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 warns U.N. that cuts in U.S. foreign aid will follow anti-Jerusalem votes
President Trump dared the United Nations Wednesday to vote against his decision to move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, saying 'we’ll save a lot' in foreign aid cuts for countries that cross his administration.
South Korea fires shots after another North Korea soldier defects
Shots were fired after a North Korean defector fled to the South on Thursday across the DMZ, the land border that divides the peninsula, South Korean military officials said.
EU says Brexit transition to end in December 2020
The Brexit transition period should end on 31 December 2020, with a clear view what sort of relationship the EU and UK will have afterwards, the EU Commission proposed on Wednesday (20 December).
Poland cries foul as EU triggers ‘nuclear option’ over judicial independence
The Polish government has accused the European commission of a politically motivated attack after the EU’s executive body triggered a process that could see the country stripped of voting rights in Brussels, over legal changes that the bloc claims threaten the independence of the judiciary.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
176 nations at UN call for Palestinian statehood
The General Assembly voted 176-7 on Tuesday to affirm the Palestinian right to self-determination, one day after Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas pledged to renew his quest for state membership in the international body.
Hezbollah's young adherents emboldened after US announcement on Jerusalem
Ali is six, and yet already he fiercely chants 'Death to America' and 'Death to Israel' at a rally alongside his family. It is a typical Beirut rally, organized by the Shia militia Hezbollah, to protest US President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Inside the United States
Congress sends historic tax bill to Trump
House Republicans on Wednesday voted for the second time in two days to pass a major tax overhaul, sending the $1.5 trillion tax cut to President Trump, as promised, just before Christmas.
U.S. lawmakers seek temporary extension to internet spying program
Republican leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives are working to build support to temporarily extend the National Security Agency’s expiring internet surveillance program by tucking it into a stop-gap funding measure, lawmakers said.
Companies trumpet bonuses, pay hikes after Congress passes tax bill
Multiple companies announced Wednesday they plan to reward employees with higher wages and bonuses due to the tax bill passed by the Republican-led Congress.
Christian News
Christmas High Alert: Churches Tightening Church Security in Pakistan, Egypt
This Christmas season Christians in Pakistan and Egypt are on high alert. They are asking their governments to help provide tightened security for worship services.
Trump warns U.N. that cuts in U.S. foreign aid will follow anti-Jerusalem votes
President Trump dared the United Nations Wednesday to vote against his decision to move the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, saying 'we’ll save a lot' in foreign aid cuts for countries that cross his administration.
South Korea fires shots after another North Korea soldier defects
Shots were fired after a North Korean defector fled to the South on Thursday across the DMZ, the land border that divides the peninsula, South Korean military officials said.
EU says Brexit transition to end in December 2020
The Brexit transition period should end on 31 December 2020, with a clear view what sort of relationship the EU and UK will have afterwards, the EU Commission proposed on Wednesday (20 December).
Poland cries foul as EU triggers ‘nuclear option’ over judicial independence
The Polish government has accused the European commission of a politically motivated attack after the EU’s executive body triggered a process that could see the country stripped of voting rights in Brussels, over legal changes that the bloc claims threaten the independence of the judiciary.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
176 nations at UN call for Palestinian statehood
The General Assembly voted 176-7 on Tuesday to affirm the Palestinian right to self-determination, one day after Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas pledged to renew his quest for state membership in the international body.
Hezbollah's young adherents emboldened after US announcement on Jerusalem
Ali is six, and yet already he fiercely chants 'Death to America' and 'Death to Israel' at a rally alongside his family. It is a typical Beirut rally, organized by the Shia militia Hezbollah, to protest US President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Inside the United States
Congress sends historic tax bill to Trump
House Republicans on Wednesday voted for the second time in two days to pass a major tax overhaul, sending the $1.5 trillion tax cut to President Trump, as promised, just before Christmas.
U.S. lawmakers seek temporary extension to internet spying program
Republican leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives are working to build support to temporarily extend the National Security Agency’s expiring internet surveillance program by tucking it into a stop-gap funding measure, lawmakers said.
Companies trumpet bonuses, pay hikes after Congress passes tax bill
Multiple companies announced Wednesday they plan to reward employees with higher wages and bonuses due to the tax bill passed by the Republican-led Congress.
Christian News
Christmas High Alert: Churches Tightening Church Security in Pakistan, Egypt
This Christmas season Christians in Pakistan and Egypt are on high alert. They are asking their governments to help provide tightened security for worship services.
Around the World
Haley: New UN resolution punishing Iran could be in the works
Nikki Haley, United States Ambassador to the United Nations, said that based on a new report by the U.N. Secretary General, new pressure on Iran’s continued behavior could lead to a new resolution against the Tehran regime or the strengthening present ones.
