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
North Korea’s Troops Toughen Russia’s Offensive Against Ukraine (Worthy News In-Depth)
Once dismissed as “cannon fodder,” North Korean soldiers deployed in the Russian offensive against Ukraine are now being described by their Ukrainian adversaries as disciplined and formidable fighters.
US Imposes Another Fresh Round of Sanctions on Russia
Less than a week after imposing the broadest package of sanctions on Russia it had ever imposed, the US Biden administration on Wednesday added hundreds of fresh sanctions to intensify pressure on Moscow and assist Ukraine in defending against the ongoing Russian invasion, Reuters reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iraqi and Yemeni Islamic Militants to Suspend Attacks on Israel Following Gaza Ceasefire A nnouncement
Responding to Wednesday’s announcement that the Israeli government has reached a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, the Iran-aligned Yemeni Houthi and Iraqi Nujaba Islamic jihadist movements announced they would suspend their attacks against Israel, Newsweek reports.
Inside the United States
Biden Rule Requiring Christian Groups to Embrace Gender Ideology Faces Lawsuit
A new Biden administration rule requiring Christian and other religious groups to comply on transgender ideology is facing a legal challenge.
U.S. House Passes Measure to Deport Noncitizen Sex Crime Offenders
The U.S. House on Thursday passed a bill that would lead to the deportation of foreign nationals in the U.S. illegally who commit sex crimes or domestic violence.
Republicans Pledge Remain in Mexico Policy Will Return Under Trump
Border-focused Republicans are eagerly awaiting the next Trump administration, and with it, the return of Remain in Mexico, an immigration policy that makes migrants who illegally cross the border to claim asylum wait in Mexico for their court date, rather than being released into the U.S. under parole.
Republicans to Introduce Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Act
Republican lawmakers are set to introduce legislation requiring doctors to provide the same medical assistance to babies born alive following an abortion as they would to a baby of the same gestational age in other circumstances.
Christian News
Nigeria: New Islamic Terror Group Begins Killing Christians
A new Islamic terror group that is considered even more dangerous than Boko Haram, ISWAP and the radicalized Fulani militants has begun murdering Christians in northern Nigeria, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. Islamic terror groups intent on imposing their extreme version of Sharia law and governance have murdered tens of thousands of Christians in northern Nigeria since jihadism took hold in the region in 2009.
Sudan Christians Banned From Christmas Feast Amid Deadly Clashes
Christians in Sudan say believers displaced by war have been prevented from celebrating Christmas in a park where they had taken refuge.
‘380 Million Christians Persecuted Worldwide’
At least 380 million Christians — one in seven worldwide — faced high levels of persecution and discrimination in 2024, an increase of 15 million from the year before, investigators said Wednesday.
North Korea’s Troops Toughen Russia’s Offensive Against Ukraine (Worthy News In-Depth)
Once dismissed as “cannon fodder,” North Korean soldiers deployed in the Russian offensive against Ukraine are now being described by their Ukrainian adversaries as disciplined and formidable fighters.
US Imposes Another Fresh Round of Sanctions on Russia
Less than a week after imposing the broadest package of sanctions on Russia it had ever imposed, the US Biden administration on Wednesday added hundreds of fresh sanctions to intensify pressure on Moscow and assist Ukraine in defending against the ongoing Russian invasion, Reuters reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iraqi and Yemeni Islamic Militants to Suspend Attacks on Israel Following Gaza Ceasefire A nnouncement
Responding to Wednesday’s announcement that the Israeli government has reached a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, the Iran-aligned Yemeni Houthi and Iraqi Nujaba Islamic jihadist movements announced they would suspend their attacks against Israel, Newsweek reports.
Inside the United States
Biden Rule Requiring Christian Groups to Embrace Gender Ideology Faces Lawsuit
A new Biden administration rule requiring Christian and other religious groups to comply on transgender ideology is facing a legal challenge.
U.S. House Passes Measure to Deport Noncitizen Sex Crime Offenders
The U.S. House on Thursday passed a bill that would lead to the deportation of foreign nationals in the U.S. illegally who commit sex crimes or domestic violence.
