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
Trump says China trade deal may be signed shortly after January 15
U.S. President Donald Trump, who announced last month that the Phase 1 trade deal with China would be signed on Jan. 15, said on Thursday the agreement could be signed 'shortly thereafter.'
UN to vote Friday on new Syria cross-border aid resolution
Facing a Friday deadline that could halt the delivery of humanitarian aid to more than 1 million Syrians every month, the divided U.N. Security Council is set to vote on rival resolutions that would continue deliveries through border crossings to mainly rebel-held areas.
Iranian missile now thought to be the cause of downed Ukrainian jet
Western officials are now leaning toward the conclusion that Iran shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet Wednesday that was leaving the airport in Tehran and bound for Kyiv.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
U.S. senators back bill to provide $3.3 billion for Israel
Republican and Democratic U.S. senators introduced legislation on Thursday to provide $3.3 billion in annual aid to Israel, seeking to put into law an aid agreement between the two countries reached in 2016 amid concern over rising Middle East tensions.
Israel unveils new laser to intercept missiles
Israel has developed a new high-energy laser that requires only electricity to operate, the Defense Ministry's Directorate of Defense Research and Development revealed Wednesday.
Serious Flooding Occurring Throughout Israel
Heavy rains continued to cause mass flooding throughout Israel, during which time the Sea of Galilee has drastically risen approximately 9 inches over the past 24 hours.
Inside the United States
Democrats pass measure aimed at curbing Trump military authority in Iran
House Democrats Thursday passed a resolution to curb President Trump’s authority to use military force against Iran.
Continuous tremors across Puerto Rico see larger earthquakes, possibly more to come
At least one person is dead and unknown damage sustained in Puerto Rico from a 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Tuesday, as President Trump devoted $5 billion in aid relief to the island.
Christian News
More than 400 Language Groups Worldwide without the Scriptures are Ready to Begin Bible Translations
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, announces that Bible translators from more than 400 language groups around the globe are ready to begin work on translating the Scriptures.
American Pastor jailed in India may be released soon
An American Pastor arrested in India at the beginning of October may be released, though attorneys representing him say the Indian government has committed an 'injustice' against the leader of IHOP in Shelbyville, TN.
Trump says China trade deal may be signed shortly after January 15
U.S. President Donald Trump, who announced last month that the Phase 1 trade deal with China would be signed on Jan. 15, said on Thursday the agreement could be signed 'shortly thereafter.'
UN to vote Friday on new Syria cross-border aid resolution
Facing a Friday deadline that could halt the delivery of humanitarian aid to more than 1 million Syrians every month, the divided U.N. Security Council is set to vote on rival resolutions that would continue deliveries through border crossings to mainly rebel-held areas.
Iranian missile now thought to be the cause of downed Ukrainian jet
Western officials are now leaning toward the conclusion that Iran shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet Wednesday that was leaving the airport in Tehran and bound for Kyiv.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
U.S. senators back bill to provide $3.3 billion for Israel
Republican and Democratic U.S. senators introduced legislation on Thursday to provide $3.3 billion in annual aid to Israel, seeking to put into law an aid agreement between the two countries reached in 2016 amid concern over rising Middle East tensions.
Israel unveils new laser to intercept missiles
Israel has developed a new high-energy laser that requires only electricity to operate, the Defense Ministry's Directorate of Defense Research and Development revealed Wednesday.
Serious Flooding Occurring Throughout Israel
Heavy rains continued to cause mass flooding throughout Israel, during which time the Sea of Galilee has drastically risen approximately 9 inches over the past 24 hours.
Inside the United States
Democrats pass measure aimed at curbing Trump military authority in Iran
House Democrats Thursday passed a resolution to curb President Trump’s authority to use military force against Iran.
Continuous tremors across Puerto Rico see larger earthquakes, possibly more to come
At least one person is dead and unknown damage sustained in Puerto Rico from a 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Tuesday, as President Trump devoted $5 billion in aid relief to the island.
Christian News
More than 400 Language Groups Worldwide without the Scriptures are Ready to Begin Bible Translations
Wycliffe Associates, an international organization that empowers mother-tongue Bible translators and partners with local churches in the advancement of Bible translation, announces that Bible translators from more than 400 language groups around the globe are ready to begin work on translating the Scriptures.
