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
Egypt reeling from attack on mosque in Sinai that killed 305
Egypt was reeling Sunday from the horrific militant attack on a mosque in northern Sinai that killed 305 people two days earlier — the deadliest assault by Islamic extremists in its modern history and a grim milestone in a long-running fight against the insurgency led by an Islamic State affiliate.
Indonesia raises alert to highest level 4 on Bali volcano
Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency said on Monday it had raised the alert to the highest level four on Bali's Mount Agung volcano and warned residents in a 8-10 km (5-6 miles) radius around the volcano to evacuate immediately.
Iran promises to send warships to Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean
Iran's new naval commander has vowed to send warships to America's backyard.
Mexico volcano erupts shooting ash and smoke into the air
A volcano in Mexico has erupted, spewing smoke and ash more than two miles into the air.
Saudi prince vows new Islamic alliance 'will wipe out terrorists from earth'
Saudi Arabia's powerful crown prince vowed to 'pursue terrorists until they are wiped from the face of the earth' as officials from 40 Muslim countries gathered Sunday in the first meeting of an Islamic counter-terrorism alliance.
Russian President Putin signs 'foreign agent' media law
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law that allows the government to list any foreign media operating in the country as a foreign agent.
Iran warns it would increase missile range if threatened by Europe
The deputy head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned Europe that if it threatens Tehran, the Guards will increase the range of missiles to above 2,000 kilometers, the Fars news agency reported on Saturday.
UK has 10 days to make Brexit progress
The UK has ten days to make progress in Brexit negotiations for the EU leaders to unlock the next phase of talks on trade and future relations.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iran army chief vows next war will see 'eradication' of Israel
Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari, the chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), issued new threats against Israel on Thursday, vowing that any future conflict will be the Jewish state's last.
Iran's Syria Bases Near Israel Have Apocalyptic Intent
The locations of some of Iran’s military installations in Syria, including some within 30 miles of Israeli territory in the Golan Heights, may be motivated more by Tehran’s desire to provoke an Islamic end-of-the-world cataclysm than for strategic value, contends an expert on Shiite religious dogma.
Inside the United States
Analysis: Senate Tax Plan Will Reduce Taxes for Most Taxpayers, Gives Biggest Cuts to Moderate-Income Families
The Senate's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will reduce taxes for most households and will give the biggest cuts to those with moderate incomes and those with children, according to an analysis from the Tax Foundation.
FBI failed to warn US targets of Russian hackers
The FBI failed to notify scores of US officials that Russian hackers were trying to break into their personal Gmail accounts despite having evidence for at least a year that the targets were in the Kremlin’s crosshairs, The Associated Press has found.
FBI receives record-breaking 200,000 gun checks on Black Friday
The FBI received more than 200,000 background check requests for gun purchases on Black Friday, the bureau reported.
Christian News
Iran: Christian convert loses appeal against 10-year sentence for ‘missionary activities’
An Iranian convert to Christianity has had his 10-year prison sentence upheld after losing his appeal.
Church vandalism won't be probed as bias crime after arrest
Prosecutors say several acts of vandalism committed at five predominantly black churches in northern New Jersey are no longer being investigated as possible bias crimes.
Church of Sweden Opts for Gender Neutral Terms, Drops ‘He’ When Referring to God
The Church of Sweden is making a few changes when it comes to how clergy refer to God the Father.
Egypt reeling from attack on mosque in Sinai that killed 305
Egypt was reeling Sunday from the horrific militant attack on a mosque in northern Sinai that killed 305 people two days earlier — the deadliest assault by Islamic extremists in its modern history and a grim milestone in a long-running fight against the insurgency led by an Islamic State affiliate.
Indonesia raises alert to highest level 4 on Bali volcano
Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency said on Monday it had raised the alert to the highest level four on Bali's Mount Agung volcano and warned residents in a 8-10 km (5-6 miles) radius around the volcano to evacuate immediately.
Iran promises to send warships to Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean
Iran's new naval commander has vowed to send warships to America's backyard.
Mexico volcano erupts shooting ash and smoke into the air
A volcano in Mexico has erupted, spewing smoke and ash more than two miles into the air.
Saudi prince vows new Islamic alliance 'will wipe out terrorists from earth'
Saudi Arabia's powerful crown prince vowed to 'pursue terrorists until they are wiped from the face of the earth' as officials from 40 Muslim countries gathered Sunday in the first meeting of an Islamic counter-terrorism alliance.
