18% worldwide in 2019
According to a study released Monday, there was an 18% increase in violent anti-Semitic incidents worldwide last year, Israel Hayom reports. Conducted by the Kantor Center for the Study of Contemporary European Jewry at Tel Aviv University, the study found there were 456 such incidents in 2019, compared to 387 in 2018.
Inside the United States
U.S. approves first coronavirus test that allows self-swab at home
U.S. health regulators on Tuesday OK’d the first coronavirus test that allows people to collect their own sample at home, a new approach that could help expand testing options in most states.
Trump, Congress agree on new stimulus package
President Donald Trump and congressional leaders have agreed on a new, nearly $500 billion stimulus package to help small businesses impacted by stay-at-home orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Poll shows 74% of adults in America fear losing personal freedom to COVID-19
According to a Hill-HarrisX poll published on Monday, 74% of adults in America were concerned about losing personal freedoms to COVID-19. The survey also showed that 83% of respondents were concerned about infection from the coronavirus.
Trump to order temporary suspension on immigration to US
President Trump announced on Monday night that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he will be ordering a temporary suspension on immigration to the US. In a post on Twitter, the President said: 'In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!'
Christian News
New Bible translation scrubs references to Israel
A new Danish Bible omits the word 'Israel' from its pages, publishers claiming the modern nation of Israel and the ancient kingdom of Israel have nothing to do with each other.
Chinese house church begins meeting online, members arrested anyway
The online Easter meeting of an unregistered house church in China was disrupted and six of its members arrested, with the government warning the church of severer measures if it continued to meet.
Muslims irate about Christian conversions in eastern Uganda
Radical Muslims in eastern Uganda attacked the daughter of a Christian evangelist whose witness led a Muslim woman to the Lord, as another former Muslim woman was beaten by her family for her newfound faith.
Indonesia Islamists Break Up House Church
Indonesia's hardline Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) group broke up a house church meeting in the country's West Java province, prompting an angry response from the governor. Video footage obtained by Worthy News showed two men bursting into a home Sunday in Cikarang, 48 kilometers (30 miles) southwest of Jakarta, the nation's capital.
Plunge in Oil Prices Could Shake Up Middle East, Russia
A week ago, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies agreed to slash production by 9.7 million barrels, a deal that brought an end to a price war between two of the biggest exporters, Russia and Saudi Arabia.
Coronavirus origins in lab not ruled out by scientific studies
A scientific study recommended by White House medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci pointing to the origin of coronavirus pandemic as a jump from animals to humans also concludes it cannot be ruled out that the virus may have escaped from a laboratory.
Belarus Open Despite Coronavirus Concerns
Schools have reopened in Belarus after an extended spring break linked to the coronavirus outbreak that infected thousands here. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who has ruled the ex-Soviet nation with an iron fist for more than a quarter-century, ordered classes to resume at the nation's 3,067 schools.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu orders nation-wide lockdown on Independence Day
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the country to go into lockdown for the country's Independence Day scheduled for April 28, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.
Violent anti-Semitic incidents increased by 18% worldwide in 2019
According to a study released Monday, there was an 18% increase in violent anti-Semitic incidents worldwide last year, Israel Hayom reports. Conducted by the Kantor Center for the Study of Contemporary European Jewry at Tel Aviv University, the study found there were 456 such incidents in 2019, compared to 387 in 2018.
Inside the United States
U.S. approves first coronavirus test that allows self-swab at home
U.S. health regulators on Tuesday OK’d the first coronavirus test that allows people to collect their own sample at home, a new approach that could help expand testing options in most states.
Trump, Congress agree on new stimulus package
President Donald Trump and congressional leaders have agreed on a new, nearly $500 billion stimulus package to help small businesses impacted by stay-at-home orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Poll shows 74% of adults in America fear losing personal freedom to COVID-19
According to a Hill-HarrisX poll published on Monday, 74% of adults in America were concerned about losing personal freedoms to COVID-19. The survey also showed that 83% of respondents were concerned about infection from the coronavirus.
Trump to order temporary suspension on immigration to US
President Trump announced on Monday night that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he will be ordering a temporary suspension on immigration to the US. In a post on Twitter, the President said: 'In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!'
Christian News
New Bible translation scrubs references to Israel
A new Danish Bible omits the word 'Israel' from its pages, publishers claiming the modern nation of Israel and the ancient kingdom of Israel have nothing to do with each other.
