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
A Message to North Korea? US Sends 3 B-2 Stealth Bombers to Guam
The U.S. Air Force has sent three B-2 nuclear-capable stealth bombers to Andersen Air Force Base on the island territory of Guam.
Russia, US hold talks about nuclear pact, Putin says
Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow is holding negotiations with Washington regarding a pivotal nuclear arms pact.
Surprise awakening of Papua New Guinea volcano forces evacuations
An island volcano in Papua New Guinea has begun spewing ash into the air, forcing the evacuation of more than 500 residents, media and non-profit groups have said.
8 Earthquakes Strike Along Iran-Iraq Border
A series of eight earthquakes hit the Iran-Iraq border area and rattled Baghdad on Thursday, apparent aftershocks of a temblor that struck the mountainous region in November and killed over 530 people. Four people suffered minor injuries in Iran, state television reported.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
PA security forces expose Hamas' top terror architects in West Bank
The Palestinian Authority's security forces revealed on Wednesday the identities of senior Hamas operatives behind efforts to rehabilitate the group's terrorist infrastructure in Judea and Samaria, chief among them Maher Obeid, the organization's newly appointed military commander in the West Bank.
Test Launch of Israel’s Arrow Defense System Canceled for 2nd Time in a Month
The Israeli Defense Ministry on Wednesday canceled a test launch for the Arrow 3 missile defense system, citing a problem with its ground control’s data systems.
Inside the United States
House passes NSA spying bill after Trump tweets cause confusion
The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill to renew the National Security Agency’s warrantless internet surveillance program, overcoming objections from privacy advocates and confusion prompted by morning tweets from President Donald Trump that initially questioned the spying tool.
Court Rules in Favor of Constitutional Amendment Saying There’s No 'Fundamental Right to Abortion'
In a resounding victory for pro-life Tennesseans, judges on the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals have rejected the pro-abortion effort to overturn the 2014 voter passage of Amendment 1, which states: 'Nothing in this Constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of an abortion.'
Christian News
1 in 12 Christians worldwide persecuted, report shows
About 215 million Christians are being persecuted due to their faith, according to a report released by the Open Doors organization Wednesday. This represents 1 in 12 Christians worldwide.
Iranian Christian Receive Eight Year Sentences
Two Iranian Christians were sentenced to a total of eight years in prison by a revolutionary court in December 2017, after being convicted of national security-related crimes.
Moody Bible President, COO Resign Amid Controversy, Provost Retires
The president and chief operating officer of Moody Bible Institute have resigned amid controversy over the theological direction of the institution and allegations of shady administration practices, the school announced Wednesday. One of the school's provosts will also be retiring.
A Message to North Korea? US Sends 3 B-2 Stealth Bombers to Guam
The U.S. Air Force has sent three B-2 nuclear-capable stealth bombers to Andersen Air Force Base on the island territory of Guam.
Russia, US hold talks about nuclear pact, Putin says
Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow is holding negotiations with Washington regarding a pivotal nuclear arms pact.
Surprise awakening of Papua New Guinea volcano forces evacuations
An island volcano in Papua New Guinea has begun spewing ash into the air, forcing the evacuation of more than 500 residents, media and non-profit groups have said.
8 Earthquakes Strike Along Iran-Iraq Border
A series of eight earthquakes hit the Iran-Iraq border area and rattled Baghdad on Thursday, apparent aftershocks of a temblor that struck the mountainous region in November and killed over 530 people. Four people suffered minor injuries in Iran, state television reported.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
PA security forces expose Hamas' top terror architects in West Bank
The Palestinian Authority's security forces revealed on Wednesday the identities of senior Hamas operatives behind efforts to rehabilitate the group's terrorist infrastructure in Judea and Samaria, chief among them Maher Obeid, the organization's newly appointed military commander in the West Bank.
Test Launch of Israel’s Arrow Defense System Canceled for 2nd Time in a Month
The Israeli Defense Ministry on Wednesday canceled a test launch for the Arrow 3 missile defense system, citing a problem with its ground control’s data systems.