Russian President Putin signs 'foreign agent' media law
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law that allows the government to list any foreign media operating in the country as a foreign agent.
Iran warns it would increase missile range if threatened by Europe
The deputy head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned Europe that if it threatens Tehran, the Guards will increase the range of missiles to above 2,000 kilometers, the Fars news agency reported on Saturday.
UK has 10 days to make Brexit progress
The UK has ten days to make progress in Brexit negotiations for the EU leaders to unlock the next phase of talks on trade and future relations.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iran army chief vows next war will see 'eradication' of Israel
Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari, the chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), issued new threats against Israel on Thursday, vowing that any future conflict will be the Jewish state's last.
Iran's Syria Bases Near Israel Have Apocalyptic Intent
The locations of some of Iran’s military installations in Syria, including some within 30 miles of Israeli territory in the Golan Heights, may be motivated more by Tehran’s desire to provoke an Islamic end-of-the-world cataclysm than for strategic value, contends an expert on Shiite religious dogma.
Inside the United States
Analysis: Senate Tax Plan Will Reduce Taxes for Most Taxpayers, Gives Biggest Cuts to Moderate-Income Families
The Senate's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will reduce taxes for most households and will give the biggest cuts to those with moderate incomes and those with children, according to an analysis from the Tax Foundation.
FBI failed to warn US targets of Russian hackers
The FBI failed to notify scores of US officials that Russian hackers were trying to break into their personal Gmail accounts despite having evidence for at least a year that the targets were in the Kremlin’s crosshairs, The Associated Press has found.
FBI receives record-breaking 200,000 gun checks on Black Friday
The FBI received more than 200,000 background check requests for gun purchases on Black Friday, the bureau reported.
Christian News
Iran: Christian convert loses appeal against 10-year sentence for ‘missionary activities’
An Iranian convert to Christianity has had his 10-year prison sentence upheld after losing his appeal.
Church vandalism won't be probed as bias crime after arrest
Prosecutors say several acts of vandalism committed at five predominantly black churches in northern New Jersey are no longer being investigated as possible bias crimes.
Church of Sweden Opts for Gender Neutral Terms, Drops ‘He’ When Referring to God
The Church of Sweden is making a few changes when it comes to how clergy refer to God the Father.
Around the World
Putin holds summit with Turkey, Iran to discuss Syria peace deal
Russian President Vladimir Putin is in talks with leaders of Turkey and Iran to end the civil war in Syria that has been raging since 2011.
Iran’s plans in Syria hint at goal of establishing powerful Shiite ‘Red Crescent’
Iran’s top military officer signed agreements in Syria last month that will keep Iranian forces there indefinitely with a pledge to help the Bashar Assad regime rebuild damaged military bases, according to the main opposition group to Tehran’s Islamic rulers.
Russia declares ‘death’ of body probing Syria chemical attacks
Russia’s UN ambassador said Wednesday the expert body that has determined responsibility for chemical weapons attacks in Syria 'is dead' — but Moscow is ready to discuss 'a new mechanism.'
U.S. pressed Saudis to ease Yemen blockade
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson asked Saudi Arabia to ease its blockade of Yemen, two sources said, just days before the Saudi-led military coalition announced on Wednesday it would let aid flow through the Yemeni port of Hodeidah and allow U.N. flights to the capital.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel may ‘target’ Iran activity in Syria, Netanyahu said to tell Macron
Israel sees Iranian activity in Syria as “a target” for its forces, and may carry out strikes against Iranian objectives if security needs require it, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly told French President Emmanuel Macron in a phone call this week.
Israel thwarts attempt to smuggle tons of explosive material into Gaza
An attempt to smuggle tons of explosive material into the Gaza Strip has been thwarted by the Israeli Ministry of Defense's Crossing Authority, it was announced on Wednesday.
US VP Pence to address Knesset next month
Vice President of the US Mike Pence is set to give a speech in the Knesset next month, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein’s office confirmed Wednesday.
Inside the United States
Nearly $1 Million Tax Dollars Paid By U.S. Treasury This Year to Settle Sexual Harassment Suits Against Congressmen
Republicans and Democrats in Washington are vying to appear the more outraged by sexual harassment on Capitol Hill. Don't be fooled. Groping, suggestive remarks and quid pro quos are business as usual on the Hill, thanks to a cover-up scheme devised by Congress itself using taxpayer dollars. The real scandal is that we the people pay the settlement costs and legal fees when members of Congress get caught with their pants down.