Chinese house church begins meeting online, members arrested anyway
The online Easter meeting of an unregistered house church in China was disrupted and six of its members arrested, with the government warning the church of severer measures if it continued to meet.
Muslims irate about Christian conversions in eastern Uganda
Radical Muslims in eastern Uganda attacked the daughter of a Christian evangelist whose witness led a Muslim woman to the Lord, as another former Muslim woman was beaten by her family for her newfound faith.
Indonesia Islamists Break Up House Church
Indonesia's hardline Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) group broke up a house church meeting in the country's West Java province, prompting an angry response from the governor. Video footage obtained by Worthy News showed two men bursting into a home Sunday in Cikarang, 48 kilometers (30 miles) southwest of Jakarta, the nation's capital.
Around the World
EU Nations Slowly Reopen Amid Coronavirus Lockdown
Several European Union member states are slowly reopening their doors in lockdowns that have impacted millions of people, many of them children. The lockdowns were introduced by authorities citing concerns about the spread of the new coronavirus disease COVID-19.
Europe and NY report progress in fight against COVID-19 pandemic
European countries hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as New York, the epicenter of the outbreak in the US, have reported progress in fighting the coronavirus. There have been reports of lower daily death counts, slowing rates of infection and reductions in the numbers of patients admitted to intensive care units.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Unity deal allows PM to begin advancing West Bank annexation from July 1
The unity government agreement inked on Monday by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz will allow Israel to initiate legislation to annex large parts of the West Bank starting in the beginning of July.
Rotation, annexation et al: Key elements of the Netanyahu-Gantz coalition deal
The 'emergency national unity government' that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz agreed to promises to finally put an end to the political deadlock that has afflicted Israel since the Knesset dissolved at the end of 2018.
Inside the United States
U.S. Oil Futures Plunge To Below $0 For First Time
U.S. crude oil futures plunged to a historic low of below $0 on Monday. Desperate traders paid to get rid of that fossil fuel amid a coronavirus-induced lack of global demand.
Federal judge allows Kansas churches exemption from 10-person limit on gatherings
A federal judge in Kansas issued a temporary restraining order Saturday, giving churches exemption from Democrat Gov. Laura Kelly’s executive order banning gatherings of more than 10 people. The governor’s order was issued on March 23 to slow the spread of COVID-19, but was not extended to houses of worship until just before Easter as the virus infection rate climbed to a projected peak.
Atheist group awarded over $450,000 in South Carolina lawsuit against prayer at high school graduation
A South Carolina federal judge has awarded an atheist group over $450,000 in attorney's fees and expenses after it filed a lawsuit to block public prayer at high school graduations, Christian Headlines reports. The award follows a finding last year that there should be limits to student-led prayers at graduation ceremonies. Given on April 14, the award is in respect of legal action initiated by the American Humanist Association (AHA) against Greenville County Schools in 2013. The suit was on behalf of the parents of a pupil who objected to students leading prayer at a graduation ceremony.
Christian News
Christian satire site CEO offers $100,000 in coronavirus relief help
The Babylon Bee, a self-described "Christian News Satire" website that often pokes fun at political figures, didn't stop delivering the popular humor amid the coronavirus pandemic and its CEO is offering help.
EU Nations Slowly Reopen Amid Coronavirus Lockdown
Several European Union member states are slowly reopening their doors in lockdowns that have impacted millions of people, many of them children. The lockdowns were introduced by authorities citing concerns about the spread of the new coronavirus disease COVID-19.
Europe and NY report progress in fight against COVID-19 pandemic
European countries hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as New York, the epicenter of the outbreak in the US, have reported progress in fighting the coronavirus. There have been reports of lower daily death counts, slowing rates of infection and reductions in the numbers of patients admitted to intensive care units.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Unity deal allows PM to begin advancing West Bank annexation from July 1
The unity government agreement inked on Monday by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White chairman Benny Gantz will allow Israel to initiate legislation to annex large parts of the West Bank starting in the beginning of July.
Rotation, annexation et al: Key elements of the Netanyahu-Gantz coalition deal
The 'emergency national unity government' that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz agreed to promises to finally put an end to the political deadlock that has afflicted Israel since the Knesset dissolved at the end of 2018.
