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 US and China to hold signing ceremony for phase-one trade deal
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the US and China would hold a formal ceremony to ink an interim trade agreement to defuse a tit-for-tat dispute between the two sides.
Putin says Russia is leading world in hypersonic weapons
President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that Russia has got a strong edge in designing new weapons and that it has become the only country in the world to deploy hypersonic weapons.
Top Iranian official: Israel ‘will regret’ attacks in Syria
A top Iranian official said that Israel 'will regret' its attacks in Syria, which have reportedly targeted Iranian resources and weapons shipments.
Huge leap in number of protestors killed in Iran last month
The US has confirmed the highest estimate yet for the number of protestors killed in Iranian demonstrations that began November 15, agreeing with Reuters' estimate that 1,500 people were killed.
Second circuit of Iran’s Arak reactor to be completed Monday
The second circuit of Iran’s Arak heavy-water reactor is slated to go online on Monday, bringing it another stage closer to being fully operational, the country’s semi-official Mehr news agency reported.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu and others envision "Israeli-Arab alliance"
Certain of Israel's Sunni Arab neighbors are experiencing a warming toward Israel as some are beginning to talk about a "new alliance" and a "new narrative" in the Middle East.
Likud challenger seeking to depose Netanyahu could mean a boost for Israeli conservatives
Likud member Gideon Sa'ar is challenging embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for Israel's conservative leadership primary on December 26 in what analysts say could mean a turn of the tide for the party.
Netanyahu sends Christmas greeting to Christians: ‘We have no better friends’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday extended Christmas greetings to Christians in Israel and around the globe celebrating the holiday.
Inside the United States
Republicans fume over Dem threat of new impeachment articles: ‘Time to cut them off’
Republicans ratcheted up their accusations that Democrats are overplaying their impeachment hand after court filings from the House Judiciary Committee indicated the two articles of impeachment adopted last week may only be the beginning.
Pew Research Center study find American children most likely to live in single-parent homes
A new Pew Research Center study found that, of 130 countries, the US had the highest rate of children living in single-parent homes, beating out other developed nations like the UK, France, Germany, and Canada.
Christian News
Nigerian pastor kidnapped, yet no ransom demanded as officials continue to investigate
A pastor was kidnapped in Nigeria in Adamawa state last week, with no reason given by captors for the abduction, and no ransom demanded.
Wave of evangelical church closures in Russia belies Putin's pledge to help Christians
At least 3 evangelical churches have been closed in Russia over the last 6 months, in spite of President Vladimir Putin's pledge at a recent conference to "do everything" to protect Christians in the Middle East.
Rebels reopen half of closed Baptist churches in Burma
51 Baptist churches were allowed to reopen in Burma, where 100 were shut down in 2018 by armed ethnic Wa rebels.
Christians in Indonesia suffer wave of Islamic harassment
Indonesia has seen 40 anti-Christian attacks in the first 5 months of 2019, a two-thirds jump from last year, and a quadrupling of the rate from 10 years ago.
Trump says US and China to hold signing ceremony for phase-one trade deal
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the US and China would hold a formal ceremony to ink an interim trade agreement to defuse a tit-for-tat dispute between the two sides.
Putin says Russia is leading world in hypersonic weapons
President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that Russia has got a strong edge in designing new weapons and that it has become the only country in the world to deploy hypersonic weapons.
Top Iranian official: Israel ‘will regret’ attacks in Syria
A top Iranian official said that Israel 'will regret' its attacks in Syria, which have reportedly targeted Iranian resources and weapons shipments.
Huge leap in number of protestors killed in Iran last month
The US has confirmed the highest estimate yet for the number of protestors killed in Iranian demonstrations that began November 15, agreeing with Reuters' estimate that 1,500 people were killed.
Second circuit of Iran’s Arak reactor to be completed Monday
The second circuit of Iran’s Arak heavy-water reactor is slated to go online on Monday, bringing it another stage closer to being fully operational, the country’s semi-official Mehr news agency reported.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu and others envision "Israeli-Arab alliance"
Certain of Israel's Sunni Arab neighbors are experiencing a warming toward Israel as some are beginning to talk about a "new alliance" and a "new narrative" in the Middle East.
Likud challenger seeking to depose Netanyahu could mean a boost for Israeli conservatives
Likud member Gideon Sa'ar is challenging embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for Israel's conservative leadership primary on December 26 in what analysts say could mean a turn of the tide for the party.
Netanyahu sends Christmas greeting to Christians: ‘We have no better friends’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday extended Christmas greetings to Christians in Israel and around the globe celebrating the holiday.