U.S. judge strikes down Texas measure to limit second-trimester abortions
A U.S. district judge on Wednesday struck down parts of a Texas law that would ban the most common type of second-trimester abortions in the state, after plaintiffs argued the procedure was safe, legal and necessary for women’s health.
Abortions in the United States Hit an All-Time Low, More Babies Saved From Abortion Than Ever
Abortion numbers fell again in 2014, sinking to their lowest in more than four decades, according to a new Centers for Disease Control report.
Sanctuary cities cooperate after Sessions threatens to withhold grant funding
The Justice Department is battling in the courts to preserve President Trump’s anti-sanctuary city agenda, but it’s already notched some successes just by raising the issue.
Seattle’s income tax on the wealthy is illegal, judge rules
Seattle’s income tax on wealthy households failed its first legal test Wednesday, with a King County Superior Court ruling that the measure is illegal.
Putin holds summit with Turkey, Iran to discuss Syria peace deal
Russian President Vladimir Putin is in talks with leaders of Turkey and Iran to end the civil war in Syria that has been raging since 2011.
Iran’s plans in Syria hint at goal of establishing powerful Shiite ‘Red Crescent’
Iran’s top military officer signed agreements in Syria last month that will keep Iranian forces there indefinitely with a pledge to help the Bashar Assad regime rebuild damaged military bases, according to the main opposition group to Tehran’s Islamic rulers.
Russia declares ‘death’ of body probing Syria chemical attacks
Russia’s UN ambassador said Wednesday the expert body that has determined responsibility for chemical weapons attacks in Syria 'is dead' — but Moscow is ready to discuss 'a new mechanism.'
U.S. pressed Saudis to ease Yemen blockade
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson asked Saudi Arabia to ease its blockade of Yemen, two sources said, just days before the Saudi-led military coalition announced on Wednesday it would let aid flow through the Yemeni port of Hodeidah and allow U.N. flights to the capital.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel may ‘target’ Iran activity in Syria, Netanyahu said to tell Macron
Israel sees Iranian activity in Syria as “a target” for its forces, and may carry out strikes against Iranian objectives if security needs require it, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly told French President Emmanuel Macron in a phone call this week.
Israel thwarts attempt to smuggle tons of explosive material into Gaza
An attempt to smuggle tons of explosive material into the Gaza Strip has been thwarted by the Israeli Ministry of Defense's Crossing Authority, it was announced on Wednesday.
US VP Pence to address Knesset next month
Vice President of the US Mike Pence is set to give a speech in the Knesset next month, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein’s office confirmed Wednesday.
Inside the United States
Nearly $1 Million Tax Dollars Paid By U.S. Treasury This Year to Settle Sexual Harassment Suits Against Congressmen
Republicans and Democrats in Washington are vying to appear the more outraged by sexual harassment on Capitol Hill. Don't be fooled. Groping, suggestive remarks and quid pro quos are business as usual on the Hill, thanks to a cover-up scheme devised by Congress itself using taxpayer dollars. The real scandal is that we the people pay the settlement costs and legal fees when members of Congress get caught with their pants down.
U.S. judge strikes down Texas measure to limit second-trimester abortions
A U.S. district judge on Wednesday struck down parts of a Texas law that would ban the most common type of second-trimester abortions in the state, after plaintiffs argued the procedure was safe, legal and necessary for women’s health.
Abortions in the United States Hit an All-Time Low, More Babies Saved From Abortion Than Ever
Abortion numbers fell again in 2014, sinking to their lowest in more than four decades, according to a new Centers for Disease Control report.
Sanctuary cities cooperate after Sessions threatens to withhold grant funding
The Justice Department is battling in the courts to preserve President Trump’s anti-sanctuary city agenda, but it’s already notched some successes just by raising the issue.
Seattle’s income tax on the wealthy is illegal, judge rules
Seattle’s income tax on wealthy households failed its first legal test Wednesday, with a King County Superior Court ruling that the measure is illegal.
Around the World
Single U.S. airstrike wipes out 100 terrorists in Somalia
A single American military airstrike killed at least 100 fighters allied with the Somali-based terror group al-Shabab, the Pentagon revealed Tuesday, adding to an escalating body count as the Trump administration ramps up its counterterrorism campaign in the West African nation.
Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump discuss Syria, Ukraine, North Korea in hour-plus call
US President Donald Trump described the conversation with the Kremlin chief as a 'great call' and said the two leaders spoke 'very strongly about bringing peace to Syria.'
Putin’s plan to end Syrian war strengthens Russian influence in Middle East
Russian President Vladimir Putin briefed President Trump by phone Tuesday on Moscow’s plans for ending Syria’s 6-year-old civil war, a development that likely will keep U.S. foe Bashar Assad in power in Damascus and underscores Russia’s growing influence in the Middle East.
On surprise Russia trip, Assad and Putin talk post-war Syria
On a surprise trip to Russia, Syria’s Bashar Assad discussed potential new peace initiatives for post-war Syria with Russian President Vladimir Putin who declared that Russia’s two-year military campaign in Syria is wrapping up, the Kremlin said Tuesday.
Suicide bomber kills 50 in Nigeria in mosque attack
A suicide bomber killed at least 50 people in northeastern Nigeria on Tuesday (November 21) in an attack on a mosque which bore the hallmarks of a faction of the Islamist militant group Boko Haram.
US carries out air strikes against Islamic State in Libya
The US military said on Tuesday that it had conducted two air strikes against Islamic States militants in Libya in the past few days.
US sanctions 13 Chinese and North Korean organizations
The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions against 13 Chinese and North Korean organizations Washington accused of helping evade nuclear restrictions against Pyongyang and supporting the country through trade of commodities like coal.
Lebanon’s Saad Hariri returns to Beirut amid Saudi resignation saga
Saad Hariri returned to Lebanon late Tuesday for the first time since he stunned his country by announcing from Saudi Arabia that he was quitting as prime minister more than two weeks ago.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu presses Putin on keeping Iran out of Syria
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke Tuesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone about a ceasefire deal in the Syrian civil war and Iranian presence near Israel’s borders with the war-torn country, the Prime Minister’s Office said.
US investigator Mueller probing Kushner’s contacts with Israelis — report
US special counsel Robert Mueller’s team is investigating senior White House adviser Jared Kushner over contacts with Israeli officials, according to a Wall Street Journal report Tuesday.
Disagreements emerge between Hamas and Fatah
A second round of reconciliation talks between Fatah and Hamas, attended by representatives of other Palestinian Arab organizations, began in Cairo on Tuesday.
Inside the United States
GOP includes money for Trump’s border wall in Senate spending bill
Senate Republicans included $1.6 billion for the first installment of President Trump’s border wall in the new homeland security spending bill they released Tuesday, keeping the president’s marquee immigration promise on track.
Fusion GPS paid journalists, court papers confirm
Newly filed court documents confirm that Fusion GPS, the company mostly responsible for the controversial 'Trump dossier' on presidential candidate Donald Trump, made payments to three journalists between June 2016 until February 2017.
Second federal judge blocks Trump's transgender military ban
A federal judge in Maryland issued a second order on Tuesday blocking President Trump from implementing his ban on transgender military service.
FBI investigating Democrat US Rep. Brady over payment to challenger
The FBI has reason to believe U.S. Rep. Bob Brady unlawfully concealed a $90,000 payment made by his campaign to get an opponent to quit a 2012 primary race, according to court documents that confirm the Philadelphia Democrat is under investigation in a widening campaign finance probe.
Christian News
Five Christians Killed, Five Others Missing in Muslim Herdsmen Attacks in Nigeria
Five Christians were killed and five others are missing after attacks by Muslim Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria’s Plateau and Benue states in the past two weeks.
Is a Door Opening for Christianity in Saudi Arabia?
Stunning political developments in Saudi Arabia have some wondering if the strict Muslim-ruled Kingdom could become more tolerant of Christianity.
US tells Sudan to ‘immediately suspend’ church demolitions
The US Deputy Secretary of State has called on Sudan to 'immediately suspend' its demolition of churches and to hold a roundtable discussion with Christian leaders to resolve disputes.
Algerian church closed for ‘illegally printing Bibles and material intended for evangelism’
A church in Algeria’s north-western town of Aïn Turk (15km from Oran city) has been closed down by local authorities.