American Pastor jailed in India may be released soon
An American Pastor arrested in India at the beginning of October may be released, though attorneys representing him say the Indian government has committed an 'injustice' against the leader of IHOP in Shelbyville, TN.
Around the World
Trump returns to "maximum pressure," avoids military confrontation following Iranian strike
President Trump announced that the US would not be responding militarily to a barrage of 16 missiles launched from Iran in the early hours of the morning Wednesday that hit Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq and damaged aircraft hangers and a US helicopter.
Erdogan, Putin launch new gas line, vow Mideast diplomacy
The presidents of Turkey and Russia inaugurated the dual natural gas line connecting their countries Wednesday, opening up a new export path for Russian gas into Turkey and Europe and promising cooperation in trade and diplomacy.
Two Earthquakes Hit Iran ‘Close to Nuclear Power Plant’
Two earthquakes measuring 4.9 and 4.5 in magnitudes hit Iran on Wednesday, Jan. 8, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Putin, Erdogan Call for De-Escalation After Iran Missile Attack
Hours after Iran fired missiles at U.S. soldiers in Iraqi military bases, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for a de-escalation between both parties.
Trump Asking NATO to Become More Involved With Middle East in Wake of Iran Missile Strikes
President Donald Trump said he’d be asking the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, to get more involved with the Middle East after Iran fired missiles at Iraqi bases hosting U.S. troops on Jan. 7.
Ukraine investigating 'all possible causes' of plane crash in Iran
A Ukrainian passenger jet crashed minutes after takeoff from Iran Wednesday, killing all 176 passengers and crew.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iran will suffer ‘crushing blow’ if it attacks Israel, Netanyahu warns
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday warned Iran against attacking Israel in response to the American killing last week of senior military commander Qassem Soleimani.
Israel Reveals Breakthrough in Laser-Based Aerial Defense System
Israel’s Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that a breakthrough has been made in using laser beams to thwart aerial attacks.
Netanyahu said exploring uniting Likud with other factions on right
Likud party chief Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly looking into a joint run with right-wing and religious factions in Israel’s upcoming national elections, as he warned Wednesday that some smaller parties on the right may fail to enter the Knesset if they do not join forces.
Inside the United States
House to vote Thursday to curb President's war powers
House Democrats emerged from a classified briefing Wednesday deeply skeptical of President Donald Trump’s decision to order the killing of a top Iranian leader and unconvinced that he posed an 'imminent' threat to United States forces.
U.S. private payrolls post largest gain in eight months
U.S. private payrolls increased by the most in eight months in December, pointing to sustained labor market strength though job gains last month were likely flattered by a seasonal quirk.
Strongest Earthquake to Hit Puerto Rico Since 1918, Over 500 Earthquakes in Past 10 Days
More than half of Puerto Rico’s 3 million people remained without power on Wednesday and thousands slept outdoors after earthquakes toppled homes on the Caribbean island and raised fears more could collapse.
Trump returns to "maximum pressure," avoids military confrontation following Iranian strike
President Trump announced that the US would not be responding militarily to a barrage of 16 missiles launched from Iran in the early hours of the morning Wednesday that hit Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq and damaged aircraft hangers and a US helicopter.
Erdogan, Putin launch new gas line, vow Mideast diplomacy
The presidents of Turkey and Russia inaugurated the dual natural gas line connecting their countries Wednesday, opening up a new export path for Russian gas into Turkey and Europe and promising cooperation in trade and diplomacy.
Two Earthquakes Hit Iran ‘Close to Nuclear Power Plant’
Two earthquakes measuring 4.9 and 4.5 in magnitudes hit Iran on Wednesday, Jan. 8, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Putin, Erdogan Call for De-Escalation After Iran Missile Attack
Hours after Iran fired missiles at U.S. soldiers in Iraqi military bases, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for a de-escalation between both parties.
Trump Asking NATO to Become More Involved With Middle East in Wake of Iran Missile Strikes
President Donald Trump said he’d be asking the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, to get more involved with the Middle East after Iran fired missiles at Iraqi bases hosting U.S. troops on Jan. 7.
Ukraine investigating 'all possible causes' of plane crash in Iran
A Ukrainian passenger jet crashed minutes after takeoff from Iran Wednesday, killing all 176 passengers and crew.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iran will suffer ‘crushing blow’ if it attacks Israel, Netanyahu warns
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday warned Iran against attacking Israel in response to the American killing last week of senior military commander Qassem Soleimani.