Inside the United States
Republicans fume over Dem threat of new impeachment articles: ‘Time to cut them off’
Republicans ratcheted up their accusations that Democrats are overplaying their impeachment hand after court filings from the House Judiciary Committee indicated the two articles of impeachment adopted last week may only be the beginning.
Pew Research Center study find American children most likely to live in single-parent homes
A new Pew Research Center study found that, of 130 countries, the US had the highest rate of children living in single-parent homes, beating out other developed nations like the UK, France, Germany, and Canada.
Christian News
Nigerian pastor kidnapped, yet no ransom demanded as officials continue to investigate
A pastor was kidnapped in Nigeria in Adamawa state last week, with no reason given by captors for the abduction, and no ransom demanded.
Wave of evangelical church closures in Russia belies Putin's pledge to help Christians
At least 3 evangelical churches have been closed in Russia over the last 6 months, in spite of President Vladimir Putin's pledge at a recent conference to "do everything" to protect Christians in the Middle East.
Rebels reopen half of closed Baptist churches in Burma
51 Baptist churches were allowed to reopen in Burma, where 100 were shut down in 2018 by armed ethnic Wa rebels.
Christians in Indonesia suffer wave of Islamic harassment
Indonesia has seen 40 anti-Christian attacks in the first 5 months of 2019, a two-thirds jump from last year, and a quadrupling of the rate from 10 years ago.
Around the World
Trump says trade deal with China to be signed 'very shortly'
President Donald Trump on Saturday said the United States and China would 'very shortly' sign their so-called Phase One trade pact.
Erdogan says Turkey cannot handle new migrant wave from Syria, warns Europe
Turkey cannot handle a fresh wave of migrants from Syria, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday, warning that European countries will feel the impact of such an influx if violence in Syria’s northwest is not stopped.
U.K. lawmakers OK Boris Johnson's Brexit bill, pave way to leave EU
British lawmakers approved in principle Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit bill, clearing the way for the U.K. to leave the European Union next month.
Satellite photos show work on North Korean site linked to long-range missiles
North Korea has expanded a factory linked to the production of long-range nuclear missiles, according to a new analysis of satellite photos provided to NBC News that bolsters a growing expectation the country soon will resume testing a capability that threatens the United States.
Thousands protest against new Hezbollah-backed PM in Lebanon
Thousands of protesters demonstrated in central Beirut and elsewhere in Lebanon on Sunday against the country’s new prime minister, saying he should abandon the post because he is a member of the ruling elite.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel airstrikes target Iran-linked military base in Syria, state media reports
Israel conducted an airstrike into Syria on Sunday night as air defenses in the country opened fire on missiles that had entered, state media reported.
Cyprus, Greece, Israel to sign pipeline deal on Jan. 2
The leaders of Cyprus, Greece and Israel plan to sign an agreement early in the new year for the building of the eastern Mediterranean natural gas pipeline, the Greek prime minister’s office announced Sunday.
Germany declares Hezbollah a terrorist group
The German Bundestag passed a resolution Thursday designating Hezbollah a terror group, earning praise from Israeli politicians.
Inside the United States
Trump signs $1.4 trillion spending package, averting shutdown
President Trump on Friday signed two spending packages totaling $1.4 trillion, averting a government shutdown at midnight.
Trump signs $738B defense bill creating Space Force
President Donald Trump signed a $738 billion defense bill into law, establishing the Space Force in a compromise with Democrats to grant federal employees 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
Trump Signs Budget Bill Advancing Religious Freedom Worldwide, Add $400B to Deficit
Friday night, President Donald Trump signed a bill a $1.4 trillion spending package that funds the military and domestic programs, building portions of the border wall and government agencies, including a government commission that monitors religious freedom worldwide.
FISA Court Orders Review of Warrant Applications From FBI Lawyer Facing Criminal Investigation
The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) court ordered the FBI to review warrant applications handled by Kevin Clinesmith—a former FBI lawyer referred for criminal investigation for allegedly removing a key line from an email when applying for a warrant to spy on a Donald Trump 2016 campaign aide.
Christian News
Christian families in India deprived of drinking water, afraid to celebrate Christmas in hometown
A Christian community in Karnataka state, India was prevented from building a church on December 4 and later deprived of drinking water when they went to police, with members now fearing to celebrate Christmas in their town.
Family finds imprisoned Chinese pastor in deep distress, 'brainwashed' by unknown medication regimen and parroting communist propaganda
A once-loving Chinese pastor and family man imprisoned 6 years ago by the Chinese Communist Party was found under severe psychological duress by his family members on their last visit to him December 13, and his daughter is seeking to expose the brutal methods by which the regime quells dissidence.
Pakistani Christian refugees punished in Thailand, separated at Christmas
Twenty-eight Pakistani Christian asylum-seekers were detained in Thailand on December 19, and are facing longer-term detention and separation one from another due to ongoing repairs at the main detention facility in Bangkok.