Republicans Pledge Remain in Mexico Policy Will Return Under Trump
Border-focused Republicans are eagerly awaiting the next Trump administration, and with it, the return of Remain in Mexico, an immigration policy that makes migrants who illegally cross the border to claim asylum wait in Mexico for their court date, rather than being released into the U.S. under parole.
Republicans to Introduce Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Act
Republican lawmakers are set to introduce legislation requiring doctors to provide the same medical assistance to babies born alive following an abortion as they would to a baby of the same gestational age in other circumstances.
Christian News
Nigeria: New Islamic Terror Group Begins Killing Christians
A new Islamic terror group that is considered even more dangerous than Boko Haram, ISWAP and the radicalized Fulani militants has begun murdering Christians in northern Nigeria, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. Islamic terror groups intent on imposing their extreme version of Sharia law and governance have murdered tens of thousands of Christians in northern Nigeria since jihadism took hold in the region in 2009.
Sudan Christians Banned From Christmas Feast Amid Deadly Clashes
Christians in Sudan say believers displaced by war have been prevented from celebrating Christmas in a park where they had taken refuge.
‘380 Million Christians Persecuted Worldwide’
At least 380 million Christians — one in seven worldwide — faced high levels of persecution and discrimination in 2024, an increase of 15 million from the year before, investigators said Wednesday.
Around the World
Russia Launches Missiles Drones At Ukraine
Russia launched missiles and drones at Ukrainian energy facilities on Wednesday, one day after Kyiv claimed it carried out its most significant aerial attack of the war on Russian army factories and energy hubs hundreds of kilometers (miles) from the frontline.
Ukraine Launches Largest Aerial Strike on Russian Territory to Date
In its biggest aerial strike against Russia to date, Ukraine fired six US-made ATACMS ballistic missiles and UK-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles, and launched one of its largest drone attacks on Russian territory overnight on Tuesday, Reuters reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Negotatiators From Israel, Hamas Reach Ceasefire
Negotiators from Israel and Hamas have agreed to a cease-fire and hostage release in Gaza, officials said on Wednesday, in the hope of ending the 15-month-war that has killed thousands.
Biden Praises Ceasefire Deal Between Hamas And Israel
After 15 long months of bloodshed in Gaza sparked by the Hamas massacre of 1,200 people in Israel, a hostage and ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel was reached Wednesday, U.S. President Joe Biden said.
Iran Accuses Israel of Placing Explosives in Iranian Centrifuge
Iran’s Vice-President for Strategic Affairs, Mohammad Javad ZarMif, has accused Israel of planting explosives in Iranian centrifuge equipment, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.
Inside the United States
Both Sides Raise Concern of Weaponized Justice Department at Bondi Hearing
Accusations of weaponizing the U.S. Department of Justice were hurled by Republicans and Democrats during the confirmation hearing of Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi Wednesday.
Rubio: U.S. Foreign Policy Must Serve National Interests
Safety, strength and prosperity will be the key objectives of the U.S. Department of State under the second Trump administration, Secretary of State nominee Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., said during his confirmation hearing Wednesday.
Republicans Introduce Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act
Republicans in the U.S. Senate and House introduced the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which President-elect Donald Trump has said he will sign.
Christian News
Africa: Most Deadliest Region for Christians
Africa remains the deadliest region for Christians, with Nigeria ranking as the country where a Christian is most likely to be killed for his or her faith, according to a new report by the Global Christian Relief (GCR) charity and advocacy group.
YouVersion Bible App Saw Nearly 800,000 Installations on First Sunday of 2025
The hugely popular YouVersion Bible App was installed nearly 800,000 times on January 5 this year alone, the Christian Post reports. Launched in 2008 by the US-based Life.Church ministry, YouVersion is available in 2,100 languages and has been installed on 850 million devices worldwide.
Colombia: Christian Leaders and Family Killed in “Premeditated, Targeted Assassinations”
Two protestant Christian church leaders and three Christian family members were recently assassinated in two premeditated incidents in Colombia, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports.