Inside the United States
House passes NSA spying bill after Trump tweets cause confusion
The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill to renew the National Security Agency’s warrantless internet surveillance program, overcoming objections from privacy advocates and confusion prompted by morning tweets from President Donald Trump that initially questioned the spying tool.
Court Rules in Favor of Constitutional Amendment Saying There’s No 'Fundamental Right to Abortion'
In a resounding victory for pro-life Tennesseans, judges on the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals have rejected the pro-abortion effort to overturn the 2014 voter passage of Amendment 1, which states: 'Nothing in this Constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of an abortion.'
Christian News
1 in 12 Christians worldwide persecuted, report shows
About 215 million Christians are being persecuted due to their faith, according to a report released by the Open Doors organization Wednesday. This represents 1 in 12 Christians worldwide.
Iranian Christian Receive Eight Year Sentences
Two Iranian Christians were sentenced to a total of eight years in prison by a revolutionary court in December 2017, after being convicted of national security-related crimes.
Moody Bible President, COO Resign Amid Controversy, Provost Retires
The president and chief operating officer of Moody Bible Institute have resigned amid controversy over the theological direction of the institution and allegations of shady administration practices, the school announced Wednesday. One of the school's provosts will also be retiring.
Around the World
Iranian FM in Russia for talks on nuclear deal, Syria
Iran’s foreign minister is visiting Moscow for talks focusing on the future of the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and the situation in Syria, where both nations support President Bashar Assad.
Dollar bruised by worries over China's stance on US bonds
The dollar nursed its losses against the yen on Thursday, having suffered its biggest one-day drop in nearly eight months following a report that China was ready to slow or halt its purchases of US Treasuries.
Europe, Iran to meet on backing nuclear deal as Trump decision looms
Europe and Iran are to put on a united front in support of the landmark 2015 nuclear deal at talks in Brussels Thursday as Washington mulls reimposing sanctions on Tehran.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Arab League to hold meeting on Jerusalem next month
The Arab League will meet on February 1 to discuss how to counter U.S. President Donald Trump's move last month to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, Egypt's state news agency MENA said on Wednesday.
Norway, EU call meeting in bid to ‘speed up’ efforts for 2-state solution
Norway and the European Union said Wednesday they would convene an 'extraordinary session' of donor countries to the Palestinians, saying efforts to reach a peace deal needed to be hurried up.
Support for Israel among young evangelicals dips, says new survey
A new study has some troubling news for Israel and its supporters, who have come to rely on the political and financial support of the 25 percent of Americans who identify as evangelical Christians.
Inside the United States
A Federal Judge Has Blocked Trump's Plan to End the DACA Program for Young Immigrants
A federal judge on Tuesday night temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s decision to end a program protecting young immigrants from deportation.
GOP gambles with vote on controversial surveillance bill
House Republicans on Thursday will try to reauthorize a key but controversial counterterrorism tool, despite a split among lawmakers that could end up sinking the bill.
Growing number of retirements threatens Republican House majority
The Republican Party’s tenuous grip on the House majority slipped Wednesday after Rep. Darrell Issa became the second California Republican this week to opt for retirement over fighting an uncertain battle for re-election.
California's Brown Raises Prospect of Pension Cuts in Downturn
California Governor Jerry Brown said legal rulings may clear the way for making cuts to public pension benefits, which would go against long-standing assumptions and potentially provide financial relief to the state and its local governments.
Christian News
Militant Muslims Firebomb Evangelical Church in Kyrgyzstan; Flames Stop at Open Bible
Christians said they saw a 'sign from God' following a firebombing attack by Muslim militants on an evangelical church in Kyrgyzstan. The flames burned through much of the interior but stopped at the open Bible on the altar.
U.S. Could Send Stranded Iranian Christians Back to Iran
The U.S. government could send 100 mostly Christian Iranians stranded in Austria back to Iran this week, where they would face harsh persecution by Iran's Islamic government.
Iranian FM in Russia for talks on nuclear deal, Syria
Iran’s foreign minister is visiting Moscow for talks focusing on the future of the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and the situation in Syria, where both nations support President Bashar Assad.
Dollar bruised by worries over China's stance on US bonds
The dollar nursed its losses against the yen on Thursday, having suffered its biggest one-day drop in nearly eight months following a report that China was ready to slow or halt its purchases of US Treasuries.