Israel Reveals Breakthrough in Laser-Based Aerial Defense System
Israel’s Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that a breakthrough has been made in using laser beams to thwart aerial attacks.
Netanyahu said exploring uniting Likud with other factions on right
Likud party chief Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly looking into a joint run with right-wing and religious factions in Israel’s upcoming national elections, as he warned Wednesday that some smaller parties on the right may fail to enter the Knesset if they do not join forces.
Inside the United States
House to vote Thursday to curb President's war powers
House Democrats emerged from a classified briefing Wednesday deeply skeptical of President Donald Trump’s decision to order the killing of a top Iranian leader and unconvinced that he posed an 'imminent' threat to United States forces.
U.S. private payrolls post largest gain in eight months
U.S. private payrolls increased by the most in eight months in December, pointing to sustained labor market strength though job gains last month were likely flattered by a seasonal quirk.
Strongest Earthquake to Hit Puerto Rico Since 1918, Over 500 Earthquakes in Past 10 Days
More than half of Puerto Rico’s 3 million people remained without power on Wednesday and thousands slept outdoors after earthquakes toppled homes on the Caribbean island and raised fears more could collapse.
Around the World
Pentagon Says a ‘Dozen Missiles’ Were Fired From Iran at Iraqi Bases With US Troops
Iranian officials said missiles were launched at U.S. troops in Iraq in retaliation after Iranian Gen. Qassem Suleimani’s death in Baghdad, according to Iranian state-run media outlets, in an attack that was later confirmed by the Pentagon.
Red flag over Iranian Mosque at Soleimani funeral has eschatological overtones, means all-out war
An extremely portentous symbol was raised over one of Iran's holiest mosques in the city of Qom Sunday for one of the myriad funeral rallies of fallen IRGC commander Qassem Soleimani, says a researcher at Israel's Bar-Ilan University.
Iran believed to possess more than 2,000 ballistic missiles, Pentagon officials say
U.S. defense officials believe Iran is sitting on a stockpile of thousands of ballistic missiles and powerful munitions, following the country's attack early Wednesday on American coalition forces in Iraq.
Putin makes unannounced visit to the Middle East
Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting Syria where he has held talks with his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, Syrian state media and Russia's Interfax said on Tuesday.
Erdogan seeks a "greater Turkey" through Libya conflict
MPs in Turkey passed a bill approving the deployment of troops to Libya last Thursday in support of the embattled UN-backed government there, shoring up a relationship that experts say is a consolidation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's idea of a 'greater Turkey' resembling the Ottoman Empire.
Honduras to designate Hezbollah as terrorist group
The office of Honduras's President said Tuesday that the central American country will recognize Hezbollah as a terrorist group, following a recent decision by the German Bundestag to do the same.
US officials say "major" retaliation expected from Iran following Soleimani funeral
The US is anticipating a 'major' reprisal from Iran within the next day or two, according to unnamed officials, as the three-day mourning period for fallen Iranian general Qassem Soleimani wraps up across the Islamic Republic.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Report: Hezbollah will attack Israel if US responds to Iran attack
Hezbollah will attack Israel if the United States responds to missile attacks carried out by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Tuesday night, according to the Iranian Tasnim news agency.
New envoy for Trump peace plan meets with Israeli leaders for first time
Avi Berkowitz, who replaced Jason Greenblatt as the US envoy for the Trump Administration's "Deal of the Century," met with leaders in Israel this week for the first time as officials in Jerusalem and Washington said the US may release its peace plan before third Israeli elections on March 2.
Inside the United States
Iranian attack scrambles House war powers vote
Top House Democrats’ plans to push a measure limiting the Trump administration’s war-making powers are in flux following an Iranian missile attack Tuesday on U.S. bases inside Iraq.
US Trade Deficit Falls to Lowest Level in More Than 3 Years
The U.S. trade deficit fell in November to the lowest level in more than three years as U.S. exports rose while imports declined, putting the country on track to see the first annual decline in the trade deficit in six years.
'We're going to war, bro': Fort Bragg's 82nd Airborne deploys to the Middle East
The 600 mostly young soldiers at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, were headed for the Middle East, part of a group of some 3,500 U.S. paratroopers ordered to the region. Kuwait is the first stop for many. Their final destinations are classified.