Saudis intercept another missile fired by Yemen rebels
The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen's Shiite rebels said it intercepted a missile fired over southern Riyadh on Tuesday, which the rebels said was targeting the royal palace in the kingdom's capital.
Russia, China call Trump’s ‘America First’ approach Cold War thinking
President Trump’s new national security blueprint labeling Russia and China 'strategic competitors' struck a nerve in Moscow and Beijing, with both criticizing the 'America First' approach as isolationist and reminiscent of Cold War-style posturing by Washington.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Trump to present new doctrine that says Israel not the cause of Mideast problems
Prioritizing national sovereignty over alliances, US President Donald Trump is poised to outline a new national security strategy that envisions nations in a perpetual state of competition and downplays the Israeli-Palestinian conflict’s impact on the broader world order.
Palestinians won’t meet with Kushner, Greenblatt or any US officials on peace
The Palestinians will not meet with any United States officials regarding the peace process in the future, in response to US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a senior diplomatic adviser to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told The Times of Israel on Sunday.
Ancient tomb door with stunning menorah carving revealed in Israel
As the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah comes to a close, the discovery of an ancient tomb door with a stunning menorah carving is providing a fascinating glimpse into Israel’s rich history.
Inside the United States
The Thomas fire is now the second largest in modern California history
After a brief respite from the relentless gusts that have driven the deadly Thomas fire for more than two weeks, powerful winds are expected to return, adding to the challenges facing firefighters working to contain the mammoth blaze.
Senate narrowly passes GOP tax cuts, sends back to House for one last vote
Senate Republicans passed a major overhaul of the tax code early Wednesday morning, bouncing the bill back to the House for one last vote Wednesday morning before it is sent to President Trump’s desk for his signature.
Pennsylvania governor vetoes 20-week abortion ban
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed a bill Monday that would have banned abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Report: Nearly every American household affected by massive data breach
Virtually every single American household has been affected by a massive data breach that exposed private information, according to a cybersecurity firm report.
The National Archives unseals thousands more JFK files
The National Archives has unsealed thousands-more pages from the Kennedy files. And while assassinations buffs weren’t likely to find any major revelations - no proof of a second gunman, a Cuban plot, or evidence the killer could have been stopped - they’ll have plenty to chew on.
Republicans scramble for spending deal by Friday
House Republicans late Tuesday had little time to celebrate their pending victory on tax reform, and instead were scrambling to come up with a bill to keep the government open past Friday's deadline.
Christian News
Congress Fails to Repeal Johnson Amendment in Tax Bill
A measure within the federal tax overhaul bill that would end the IRS regulation barring churches from endorsing political candidates has been removed from the proposed legislation.
Haley: New UN resolution punishing Iran could be in the works
Nikki Haley, United States Ambassador to the United Nations, said that based on a new report by the U.N. Secretary General, new pressure on Iran’s continued behavior could lead to a new resolution against the Tehran regime or the strengthening present ones.
Saudis intercept another missile fired by Yemen rebels
The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen's Shiite rebels said it intercepted a missile fired over southern Riyadh on Tuesday, which the rebels said was targeting the royal palace in the kingdom's capital.
Russia, China call Trump’s ‘America First’ approach Cold War thinking
President Trump’s new national security blueprint labeling Russia and China 'strategic competitors' struck a nerve in Moscow and Beijing, with both criticizing the 'America First' approach as isolationist and reminiscent of Cold War-style posturing by Washington.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Trump to present new doctrine that says Israel not the cause of Mideast problems
Prioritizing national sovereignty over alliances, US President Donald Trump is poised to outline a new national security strategy that envisions nations in a perpetual state of competition and downplays the Israeli-Palestinian conflict’s impact on the broader world order.
Palestinians won’t meet with Kushner, Greenblatt or any US officials on peace
The Palestinians will not meet with any United States officials regarding the peace process in the future, in response to US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a senior diplomatic adviser to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told The Times of Israel on Sunday.
Ancient tomb door with stunning menorah carving revealed in Israel
As the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah comes to a close, the discovery of an ancient tomb door with a stunning menorah carving is providing a fascinating glimpse into Israel’s rich history.
Inside the United States
The Thomas fire is now the second largest in modern California history
After a brief respite from the relentless gusts that have driven the deadly Thomas fire for more than two weeks, powerful winds are expected to return, adding to the challenges facing firefighters working to contain the mammoth blaze.
Senate narrowly passes GOP tax cuts, sends back to House for one last vote
Senate Republicans passed a major overhaul of the tax code early Wednesday morning, bouncing the bill back to the House for one last vote Wednesday morning before it is sent to President Trump’s desk for his signature.
Pennsylvania governor vetoes 20-week abortion ban
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed a bill Monday that would have banned abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Report: Nearly every American household affected by massive data breach
Virtually every single American household has been affected by a massive data breach that exposed private information, according to a cybersecurity firm report.