Europe, Iran to meet on backing nuclear deal as Trump decision looms
Europe and Iran are to put on a united front in support of the landmark 2015 nuclear deal at talks in Brussels Thursday as Washington mulls reimposing sanctions on Tehran.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Arab League to hold meeting on Jerusalem next month
The Arab League will meet on February 1 to discuss how to counter U.S. President Donald Trump's move last month to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, Egypt's state news agency MENA said on Wednesday.
Norway, EU call meeting in bid to ‘speed up’ efforts for 2-state solution
Norway and the European Union said Wednesday they would convene an 'extraordinary session' of donor countries to the Palestinians, saying efforts to reach a peace deal needed to be hurried up.
Support for Israel among young evangelicals dips, says new survey
A new study has some troubling news for Israel and its supporters, who have come to rely on the political and financial support of the 25 percent of Americans who identify as evangelical Christians.
Inside the United States
A Federal Judge Has Blocked Trump's Plan to End the DACA Program for Young Immigrants
A federal judge on Tuesday night temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s decision to end a program protecting young immigrants from deportation.
GOP gambles with vote on controversial surveillance bill
House Republicans on Thursday will try to reauthorize a key but controversial counterterrorism tool, despite a split among lawmakers that could end up sinking the bill.
Growing number of retirements threatens Republican House majority
The Republican Party’s tenuous grip on the House majority slipped Wednesday after Rep. Darrell Issa became the second California Republican this week to opt for retirement over fighting an uncertain battle for re-election.
California's Brown Raises Prospect of Pension Cuts in Downturn
California Governor Jerry Brown said legal rulings may clear the way for making cuts to public pension benefits, which would go against long-standing assumptions and potentially provide financial relief to the state and its local governments.
Christian News
Militant Muslims Firebomb Evangelical Church in Kyrgyzstan; Flames Stop at Open Bible
Christians said they saw a 'sign from God' following a firebombing attack by Muslim militants on an evangelical church in Kyrgyzstan. The flames burned through much of the interior but stopped at the open Bible on the altar.
U.S. Could Send Stranded Iranian Christians Back to Iran
The U.S. government could send 100 mostly Christian Iranians stranded in Austria back to Iran this week, where they would face harsh persecution by Iran's Islamic government.
Around the World
Strong quake in Caribbean Sea shakes Honduras, Mexico and Belize, sparks tsunami warning
An earthquake of magnitude 7.6 that struck near remote islands belonging to Honduras on Tuesday was felt across northern Central America, prompting a tsunami warning for parts of the Caribbean.
U.S. to decide on Iran sanctions waivers on Friday: State Department
The Trump administration is expected to decide on Friday whether to continue to waive U.S. penalties on Iran, as agreed under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, the State Department said on Tuesday.
Australia experiences 3rd hottest year on record in 2017
Officials says Australia has experienced its third hottest year on record in 2017, when surrounding high sea temperatures delivered a second consecutive summer of devastating coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Palestinian Authority Paid Terrorists Over $347 Million in 2017
The Palestinian Authority paid terrorists and their families more than $347 million last year, according to its own records.
Israeli jets and rockets hit Syria overnight, Syrian army claims
The Syrian army claimed Tuesday that Israeli fighter jets and rockets targeted positions inside the war-torn nation overnight, marking a potential uptick in tensions between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants operating there.
4 arrested for trying to sell land to Jews
Four people have been arrested for the capital offense of selling Palestinian land to Jews, even though the deals apparently were halted before completion, according to authorities.
Inside the United States
At least 13 killed amid heavy rains, floods, slides in Southern California
At least 13 people died as a result of heavy rains that triggered flooding and mudslides in fire-ravaged parts of Southern California.
Federal Judges Order North Carolina to Quickly Redraw Congressional Districts
A panel of three federal judges has ordered North Carolina to redraw its Congressional district boundaries immediately, saying the current version is unconstitutional.
Trump calls GOP Dreamer fix a ‘bill of love,’ seeks deal with Dems on immigration
At a meeting Tuesday with bipartisan members of Congress, President Trump said the fix to the soon-to-expire temporary amnesty for 'Dreamers' would be a 'bill of love,' but stressed that tougher border security must be part of the deal.