Planned Parenthood performs more abortions this year, but loses private funding
Planned Parenthood performed 345,672 abortions in its most recent fiscal year, up from 12,915 the previous year, according to the 2018-2019 annual report it released over the weekend.
Christian News
Nigerian church leader kidnapped, hostage video released
Islamic extremists kidnapped a leader of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria on January 2, a video appearing a few days later of the pastor expressing his faith in God and asking for release.
Former ISIS guru becomes a Christian after receiving a letter from Jesus in a dream
A former "Prince of ISIS" that extremists swear allegiance to and are willing to die for was converted to Christianity after meeting with a Muslim evangelist and receiving a letter dripping with Jesus' blood in a dream.
Pentagon Says a ‘Dozen Missiles’ Were Fired From Iran at Iraqi Bases With US Troops
Iranian officials said missiles were launched at U.S. troops in Iraq in retaliation after Iranian Gen. Qassem Suleimani’s death in Baghdad, according to Iranian state-run media outlets, in an attack that was later confirmed by the Pentagon.
Red flag over Iranian Mosque at Soleimani funeral has eschatological overtones, means all-out war
An extremely portentous symbol was raised over one of Iran's holiest mosques in the city of Qom Sunday for one of the myriad funeral rallies of fallen IRGC commander Qassem Soleimani, says a researcher at Israel's Bar-Ilan University.
Iran believed to possess more than 2,000 ballistic missiles, Pentagon officials say
U.S. defense officials believe Iran is sitting on a stockpile of thousands of ballistic missiles and powerful munitions, following the country's attack early Wednesday on American coalition forces in Iraq.
Putin makes unannounced visit to the Middle East
Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting Syria where he has held talks with his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, Syrian state media and Russia's Interfax said on Tuesday.
Erdogan seeks a "greater Turkey" through Libya conflict
MPs in Turkey passed a bill approving the deployment of troops to Libya last Thursday in support of the embattled UN-backed government there, shoring up a relationship that experts say is a consolidation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's idea of a 'greater Turkey' resembling the Ottoman Empire.
Honduras to designate Hezbollah as terrorist group
The office of Honduras's President said Tuesday that the central American country will recognize Hezbollah as a terrorist group, following a recent decision by the German Bundestag to do the same.
US officials say "major" retaliation expected from Iran following Soleimani funeral
The US is anticipating a 'major' reprisal from Iran within the next day or two, according to unnamed officials, as the three-day mourning period for fallen Iranian general Qassem Soleimani wraps up across the Islamic Republic.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Report: Hezbollah will attack Israel if US responds to Iran attack
Hezbollah will attack Israel if the United States responds to missile attacks carried out by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Tuesday night, according to the Iranian Tasnim news agency.
New envoy for Trump peace plan meets with Israeli leaders for first time
Avi Berkowitz, who replaced Jason Greenblatt as the US envoy for the Trump Administration's "Deal of the Century," met with leaders in Israel this week for the first time as officials in Jerusalem and Washington said the US may release its peace plan before third Israeli elections on March 2.
Inside the United States
Iranian attack scrambles House war powers vote
Top House Democrats’ plans to push a measure limiting the Trump administration’s war-making powers are in flux following an Iranian missile attack Tuesday on U.S. bases inside Iraq.
US Trade Deficit Falls to Lowest Level in More Than 3 Years
The U.S. trade deficit fell in November to the lowest level in more than three years as U.S. exports rose while imports declined, putting the country on track to see the first annual decline in the trade deficit in six years.
'We're going to war, bro': Fort Bragg's 82nd Airborne deploys to the Middle East
The 600 mostly young soldiers at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, were headed for the Middle East, part of a group of some 3,500 U.S. paratroopers ordered to the region. Kuwait is the first stop for many. Their final destinations are classified.
Planned Parenthood performs more abortions this year, but loses private funding
Planned Parenthood performed 345,672 abortions in its most recent fiscal year, up from 12,915 the previous year, according to the 2018-2019 annual report it released over the weekend.
Christian News
Nigerian church leader kidnapped, hostage video released
Islamic extremists kidnapped a leader of the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria on January 2, a video appearing a few days later of the pastor expressing his faith in God and asking for release.
Former ISIS guru becomes a Christian after receiving a letter from Jesus in a dream
A former "Prince of ISIS" that extremists swear allegiance to and are willing to die for was converted to Christianity after meeting with a Muslim evangelist and receiving a letter dripping with Jesus' blood in a dream.