The National Archives unseals thousands more JFK files
The National Archives has unsealed thousands-more pages from the Kennedy files. And while assassinations buffs weren’t likely to find any major revelations - no proof of a second gunman, a Cuban plot, or evidence the killer could have been stopped - they’ll have plenty to chew on.
Republicans scramble for spending deal by Friday
House Republicans late Tuesday had little time to celebrate their pending victory on tax reform, and instead were scrambling to come up with a bill to keep the government open past Friday's deadline.
Christian News
Congress Fails to Repeal Johnson Amendment in Tax Bill
A measure within the federal tax overhaul bill that would end the IRS regulation barring churches from endorsing political candidates has been removed from the proposed legislation.
Around the World
Assad Hopeful About Upcoming Russian-Sponsored Talks on Syria
yrian President Bashar al-Assad expressed regret for the stalemate of U.N.-brokered intra-Syrian talks in Geneva last week but says he expects better results during the Russian-sponsored Sochi peace process to be held in February.
Japan approves missile defense system amid NKorea threat
Japan's Cabinet has approved a plan to purchase a set of costly land-based U.S. missile combat systems to step up the country's defense capability amid escalating threats from North Korea.
U.S. blames North Korea for 'WannaCry' cyber attack
The Trump administration has publicly blamed North Korea for unleashing the so-called WannaCry cyber attack that crippled hospitals, banks and other companies across the globe earlier this year.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Turkey hopes to open embassy in East Jerusalem, says Erdogan
Turkey intends to open an embassy in East Jerusalem, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said, days after leading calls at a summit of Muslim leaders for the world to recognize it as the capital of a Palestinian state.
US vetoes UN call for withdrawal of Trump Jerusalem decision
The United States was further isolated on Monday over President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital when it blocked a United Nations Security Council call for the declaration to be withdrawn.
Israel strikes 40 Hamas targets over two weeks in response to rocket fire
Israeli jets struck six Hamas targets in the northern Gaza Strip on Sunday night, after rockets were fired into southern Israel earlier in the evening, one of which slightly damaged a home.
Parched Sea of Galilee to be replenished with desalinated water
With the Sea of Galilee dropping to dangerously low levels, Israel’s Water Authority will begin pumping desalinated water into the freshwater lake, Hadashot TV news reported Monday.
Mike Pence delays Middle East trip until after Senate tax reform vote
Vice President Mike Pence will postpone his trip to Egypt and Israel until after the Senate votes on the GOP's tax reform bill, according to a statement released by his team Monday.
Inside the United States
Trump rips 'chain migration,' $300B cost, 1 immigrant can bring in 120 more, 9.3M in decade
The Trump administration is expanding its war on liberal immigration practices, targeting so-called 'chain migration,' a costly loophole that allows a legal immigrant to bring in relatives even if they are unskilled and destined to go on welfare.
Trump to Boost U.S. Missile Defense to Combat Iranian, N. Korean WMD Threats
The Trump administration will designate domestic U.S. missile defense as a 'priority action' as part of its forthcoming National Security Strategy, or NSS, according to draft language viewed by the Washington Free Beacon that singles out Iranian and North Korean missile threats as a direct danger to the American homeland.
House GOP pushing $81B disaster relief for hurricanes, fires
House Republicans plan to unveil an $81 billion disaster aid package to help hurricane-ravaged communities and states hit by wildfires, almost double the amount requested by President Donald Trump last month.
Black Unemployment Rate Lowest in 17 Years
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics( BLS), the unemployment rate for black Americans is the lowest it has been since the year 2000, 17 years ago.
At least 3 dead from Amtrak train derailment in Washington state
At least three people died and dozens were injured after an Amtrak train on the inaugural run of a new route derailed in Washington state this morning, with part of the train careening off an overpass onto a heavily-trafficked highway below, a local official said.
Trump unveils national security strategy: 'America is going to win'
President Trump on Monday unveiled a national security strategy that enshrines his 'America First' approach into U.S. policy, stressing American strength and economic security and putting rivals like China and Russia on notice.
Eagle Scout Rescued and Prays with Amtrak Passengers Before 1st Responders Arrived
Dan Konzelman was driving with his girlfriend southbound on Interstate 5, south of Tacoma, Washington, Monday morning when, to his astonishment, he saw an Amtrak train go off an overpass ahead of him and crash onto the busy freeway.
New York Fed Forecasts 4.0% GDP Growth
The Trump economic boom is picking up steam as American heads into the final weeks of the president’s first year in office.
Christian News
Pakistan: mourners bury 11 killed in Quetta church suicide attack, as 50 injured
Pakistani Christian mourners today (Monday) are burying their dead only days before they should be celebrating Christ’s birth.