Inside the United States
U.S. Oil Futures Plunge To Below $0 For First Time
U.S. crude oil futures plunged to a historic low of below $0 on Monday. Desperate traders paid to get rid of that fossil fuel amid a coronavirus-induced lack of global demand.
Federal judge allows Kansas churches exemption from 10-person limit on gatherings
A federal judge in Kansas issued a temporary restraining order Saturday, giving churches exemption from Democrat Gov. Laura Kelly’s executive order banning gatherings of more than 10 people. The governor’s order was issued on March 23 to slow the spread of COVID-19, but was not extended to houses of worship until just before Easter as the virus infection rate climbed to a projected peak.
Atheist group awarded over $450,000 in South Carolina lawsuit against prayer at high school graduation
A South Carolina federal judge has awarded an atheist group over $450,000 in attorney's fees and expenses after it filed a lawsuit to block public prayer at high school graduations, Christian Headlines reports. The award follows a finding last year that there should be limits to student-led prayers at graduation ceremonies. Given on April 14, the award is in respect of legal action initiated by the American Humanist Association (AHA) against Greenville County Schools in 2013. The suit was on behalf of the parents of a pupil who objected to students leading prayer at a graduation ceremony.
Christian News
Christian satire site CEO offers $100,000 in coronavirus relief help
The Babylon Bee, a self-described "Christian News Satire" website that often pokes fun at political figures, didn't stop delivering the popular humor amid the coronavirus pandemic and its CEO is offering help.
Around the World
Europe Reaches 100,000 Coronavirus Deaths, 1 million Infections
Europe's death toll from the new coronavirus COVID-19 approached 100,000 on Sunday, and over 1 million Europeans were infected, a European health agency announced.
Germany says 'Coronavirus Outbreak Under Control'
Germany's health minister says the month-long lockdown has brought the coronavirus outbreak in his country under control. Jens Spahn spoke while several other European Union nations struggled to contain the new virus disease COVID-19.
EU Chief Apologizes To Italy Over Coronavirus Pandemic
The chief of the European Union's executive has made 'a heartfelt apology' to Italy for the block's slow response in handling the coronavirus pandemic. Italy suffered more than 21,000 coronavirus-related deaths, the highest toll in Europe, officials say.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Gantz hedges threats, as Likud warns anti-Netanyahu bills would end unity talk
With the deadline to call new elections inching closer, Blue and White leader Benny Gantz is weighing carefully his demands of, and threats against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as the two jockey over forming a unity government.
Thousands rally in Tel Aviv, 2 meters apart, accusing PM of destroying democracy
Adhering to social distancing regulations aimed at stemming the coronavirus outbreak, thousands of protesters gathered in Tel Aviv’s emblematic Rabin Square on Sunday night for the latest 'black flag' demonstration against an alleged erosion of Israeli democracy under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership.
Hungary Commemorates Holocaust Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
With much of Hungary in lockdown, a minister attended a quite ceremony to remember the 600,000 Hungarian Jews killed in the Holocaust. At a time when much attention focuses on the coronavirus pandemic, Justice Minister Judit Varga made clear those who died should never be forgotten. Dressed in black, she placed pebbles, flowers, and candles at the Shoes on the Danube embankment monument in Budapest, the capital.
Inside the United States
Trump hints at Monday resolution for latest coronavirus relief package
President Donald Trump said Sunday negotiations with Democrats continue on another coronavirus relief package to replenish funding for small business loans, also known as the Paycheck Protection Program.
As Washington DC Faces Coronavirus Spike, Secret Military Task Force Prepares to Secure the Capital
District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser yesterday ordered a one-month extension of the state of emergency, as cases in the region grow at a rapid pace. Federal officials in the nation's capital expect a New York-like epidemic in the District, Maryland and Virginia, one that could potentially cripple the government.
Christian News
Georgia's Orthodox Hold Easter Services Despite Coronavirus
Orthodox believers in the ex-Soviet republic of Georgia held church services, despite warnings that they complicated efforts to halt the new coronavirus pandemic. Worldwide, millions of Orthodox Christians celebrated Easter - the most important festival in their calendar, amid a series of restrictions and bans to prevent more infections.
