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
China, Russia to Boost Ties ‘At All Levels’ in 2023 Despite U.S. Pressure
Determined to thwart the ongoing efforts of the United States to simultaneously counter both of its top rivals, China and Russia have made a joint resolution to increase their cooperation on a variety of fronts in the New Year.
Russia to modernize nuclear forces in 2023, add more multi-warhead nukes
Russia is bolstering its strategic nuclear forces in 2023 with further deployment of multi-warhead nuclear missiles and further modernization of its long-range strategic bomber division, the Russian Defense Ministry announced this week.
Putin’s Military Criticized After Deadliest Ukraine Attack
Russian President Vladimir Putin faced embarrassment Tuesday after one of Ukraine’s deadliest attacks on Russian troops was reportedly caused by the unauthorized use of mobile phones.
UK set to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as terror organization
The UK is set to follow the United States in designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, Jewish News UK reports. With Tehran continually threatening the annihilation of Israel, a designation of the 250,000-strong IRGC as a terror organization has long been sought by British Jewish and pro-Israel groups.
Zelensky signs controversial law to increase governmental control of Ukrainian media
Overriding strong objections from press freedom organizations, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday signed controversial legislation granting the government increased regulatory power over Ukrainian journalism and media groups, the Hill reports. Zelensky has wanted to strengthen governmental control of the Ukrainian media since he came to office in 2019.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Ben Gvir faces dilemma as activists ask to hold Passover sacrifice on Temple Mount
A fringe religious group on Monday night asked newly installed National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir for permission to perform the Passover ritual sacrifice on the Temple Mount this coming spring.
Hezbollah chief: Middle East could ‘explode’ after Ben-Gvir’s Temple Mount visit
Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah warned on Tuesday of consequences for Israeli Cabinet member Itamar Ben-Gvir’s visit to Jerusalem’s Temple Mount.
UN Security Council slated to meet on widely decried Temple Mount visit by Ben Gvir
The United Nations Security Council will convene an emergency session to discuss firebrand National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s visit to Jerusalem’s flashpoint Temple Mount, which drew a flood of international condemnations on Tuesday, a source said Tuesday.
UN General Assembly condemned Israel more than all other countries combined last year
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed more resolutions against Israel than it passed against all other countries put together in 2022, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.
Inside the United States
Christian affiliation dominates roster of 118th Congress; majority is Protestant
A higher percentage of members of the 118th Congress, 88%, identify as Christian than the share of Christians in the U.S. population, which stands at 63%, a Pew Research Center analysis revealed Tuesday.
Bomb Cyclone to Hit California Days After Deadly Floods
California is set to get battered by another intense rainstorm, just days after a previous storm caused severe flooding throughout the Golden State.
US House Adjourns After Not Electing Speaker
The U.S. House of Representatives adjourned Tuesday after failing three times to elect a Speaker in a development not seen for a century.
S&P 500 companies suffer worst losses since 2008 global financial meltdown
Stocks saw their worst performance since the 2008 global financial crisis as the Standard & Poor's 500 Index fell 10 points to close at 3,840 by the end of 2022, CBS News reports. A market-capitalization-weighted index of 500 leading US publicly traded companies and a key gauge of the stock market overall; the S&P 500 index was down 19.4% by the end of last year.
Christian News
Pakistan Christians Help Family Of Raped, Killed Widow
Christians in Pakistan said Tuesday they will support five orphans left behind after their widowed mother was gang raped and killed by five suspected Muslim men, now in custody.
Worthy Insights
Why Elon Musk’s ‘X App’ could be an even bigger headache for D.C. than Twitter
Even before Elon Musk’s dramatic and controversial takeover of Twitter, the restless mogul was pitching the social-media company as his key to realizing a much bigger dream.
China, Russia to Boost Ties ‘At All Levels’ in 2023 Despite U.S. Pressure
Determined to thwart the ongoing efforts of the United States to simultaneously counter both of its top rivals, China and Russia have made a joint resolution to increase their cooperation on a variety of fronts in the New Year.
Russia to modernize nuclear forces in 2023, add more multi-warhead nukes
Russia is bolstering its strategic nuclear forces in 2023 with further deployment of multi-warhead nuclear missiles and further modernization of its long-range strategic bomber division, the Russian Defense Ministry announced this week.
Putin’s Military Criticized After Deadliest Ukraine Attack
Russian President Vladimir Putin faced embarrassment Tuesday after one of Ukraine’s deadliest attacks on Russian troops was reportedly caused by the unauthorized use of mobile phones.
UK set to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as terror organization
The UK is set to follow the United States in designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, Jewish News UK reports. With Tehran continually threatening the annihilation of Israel, a designation of the 250,000-strong IRGC as a terror organization has long been sought by British Jewish and pro-Israel groups.
Zelensky signs controversial law to increase governmental control of Ukrainian media
Overriding strong objections from press freedom organizations, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday signed controversial legislation granting the government increased regulatory power over Ukrainian journalism and media groups, the Hill reports. Zelensky has wanted to strengthen governmental control of the Ukrainian media since he came to office in 2019.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Ben Gvir faces dilemma as activists ask to hold Passover sacrifice on Temple Mount
A fringe religious group on Monday night asked newly installed National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir for permission to perform the Passover ritual sacrifice on the Temple Mount this coming spring.
Hezbollah chief: Middle East could ‘explode’ after Ben-Gvir’s Temple Mount visit
Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah warned on Tuesday of consequences for Israeli Cabinet member Itamar Ben-Gvir’s visit to Jerusalem’s Temple Mount.
UN Security Council slated to meet on widely decried Temple Mount visit by Ben Gvir
The United Nations Security Council will convene an emergency session to discuss firebrand National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s visit to Jerusalem’s flashpoint Temple Mount, which drew a flood of international condemnations on Tuesday, a source said Tuesday.