Neurosurgeon-Turned-Pastor Uses Name of Jesus to Stop Armed Robber Who Threatened to Kill Him at Bible Study
Dr. Julius Zant, a respected retired neurosurgeon-turned-pastor who was attacked by an armed man who threatened to kill him inside a Maryland church as he conducted a Bible study with his parishioners last Thursday, bravely fended off the robber by invoking the name of Jesus.
Assad Hopeful About Upcoming Russian-Sponsored Talks on Syria
yrian President Bashar al-Assad expressed regret for the stalemate of U.N.-brokered intra-Syrian talks in Geneva last week but says he expects better results during the Russian-sponsored Sochi peace process to be held in February.
Japan approves missile defense system amid NKorea threat
Japan's Cabinet has approved a plan to purchase a set of costly land-based U.S. missile combat systems to step up the country's defense capability amid escalating threats from North Korea.
U.S. blames North Korea for 'WannaCry' cyber attack
The Trump administration has publicly blamed North Korea for unleashing the so-called WannaCry cyber attack that crippled hospitals, banks and other companies across the globe earlier this year.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Turkey hopes to open embassy in East Jerusalem, says Erdogan
Turkey intends to open an embassy in East Jerusalem, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said, days after leading calls at a summit of Muslim leaders for the world to recognize it as the capital of a Palestinian state.
US vetoes UN call for withdrawal of Trump Jerusalem decision
The United States was further isolated on Monday over President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital when it blocked a United Nations Security Council call for the declaration to be withdrawn.
Israel strikes 40 Hamas targets over two weeks in response to rocket fire
Israeli jets struck six Hamas targets in the northern Gaza Strip on Sunday night, after rockets were fired into southern Israel earlier in the evening, one of which slightly damaged a home.
Parched Sea of Galilee to be replenished with desalinated water
With the Sea of Galilee dropping to dangerously low levels, Israel’s Water Authority will begin pumping desalinated water into the freshwater lake, Hadashot TV news reported Monday.
Mike Pence delays Middle East trip until after Senate tax reform vote
Vice President Mike Pence will postpone his trip to Egypt and Israel until after the Senate votes on the GOP's tax reform bill, according to a statement released by his team Monday.
Inside the United States
Trump rips 'chain migration,' $300B cost, 1 immigrant can bring in 120 more, 9.3M in decade
The Trump administration is expanding its war on liberal immigration practices, targeting so-called 'chain migration,' a costly loophole that allows a legal immigrant to bring in relatives even if they are unskilled and destined to go on welfare.
Trump to Boost U.S. Missile Defense to Combat Iranian, N. Korean WMD Threats
The Trump administration will designate domestic U.S. missile defense as a 'priority action' as part of its forthcoming National Security Strategy, or NSS, according to draft language viewed by the Washington Free Beacon that singles out Iranian and North Korean missile threats as a direct danger to the American homeland.
House GOP pushing $81B disaster relief for hurricanes, fires
House Republicans plan to unveil an $81 billion disaster aid package to help hurricane-ravaged communities and states hit by wildfires, almost double the amount requested by President Donald Trump last month.
Black Unemployment Rate Lowest in 17 Years
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics( BLS), the unemployment rate for black Americans is the lowest it has been since the year 2000, 17 years ago.
At least 3 dead from Amtrak train derailment in Washington state
At least three people died and dozens were injured after an Amtrak train on the inaugural run of a new route derailed in Washington state this morning, with part of the train careening off an overpass onto a heavily-trafficked highway below, a local official said.
Trump unveils national security strategy: 'America is going to win'
President Trump on Monday unveiled a national security strategy that enshrines his 'America First' approach into U.S. policy, stressing American strength and economic security and putting rivals like China and Russia on notice.
Eagle Scout Rescued and Prays with Amtrak Passengers Before 1st Responders Arrived
Dan Konzelman was driving with his girlfriend southbound on Interstate 5, south of Tacoma, Washington, Monday morning when, to his astonishment, he saw an Amtrak train go off an overpass ahead of him and crash onto the busy freeway.
New York Fed Forecasts 4.0% GDP Growth
The Trump economic boom is picking up steam as American heads into the final weeks of the president’s first year in office.
Christian News
Pakistan: mourners bury 11 killed in Quetta church suicide attack, as 50 injured
Pakistani Christian mourners today (Monday) are burying their dead only days before they should be celebrating Christ’s birth.
Neurosurgeon-Turned-Pastor Uses Name of Jesus to Stop Armed Robber Who Threatened to Kill Him at Bible Study
Dr. Julius Zant, a respected retired neurosurgeon-turned-pastor who was attacked by an armed man who threatened to kill him inside a Maryland church as he conducted a Bible study with his parishioners last Thursday, bravely fended off the robber by invoking the name of Jesus.