Single U.S. airstrike wipes out 100 terrorists in Somalia
A single American military airstrike killed at least 100 fighters allied with the Somali-based terror group al-Shabab, the Pentagon revealed Tuesday, adding to an escalating body count as the Trump administration ramps up its counterterrorism campaign in the West African nation.
Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump discuss Syria, Ukraine, North Korea in hour-plus call
US President Donald Trump described the conversation with the Kremlin chief as a 'great call' and said the two leaders spoke 'very strongly about bringing peace to Syria.'
Putin’s plan to end Syrian war strengthens Russian influence in Middle East
Russian President Vladimir Putin briefed President Trump by phone Tuesday on Moscow’s plans for ending Syria’s 6-year-old civil war, a development that likely will keep U.S. foe Bashar Assad in power in Damascus and underscores Russia’s growing influence in the Middle East.
On surprise Russia trip, Assad and Putin talk post-war Syria
On a surprise trip to Russia, Syria’s Bashar Assad discussed potential new peace initiatives for post-war Syria with Russian President Vladimir Putin who declared that Russia’s two-year military campaign in Syria is wrapping up, the Kremlin said Tuesday.
Suicide bomber kills 50 in Nigeria in mosque attack
A suicide bomber killed at least 50 people in northeastern Nigeria on Tuesday (November 21) in an attack on a mosque which bore the hallmarks of a faction of the Islamist militant group Boko Haram.
US carries out air strikes against Islamic State in Libya
The US military said on Tuesday that it had conducted two air strikes against Islamic States militants in Libya in the past few days.
US sanctions 13 Chinese and North Korean organizations
The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions against 13 Chinese and North Korean organizations Washington accused of helping evade nuclear restrictions against Pyongyang and supporting the country through trade of commodities like coal.
Lebanon’s Saad Hariri returns to Beirut amid Saudi resignation saga
Saad Hariri returned to Lebanon late Tuesday for the first time since he stunned his country by announcing from Saudi Arabia that he was quitting as prime minister more than two weeks ago.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu presses Putin on keeping Iran out of Syria
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke Tuesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone about a ceasefire deal in the Syrian civil war and Iranian presence near Israel’s borders with the war-torn country, the Prime Minister’s Office said.
US investigator Mueller probing Kushner’s contacts with Israelis — report
US special counsel Robert Mueller’s team is investigating senior White House adviser Jared Kushner over contacts with Israeli officials, according to a Wall Street Journal report Tuesday.
Disagreements emerge between Hamas and Fatah
A second round of reconciliation talks between Fatah and Hamas, attended by representatives of other Palestinian Arab organizations, began in Cairo on Tuesday.
Inside the United States
GOP includes money for Trump’s border wall in Senate spending bill
Senate Republicans included $1.6 billion for the first installment of President Trump’s border wall in the new homeland security spending bill they released Tuesday, keeping the president’s marquee immigration promise on track.
Fusion GPS paid journalists, court papers confirm
Newly filed court documents confirm that Fusion GPS, the company mostly responsible for the controversial 'Trump dossier' on presidential candidate Donald Trump, made payments to three journalists between June 2016 until February 2017.
Second federal judge blocks Trump's transgender military ban
A federal judge in Maryland issued a second order on Tuesday blocking President Trump from implementing his ban on transgender military service.
FBI investigating Democrat US Rep. Brady over payment to challenger
The FBI has reason to believe U.S. Rep. Bob Brady unlawfully concealed a $90,000 payment made by his campaign to get an opponent to quit a 2012 primary race, according to court documents that confirm the Philadelphia Democrat is under investigation in a widening campaign finance probe.
Christian News
Five Christians Killed, Five Others Missing in Muslim Herdsmen Attacks in Nigeria
Five Christians were killed and five others are missing after attacks by Muslim Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria’s Plateau and Benue states in the past two weeks.
Is a Door Opening for Christianity in Saudi Arabia?
Stunning political developments in Saudi Arabia have some wondering if the strict Muslim-ruled Kingdom could become more tolerant of Christianity.
US tells Sudan to ‘immediately suspend’ church demolitions
The US Deputy Secretary of State has called on Sudan to 'immediately suspend' its demolition of churches and to hold a roundtable discussion with Christian leaders to resolve disputes.
Algerian church closed for ‘illegally printing Bibles and material intended for evangelism’
A church in Algeria’s north-western town of Aïn Turk (15km from Oran city) has been closed down by local authorities.