Russia Launches Missiles Drones At Ukraine
Russia launched missiles and drones at Ukrainian energy facilities on Wednesday, one day after Kyiv claimed it carried out its most significant aerial attack of the war on Russian army factories and energy hubs hundreds of kilometers (miles) from the frontline.
Ukraine Launches Largest Aerial Strike on Russian Territory to Date
In its biggest aerial strike against Russia to date, Ukraine fired six US-made ATACMS ballistic missiles and UK-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles, and launched one of its largest drone attacks on Russian territory overnight on Tuesday, Reuters reports.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Negotatiators From Israel, Hamas Reach Ceasefire
Negotiators from Israel and Hamas have agreed to a cease-fire and hostage release in Gaza, officials said on Wednesday, in the hope of ending the 15-month-war that has killed thousands.
Biden Praises Ceasefire Deal Between Hamas And Israel
After 15 long months of bloodshed in Gaza sparked by the Hamas massacre of 1,200 people in Israel, a hostage and ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel was reached Wednesday, U.S. President Joe Biden said.
Iran Accuses Israel of Placing Explosives in Iranian Centrifuge
Iran’s Vice-President for Strategic Affairs, Mohammad Javad ZarMif, has accused Israel of planting explosives in Iranian centrifuge equipment, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.
Inside the United States
Both Sides Raise Concern of Weaponized Justice Department at Bondi Hearing
Accusations of weaponizing the U.S. Department of Justice were hurled by Republicans and Democrats during the confirmation hearing of Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi Wednesday.
Rubio: U.S. Foreign Policy Must Serve National Interests
Safety, strength and prosperity will be the key objectives of the U.S. Department of State under the second Trump administration, Secretary of State nominee Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., said during his confirmation hearing Wednesday.
Republicans Introduce Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act
Republicans in the U.S. Senate and House introduced the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which President-elect Donald Trump has said he will sign.
Christian News
Africa: Most Deadliest Region for Christians
Africa remains the deadliest region for Christians, with Nigeria ranking as the country where a Christian is most likely to be killed for his or her faith, according to a new report by the Global Christian Relief (GCR) charity and advocacy group.
YouVersion Bible App Saw Nearly 800,000 Installations on First Sunday of 2025
The hugely popular YouVersion Bible App was installed nearly 800,000 times on January 5 this year alone, the Christian Post reports. Launched in 2008 by the US-based Life.Church ministry, YouVersion is available in 2,100 languages and has been installed on 850 million devices worldwide.
Colombia: Christian Leaders and Family Killed in “Premeditated, Targeted Assassinations”
Two protestant Christian church leaders and three Christian family members were recently assassinated in two premeditated incidents in Colombia, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports.
Around the World
Pakistan: Violent Islamist Gang Traps Innocent People Into Blasphemy Charges, Human Rights Lawyers Say
An Islamist gang in Pakistan has targeted and trapped more than 450 people, including Christians, into being wrongfully charged with blasphemy, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
Russia, Iran To Ink Partnership On Military Cooperation, Trade And Energy
Moscow has confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will sign “a long-awaited comprehensive strategic partnership pact” amid growing ties between the two nations.
NATO Chief: ‘Ukraine Not Strong Enough For Peace Talks With Russia’ (Worthy News Focus)
The chief of the NATO military alliance has warned that Ukraine is not in a strong enough position for peace talks with Russia after U.S. President-elect Donald J. Trump vowed to end the war between the two nations.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Holocaust Survivors Tell Their Stories on 80th Anniversary of Auschwitz Liberation
Determined to ensure that the Holocaust is not forgotten or denied, the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany on Monday launched a digital campaign featuring 80 survivors of Auschwitz, the most notoriously brutal death camp in history, i24News reports. The German Nazis murdered more than 1.1 million Jews at Auschwitz in occupied Poland during World War II.
Israel’s FireDome Wildfire Defense System May Offer Hope For California
With much of the U.S. state of California resembling a war zone due to deadly wildfire, a “wildfire defense system” may be on the way from Israel.
Hamas Rebuilding Despite Israeli Attacks (Worthy News Analyse)
Hamas is rapidly rebuilding “its terror infrastructure” in the Gaza Strip, exploiting humanitarian aid and convincing young Gazans to join its ranks, Israeli and U.S. sources said Tuesday.