Protestants face persecution in Mexico as government denies they are being singled out by communities for their faith
Eight Protestant families were denied access to drinking water by community leaders in Mexico in January for not signing a document renouncing their faith, and 4 more Protestants expelled from their village for refusing to participate in local Roman Catholic festivals in July, as the government denies that any religious persecution is taking place.
Trump says trade deal with China to be signed 'very shortly'
President Donald Trump on Saturday said the United States and China would 'very shortly' sign their so-called Phase One trade pact.
Erdogan says Turkey cannot handle new migrant wave from Syria, warns Europe
Turkey cannot handle a fresh wave of migrants from Syria, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday, warning that European countries will feel the impact of such an influx if violence in Syria’s northwest is not stopped.
U.K. lawmakers OK Boris Johnson's Brexit bill, pave way to leave EU
British lawmakers approved in principle Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit bill, clearing the way for the U.K. to leave the European Union next month.
Satellite photos show work on North Korean site linked to long-range missiles
North Korea has expanded a factory linked to the production of long-range nuclear missiles, according to a new analysis of satellite photos provided to NBC News that bolsters a growing expectation the country soon will resume testing a capability that threatens the United States.
Thousands protest against new Hezbollah-backed PM in Lebanon
Thousands of protesters demonstrated in central Beirut and elsewhere in Lebanon on Sunday against the country’s new prime minister, saying he should abandon the post because he is a member of the ruling elite.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel airstrikes target Iran-linked military base in Syria, state media reports
Israel conducted an airstrike into Syria on Sunday night as air defenses in the country opened fire on missiles that had entered, state media reported.
Cyprus, Greece, Israel to sign pipeline deal on Jan. 2
The leaders of Cyprus, Greece and Israel plan to sign an agreement early in the new year for the building of the eastern Mediterranean natural gas pipeline, the Greek prime minister’s office announced Sunday.
Germany declares Hezbollah a terrorist group
The German Bundestag passed a resolution Thursday designating Hezbollah a terror group, earning praise from Israeli politicians.
Inside the United States
Trump signs $1.4 trillion spending package, averting shutdown
President Trump on Friday signed two spending packages totaling $1.4 trillion, averting a government shutdown at midnight.
Trump signs $738B defense bill creating Space Force
President Donald Trump signed a $738 billion defense bill into law, establishing the Space Force in a compromise with Democrats to grant federal employees 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
Trump Signs Budget Bill Advancing Religious Freedom Worldwide, Add $400B to Deficit
Friday night, President Donald Trump signed a bill a $1.4 trillion spending package that funds the military and domestic programs, building portions of the border wall and government agencies, including a government commission that monitors religious freedom worldwide.
FISA Court Orders Review of Warrant Applications From FBI Lawyer Facing Criminal Investigation
The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) court ordered the FBI to review warrant applications handled by Kevin Clinesmith—a former FBI lawyer referred for criminal investigation for allegedly removing a key line from an email when applying for a warrant to spy on a Donald Trump 2016 campaign aide.
Christian News
Christian families in India deprived of drinking water, afraid to celebrate Christmas in hometown
A Christian community in Karnataka state, India was prevented from building a church on December 4 and later deprived of drinking water when they went to police, with members now fearing to celebrate Christmas in their town.
Family finds imprisoned Chinese pastor in deep distress, 'brainwashed' by unknown medication regimen and parroting communist propaganda
A once-loving Chinese pastor and family man imprisoned 6 years ago by the Chinese Communist Party was found under severe psychological duress by his family members on their last visit to him December 13, and his daughter is seeking to expose the brutal methods by which the regime quells dissidence.
Pakistani Christian refugees punished in Thailand, separated at Christmas
Twenty-eight Pakistani Christian asylum-seekers were detained in Thailand on December 19, and are facing longer-term detention and separation one from another due to ongoing repairs at the main detention facility in Bangkok.
Protestants face persecution in Mexico as government denies they are being singled out by communities for their faith
Eight Protestant families were denied access to drinking water by community leaders in Mexico in January for not signing a document renouncing their faith, and 4 more Protestants expelled from their village for refusing to participate in local Roman Catholic festivals in July, as the government denies that any religious persecution is taking place.
Around the World
Pompeo rolls out new sanctions on Iran for protest deaths
American Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Thursday a new wave of sanctions against Iran for its harsh repression of protests that began on November 15 over austerity fuel prices.
Hezbollah-backed professor likely candidate for Lebanese premiership
A university professor and former minister received the backing of the Hezbollah terror group and its allies Thursday, making him the likely candidate to be appointed Lebanon’s new prime minister.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu pledges US support for West Bank settlement annexation
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday pledged to secure United States support for the annexation of the Jordan Valley and other West Bank settlements.