Sen. Cruz Introduces Legislation to Make Tax Cuts Permanent
Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) has introduced a bill that would make the individual tax cuts included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent.
Florida judge blocks abortion delay law, rules it unconstitutional
A Florida judge on Tuesday permanently blocked and declared unconstitutional a law requiring a woman to delay an abortion by at least 24 hours after making a visit to a doctor who would have to inform her of possible risks of the procedure.
U.S. top court considers putting brakes on police vehicle searches
U.S. Supreme Court justices on Tuesday wrestled with the scope of police authority to search vehicles without warrants, with Chief Justice John Roberts referencing the shiny red convertible taken for a joyride in the 1986 comedy film 'Ferris Bueller’s Day Off' to make a serious legal point.
Christian News
Through a War, God Brings Revival to Syria
For years, Syrian Christians had been praying for a revival. 'But never did we imagine it would come because of war,' said one church leader. Seven years of civil war has left Syria in ruins. Many of those who came from Christian families left early on in the war, a cause of great despair as church leaders watched their congregants slowly disappear.
Strong quake in Caribbean Sea shakes Honduras, Mexico and Belize, sparks tsunami warning
An earthquake of magnitude 7.6 that struck near remote islands belonging to Honduras on Tuesday was felt across northern Central America, prompting a tsunami warning for parts of the Caribbean.
U.S. to decide on Iran sanctions waivers on Friday: State Department
The Trump administration is expected to decide on Friday whether to continue to waive U.S. penalties on Iran, as agreed under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, the State Department said on Tuesday.
Australia experiences 3rd hottest year on record in 2017
Officials says Australia has experienced its third hottest year on record in 2017, when surrounding high sea temperatures delivered a second consecutive summer of devastating coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Palestinian Authority Paid Terrorists Over $347 Million in 2017
The Palestinian Authority paid terrorists and their families more than $347 million last year, according to its own records.
Israeli jets and rockets hit Syria overnight, Syrian army claims
The Syrian army claimed Tuesday that Israeli fighter jets and rockets targeted positions inside the war-torn nation overnight, marking a potential uptick in tensions between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants operating there.
4 arrested for trying to sell land to Jews
Four people have been arrested for the capital offense of selling Palestinian land to Jews, even though the deals apparently were halted before completion, according to authorities.
Inside the United States
At least 13 killed amid heavy rains, floods, slides in Southern California
At least 13 people died as a result of heavy rains that triggered flooding and mudslides in fire-ravaged parts of Southern California.
Federal Judges Order North Carolina to Quickly Redraw Congressional Districts
A panel of three federal judges has ordered North Carolina to redraw its Congressional district boundaries immediately, saying the current version is unconstitutional.
Trump calls GOP Dreamer fix a ‘bill of love,’ seeks deal with Dems on immigration
At a meeting Tuesday with bipartisan members of Congress, President Trump said the fix to the soon-to-expire temporary amnesty for 'Dreamers' would be a 'bill of love,' but stressed that tougher border security must be part of the deal.
Sen. Cruz Introduces Legislation to Make Tax Cuts Permanent
Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) has introduced a bill that would make the individual tax cuts included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent.
Florida judge blocks abortion delay law, rules it unconstitutional
A Florida judge on Tuesday permanently blocked and declared unconstitutional a law requiring a woman to delay an abortion by at least 24 hours after making a visit to a doctor who would have to inform her of possible risks of the procedure.
U.S. top court considers putting brakes on police vehicle searches
U.S. Supreme Court justices on Tuesday wrestled with the scope of police authority to search vehicles without warrants, with Chief Justice John Roberts referencing the shiny red convertible taken for a joyride in the 1986 comedy film 'Ferris Bueller’s Day Off' to make a serious legal point.
Christian News
Through a War, God Brings Revival to Syria
For years, Syrian Christians had been praying for a revival. 'But never did we imagine it would come because of war,' said one church leader. Seven years of civil war has left Syria in ruins. Many of those who came from Christian families left early on in the war, a cause of great despair as church leaders watched their congregants slowly disappear.