Inside the United States
Over 1,000 Inmates Battle LA Wildfires, Earning Pathways to Firefighting Jobs
There are 1,015 inmates currently fighting the Los Angeles wildfires, working up to 24 hours at a time clearing debris, curing fire lines, removing fuel from behind structures and even fighting on the front lines.
FBI, DHS Warn of Likely Terrorist Attacks
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Department of Homeland Security are warning that a copycat terrorist attack could occur similar to the New Year’s Day New Orleans attack.
House Passes Bill to Ban Transgender Students from Women’s Sports
Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday to ban transgender athletes from participating in women's sports with support from a few Democrats.
Christian News
Nigeria: Two Kidnapped Church Pastors Released Amid Ongoing Violence
While Christians in northern Nigeria remain extremely vulnerable to killings and kidnapping by Islamic terrorists, especially Fulani militant herdsmen, two abducted pastors were released from captivity on January 5, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
India: Christian Couple Released on Bail Amid Surge in Persecution
Amid a surge in persecution against Christians in India, believers are rejoicing that a pastor and his wife were released on bail after 20 months in prison on false charges of forcibly converting Hindus to Christianity, Global Christian Relief (GCR) reports.
Pakistan: Violent Islamist Gang Traps Innocent People Into Blasphemy Charges, Human Rights Lawyers Say
An Islamist gang in Pakistan has targeted and trapped more than 450 people, including Christians, into being wrongfully charged with blasphemy, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
Russia, Iran To Ink Partnership On Military Cooperation, Trade And Energy
Moscow has confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will sign “a long-awaited comprehensive strategic partnership pact” amid growing ties between the two nations.
NATO Chief: ‘Ukraine Not Strong Enough For Peace Talks With Russia’ (Worthy News Focus)
The chief of the NATO military alliance has warned that Ukraine is not in a strong enough position for peace talks with Russia after U.S. President-elect Donald J. Trump vowed to end the war between the two nations.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Holocaust Survivors Tell Their Stories on 80th Anniversary of Auschwitz Liberation
Determined to ensure that the Holocaust is not forgotten or denied, the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany on Monday launched a digital campaign featuring 80 survivors of Auschwitz, the most notoriously brutal death camp in history, i24News reports. The German Nazis murdered more than 1.1 million Jews at Auschwitz in occupied Poland during World War II.
Israel’s FireDome Wildfire Defense System May Offer Hope For California
With much of the U.S. state of California resembling a war zone due to deadly wildfire, a “wildfire defense system” may be on the way from Israel.
Hamas Rebuilding Despite Israeli Attacks (Worthy News Analyse)
Hamas is rapidly rebuilding “its terror infrastructure” in the Gaza Strip, exploiting humanitarian aid and convincing young Gazans to join its ranks, Israeli and U.S. sources said Tuesday.
Inside the United States
Over 1,000 Inmates Battle LA Wildfires, Earning Pathways to Firefighting Jobs
There are 1,015 inmates currently fighting the Los Angeles wildfires, working up to 24 hours at a time clearing debris, curing fire lines, removing fuel from behind structures and even fighting on the front lines.
FBI, DHS Warn of Likely Terrorist Attacks
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Department of Homeland Security are warning that a copycat terrorist attack could occur similar to the New Year’s Day New Orleans attack.
House Passes Bill to Ban Transgender Students from Women’s Sports
Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday to ban transgender athletes from participating in women's sports with support from a few Democrats.
Christian News
Nigeria: Two Kidnapped Church Pastors Released Amid Ongoing Violence
While Christians in northern Nigeria remain extremely vulnerable to killings and kidnapping by Islamic terrorists, especially Fulani militant herdsmen, two abducted pastors were released from captivity on January 5, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
India: Christian Couple Released on Bail Amid Surge in Persecution
Amid a surge in persecution against Christians in India, believers are rejoicing that a pastor and his wife were released on bail after 20 months in prison on false charges of forcibly converting Hindus to Christianity, Global Christian Relief (GCR) reports.