'Pakistan Christians Starving For Refusing To Embrace Islam'
Christians and other minorities in Pakistan face starvation as they are denied food aid for refusing to convert to Islam, aid workers say. The Emergency Committee to Save the Persecuted and Enslaved (ECSPE) confirmed that authorities and government-backed groups refuse to provide relief to non-Muslims despite a nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Pastor in China arrested for subversion of state power
A pastor in the Hunan province of China was arrested on April 2 for suspected subversion of state power. Persecution watchdog International Christian Concern (ICC) reports that the pastor was arrested after his church refused to join a government-approved religious organization.
Christians in Pakistan denied food during coronavirus lockdown
Christians in Pakistan have been denied food by authorities since the country’s COVID-19 lockdown began on March 21, Arutz Sheva 7 reports. In four incidents recorded this month by International Christian Concern (ICC) and Jihad Watch, Christians were told food aid was for Muslims only.
Europe Reaches 100,000 Coronavirus Deaths, 1 million Infections
Europe's death toll from the new coronavirus COVID-19 approached 100,000 on Sunday, and over 1 million Europeans were infected, a European health agency announced.
Germany says 'Coronavirus Outbreak Under Control'
Germany's health minister says the month-long lockdown has brought the coronavirus outbreak in his country under control. Jens Spahn spoke while several other European Union nations struggled to contain the new virus disease COVID-19.
EU Chief Apologizes To Italy Over Coronavirus Pandemic
The chief of the European Union's executive has made 'a heartfelt apology' to Italy for the block's slow response in handling the coronavirus pandemic. Italy suffered more than 21,000 coronavirus-related deaths, the highest toll in Europe, officials say.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Gantz hedges threats, as Likud warns anti-Netanyahu bills would end unity talk
With the deadline to call new elections inching closer, Blue and White leader Benny Gantz is weighing carefully his demands of, and threats against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as the two jockey over forming a unity government.
Thousands rally in Tel Aviv, 2 meters apart, accusing PM of destroying democracy
Adhering to social distancing regulations aimed at stemming the coronavirus outbreak, thousands of protesters gathered in Tel Aviv’s emblematic Rabin Square on Sunday night for the latest 'black flag' demonstration against an alleged erosion of Israeli democracy under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership.
Hungary Commemorates Holocaust Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
With much of Hungary in lockdown, a minister attended a quite ceremony to remember the 600,000 Hungarian Jews killed in the Holocaust. At a time when much attention focuses on the coronavirus pandemic, Justice Minister Judit Varga made clear those who died should never be forgotten. Dressed in black, she placed pebbles, flowers, and candles at the Shoes on the Danube embankment monument in Budapest, the capital.
Inside the United States
Trump hints at Monday resolution for latest coronavirus relief package
President Donald Trump said Sunday negotiations with Democrats continue on another coronavirus relief package to replenish funding for small business loans, also known as the Paycheck Protection Program.
As Washington DC Faces Coronavirus Spike, Secret Military Task Force Prepares to Secure the Capital
District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser yesterday ordered a one-month extension of the state of emergency, as cases in the region grow at a rapid pace. Federal officials in the nation's capital expect a New York-like epidemic in the District, Maryland and Virginia, one that could potentially cripple the government.
Christian News
Georgia's Orthodox Hold Easter Services Despite Coronavirus
Orthodox believers in the ex-Soviet republic of Georgia held church services, despite warnings that they complicated efforts to halt the new coronavirus pandemic. Worldwide, millions of Orthodox Christians celebrated Easter - the most important festival in their calendar, amid a series of restrictions and bans to prevent more infections.
'Pakistan Christians Starving For Refusing To Embrace Islam'
Christians and other minorities in Pakistan face starvation as they are denied food aid for refusing to convert to Islam, aid workers say. The Emergency Committee to Save the Persecuted and Enslaved (ECSPE) confirmed that authorities and government-backed groups refuse to provide relief to non-Muslims despite a nationwide lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Pastor in China arrested for subversion of state power
A pastor in the Hunan province of China was arrested on April 2 for suspected subversion of state power. Persecution watchdog International Christian Concern (ICC) reports that the pastor was arrested after his church refused to join a government-approved religious organization.
Christians in Pakistan denied food during coronavirus lockdown
Christians in Pakistan have been denied food by authorities since the country’s COVID-19 lockdown began on March 21, Arutz Sheva 7 reports. In four incidents recorded this month by International Christian Concern (ICC) and Jihad Watch, Christians were told food aid was for Muslims only.