IDF attacks Hamas weapons production site following rocket fire from Gaza
Several Palestinians were lightly injured after IDF fighter jets attacked a Hamas weapons production site in the northern Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to Palestinian media.
Islamic Jihad: We agreed with Hamas to respond to future ‘aggression’ together
The Hamas and Islamic Jihad terror groups have agreed that they will respond together to any future Israeli 'aggression,' Islamic Jihad secretary-general Ziad al-Nakhala asserted on Thursday.
UK PM Boris Johnson pledges to move forward with anti-BDS law
Newly reelected British Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged Thursday to fulfill an election campaign promise to introduce legislation aimed at undermining the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel.
Israel cuts electricity to West Bank over $519M bill
The Israel Electric Corporation said Wednesday it was continuing power cuts to several Palestinian cities in Judea and Samaria to press for payment of the $519 million owed by a Palestinian electricity company.
Researchers in Israel discover possible temporary resting place of Ark of the Covenant
A large stone slab was discovered in Beit Shemesh, Israel that researchers say is reminiscent of the biblical description of the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant in the book of 1 Samuel.
Inside the United States
House passes Trump USMCA trade deal replacing NAFTA
The House voted Thursday to pass President Trump's U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade, granting the White House a policy win just one day after impeaching the president.
Congress Raises Tobacco, E-Cigarette Purchasing Age To 21
The Senate voted on Thursday to raise the legal age to buy tobacco products and e-cigarettes from 18 to 21, a provision included in the $1.37 trillion spending measure to fund the U.S. government.
Christian News
Boko Haram wreaks havoc on Christian community in Cameroon
A spate of attacks on Christian villagers in Cameroon by Boko Haram has left a community grieving beloved pioneer church planter David Mokoni and 7 others, as well as a bevy of sleepless victims in deep psychological distress.
Primitive Christian church burned in eastern India, Bibles set ablaze
Christians in a tribal village in India had their bamboo hut church burned down by animists on December 1st, 5 days after their Bibles were confiscated and set to a bonfire.
Pompeo rolls out new sanctions on Iran for protest deaths
American Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced Thursday a new wave of sanctions against Iran for its harsh repression of protests that began on November 15 over austerity fuel prices.
Hezbollah-backed professor likely candidate for Lebanese premiership
A university professor and former minister received the backing of the Hezbollah terror group and its allies Thursday, making him the likely candidate to be appointed Lebanon’s new prime minister.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu pledges US support for West Bank settlement annexation
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday pledged to secure United States support for the annexation of the Jordan Valley and other West Bank settlements.
IDF attacks Hamas weapons production site following rocket fire from Gaza
Several Palestinians were lightly injured after IDF fighter jets attacked a Hamas weapons production site in the northern Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to Palestinian media.
Islamic Jihad: We agreed with Hamas to respond to future ‘aggression’ together
The Hamas and Islamic Jihad terror groups have agreed that they will respond together to any future Israeli 'aggression,' Islamic Jihad secretary-general Ziad al-Nakhala asserted on Thursday.
UK PM Boris Johnson pledges to move forward with anti-BDS law
Newly reelected British Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged Thursday to fulfill an election campaign promise to introduce legislation aimed at undermining the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel.
Israel cuts electricity to West Bank over $519M bill
The Israel Electric Corporation said Wednesday it was continuing power cuts to several Palestinian cities in Judea and Samaria to press for payment of the $519 million owed by a Palestinian electricity company.
Researchers in Israel discover possible temporary resting place of Ark of the Covenant
A large stone slab was discovered in Beit Shemesh, Israel that researchers say is reminiscent of the biblical description of the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant in the book of 1 Samuel.
Inside the United States
House passes Trump USMCA trade deal replacing NAFTA
The House voted Thursday to pass President Trump's U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade, granting the White House a policy win just one day after impeaching the president.
Congress Raises Tobacco, E-Cigarette Purchasing Age To 21
The Senate voted on Thursday to raise the legal age to buy tobacco products and e-cigarettes from 18 to 21, a provision included in the $1.37 trillion spending measure to fund the U.S. government.
Christian News
Boko Haram wreaks havoc on Christian community in Cameroon
A spate of attacks on Christian villagers in Cameroon by Boko Haram has left a community grieving beloved pioneer church planter David Mokoni and 7 others, as well as a bevy of sleepless victims in deep psychological distress.
Primitive Christian church burned in eastern India, Bibles set ablaze
Christians in a tribal village in India had their bamboo hut church burned down by animists on December 1st, 5 days after their Bibles were confiscated and set to a bonfire.