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
After ISIS campaign, Iran-backed fighters in Iraq vow to drive out US troops
Now that they’ve helped vanquish the Islamic State from much of Iraq, a battle-hardened militia with close ties to Iran may be training its sights on the remaining U.S.-led coalition troops scattered across the country.
Catalan separatists win election in rebuke to Spain and EU
Catalonia’s separatists look set to regain power in the wealthy Spanish region after local elections on Thursday, deepening the nation’s political crisis in a sharp rebuke to Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and European Union leaders who backed him.
Putin, Merkel discuss situation in eastern Ukraine
The Kremlin says Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken to German Chancellor Angela Merkel to explain Russia's decision to withdraw its military observers from a joint group monitoring the truce in eastern Ukraine.
ISIS Threatens Holiday Terror Attacks
Islamic State terrorists are threatening Christmas and New Year's attacks in major cities across the US and Europe.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
In a New Challenge to Israel, Syria's Assad Sets His Sights on Golan Border Area
The Assad regime is gearing up to expand the area it controls in southern Syria, near the border with Israel.
Hamas calls on Arabs to drive Israeli, US ambassadors out of Arab states
Palestinians resumed violently rioting on Wednesday as they continued to protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's Dec. 6 declaration recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
Inside the United States
Trump first president to protect electric grid from EMP, cyberattacks
President Trump became the first national leader to call for protecting the U.S electric and communications grid against an electromagnetic attack like one practiced in North Korea.
Year One List: 81 major Trump achievements, 11 Obama legacy items repealed
With the passage of the GOP tax bill this week, the Trump administration has scored 81 major achievements in its first year, making good on campaign promises to provide significant tax cuts, boost U.S. energy production, and restore respect to the United States, according to the White House.
Senate passes short-term spending bill with help from Democrats to avoid shutdown
The Senate on Thursday passed a short-term government funding bill for President Trump's signature, ending yet another threat of a government shutdown and leaving Congress with a new January deadline to come up with a major spending deal.
White House: Trump wants lawmakers to pass Obamacare stabilization bills in January
President Donald Trump wants lawmakers to pass two bipartisan bills early next year that would shore up the Affordable Care Act, the White House said on Wednesday.
How Obama manipulated sensitive secret intelligence for political gain
For years, a clandestine U.S. intelligence team had tracked a man they knew was high in the leadership of al Qaeda -- an operative some believed had a hand in plotting the gruesome 2009 suicide attack in Afghanistan that killed seven CIA officers.
Judge: State Can't Force CA Baker to Make Cakes for Same-Sex Weddings
The state of California attempted to shut down a baker after its Christian owner refused to make cakes for same-sex weddings, saying it went against her religious beliefs.
Second U.S. judge blocks Trump administration birth control rules
A second U.S. judge on Thursday blocked President Donald Trump’s administration from enforcing new rules that undermine an Obamacare requirement for employers to provide insurance that covers women’s birth control.
U.S. economy grew at solid 3.2 percent rate in the third quarter
The U.S. economy grew at a solid 3.2 percent annual rate from July through September, slightly slower than previously estimated but still enough to give the country the best back-to-back quarterly growth rates in three years.
Christian News
Christian Geologist Says Discovery Of Fossilized Tree Stumps Confirms Biblical Account Of Great Flood
A Christian geologist has claimed that a recent discovery of fossilized tree stumps in Antarctica confirms the Bible’s account of the Great Flood in Genesis.
After ISIS campaign, Iran-backed fighters in Iraq vow to drive out US troops
Now that they’ve helped vanquish the Islamic State from much of Iraq, a battle-hardened militia with close ties to Iran may be training its sights on the remaining U.S.-led coalition troops scattered across the country.
Catalan separatists win election in rebuke to Spain and EU
Catalonia’s separatists look set to regain power in the wealthy Spanish region after local elections on Thursday, deepening the nation’s political crisis in a sharp rebuke to Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and European Union leaders who backed him.
Putin, Merkel discuss situation in eastern Ukraine
The Kremlin says Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken to German Chancellor Angela Merkel to explain Russia's decision to withdraw its military observers from a joint group monitoring the truce in eastern Ukraine.
ISIS Threatens Holiday Terror Attacks
Islamic State terrorists are threatening Christmas and New Year's attacks in major cities across the US and Europe.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
In a New Challenge to Israel, Syria's Assad Sets His Sights on Golan Border Area
The Assad regime is gearing up to expand the area it controls in southern Syria, near the border with Israel.
Hamas calls on Arabs to drive Israeli, US ambassadors out of Arab states
Palestinians resumed violently rioting on Wednesday as they continued to protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's Dec. 6 declaration recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
Inside the United States
Trump first president to protect electric grid from EMP, cyberattacks
President Trump became the first national leader to call for protecting the U.S electric and communications grid against an electromagnetic attack like one practiced in North Korea.
Year One List: 81 major Trump achievements, 11 Obama legacy items repealed
With the passage of the GOP tax bill this week, the Trump administration has scored 81 major achievements in its first year, making good on campaign promises to provide significant tax cuts, boost U.S. energy production, and restore respect to the United States, according to the White House.
Senate passes short-term spending bill with help from Democrats to avoid shutdown
The Senate on Thursday passed a short-term government funding bill for President Trump's signature, ending yet another threat of a government shutdown and leaving Congress with a new January deadline to come up with a major spending deal.
White House: Trump wants lawmakers to pass Obamacare stabilization bills in January
President Donald Trump wants lawmakers to pass two bipartisan bills early next year that would shore up the Affordable Care Act, the White House said on Wednesday.
How Obama manipulated sensitive secret intelligence for political gain
For years, a clandestine U.S. intelligence team had tracked a man they knew was high in the leadership of al Qaeda -- an operative some believed had a hand in plotting the gruesome 2009 suicide attack in Afghanistan that killed seven CIA officers.
Judge: State Can't Force CA Baker to Make Cakes for Same-Sex Weddings
The state of California attempted to shut down a baker after its Christian owner refused to make cakes for same-sex weddings, saying it went against her religious beliefs.
Second U.S. judge blocks Trump administration birth control rules
A second U.S. judge on Thursday blocked President Donald Trump’s administration from enforcing new rules that undermine an Obamacare requirement for employers to provide insurance that covers women’s birth control.
U.S. economy grew at solid 3.2 percent rate in the third quarter
The U.S. economy grew at a solid 3.2 percent annual rate from July through September, slightly slower than previously estimated but still enough to give the country the best back-to-back quarterly growth rates in three years.
Christian News
Christian Geologist Says Discovery Of Fossilized Tree Stumps Confirms Biblical Account Of Great Flood
A Christian geologist has claimed that a recent discovery of fossilized tree stumps in Antarctica confirms the Bible’s account of the Great Flood in Genesis.
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.