UN General Assembly condemned Israel more than all other countries combined last year
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed more resolutions against Israel than it passed against all other countries put together in 2022, the Times of Israel (TOI) reports.
Inside the United States
Christian affiliation dominates roster of 118th Congress; majority is Protestant
A higher percentage of members of the 118th Congress, 88%, identify as Christian than the share of Christians in the U.S. population, which stands at 63%, a Pew Research Center analysis revealed Tuesday.
Bomb Cyclone to Hit California Days After Deadly Floods
California is set to get battered by another intense rainstorm, just days after a previous storm caused severe flooding throughout the Golden State.
US House Adjourns After Not Electing Speaker
The U.S. House of Representatives adjourned Tuesday after failing three times to elect a Speaker in a development not seen for a century.
S&P 500 companies suffer worst losses since 2008 global financial meltdown
Stocks saw their worst performance since the 2008 global financial crisis as the Standard & Poor's 500 Index fell 10 points to close at 3,840 by the end of 2022, CBS News reports. A market-capitalization-weighted index of 500 leading US publicly traded companies and a key gauge of the stock market overall; the S&P 500 index was down 19.4% by the end of last year.
Christian News
Pakistan Christians Help Family Of Raped, Killed Widow
Christians in Pakistan said Tuesday they will support five orphans left behind after their widowed mother was gang raped and killed by five suspected Muslim men, now in custody.
Worthy Insights
Why Elon Musk’s ‘X App’ could be an even bigger headache for D.C. than Twitter
Even before Elon Musk’s dramatic and controversial takeover of Twitter, the restless mogul was pitching the social-media company as his key to realizing a much bigger dream.
Around the World
One-third of world economy expected to be in recession in 2023, says IMF chief
This year is going to be tougher on the global economy than 2022, the International Monetary Fund’s chief, Kristalina Georgieva, has warned.
Ukraine says it shot down 39 Iran-made kamikaze drones during wave of Russian air strikes, “one terrorist has found another”
Russia used Iranian-made drones in a wave of attacks targeting essential infrastructure in Ukraine over the New Year’s weekend, Ukrainian officials announced Monday.
Ukraine Facing New Year “Terror”
Ukraine faced “terror on New Year’s Eve” as Russia fired more than 20 cruise missiles at targets in Ukraine on Saturday, killing at least one person in the capital Kyiv and injuring more, authorities said.
Croatia Welcomes 2023 With Euro And Schengen
Heavily Catholic Croatia rang in the New Year with the euro currency and by joining European Union's border-free Schengen zone a decade after joining the EU.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Blinken tells Israel’s new FM: US will oppose steps that undermine 2-state solution
Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday stressed US opposition to policies that undermine efforts to reach a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, during his first call with new Foreign Minister Eli Cohen.
Syria says IAF strikes briefly put Damascus airport out of service, kill 2 soldiers
The Israeli airforce carried out a strike on Sunday night targeting Damascus International Airport that put it out of service temporarily, killed two soldiers and wounded two others, Syria’s state news agency SANA reported.
US Air Force temporarily deploys six fighter jets to Israeli airbase
The United States Air Force on Monday deployed six fighter jets to an Israeli Air Force base in southern Israel, as part of a military tactic to constantly disperse its aircraft at various airbases.
Inside the United States
Trump takes fire from right after blaming abortion issue for GOP midterm defeats
Stunned pro-life advocates pushed back after Donald Trump, one of their greatest allies during his presidency, blamed the abortion issue for hobbling the Republican Party in the November election.
Appeals Court Upholds Florida School Board’s Bathroom Policy
A Florida school district’s policy that requires students to use bathrooms based on their biological sex is constitutional, according to a federal appeals court.
Ohio School Board Ignores Parents, Clergy with Trans Bathroom Policy Even as US Court Issues Big Trans Ruling
A school district in Shelby, Ohio, says it will not change its policy allowing transgender students to use the restroom corresponding to their gender identity. The decision came despite opposition from members of the local community and a large group of Ohio clergy.
U.S. sees major housing price correction, nearly the largest since World War II
The United States is seeing a major price correction in its housing market, with analysts calling it very nearly the largest such shift since the end of World War II roughly 80 years ago.
Christian News
Dozens Of Christians Kidnapped In Nigeria After Mass Killings
Christians in northern Nigeria were searching Tuesday for scores of believers reportedly abducted in a Christmas Day attack by Islamic fighters that killed at least one person.
Uganda: Evangelist almost completely blind after acid attack by Islamic extremists
Islamic extremists enraged at the preaching of the Gospel sprayed acid in the face of evangelist Pastor Frank Mutabaazi in Kampala, Uganda last month, causing severe burns and almost completely blinding him, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. While Christianity is legal in Uganda, Christians have come under increasing violent attacks from extremists in the minority Muslim population.
Pakistan Christian Girl Awaits Justice After Abuse
A Christian girl in Pakistan who worked as a domestic servant is still awaiting justice three months after she was raped at her employer's home, representatives say.
Worthy Watch
‘Died Suddenly’? More Than 1-in-4 Think Someone They Know Died From COVID-19 Vaccines
Nearly half of Americans think COVID-19 vaccines may be to blame for many unexplained deaths, and more than a quarter say someone they know could be among the victims.
Worthy Insights
Jan. 6 Committee Raises ‘White Flag,’ Withdraws Major Action Against Trump
The House Jan. 6 committee has dropped its subpoena against former President Donald Trump as it wraps up work and prepares to dissolve next week.
‘I Also Orchestrated It’: Uncharged J6 Witness Ray Epps Transcript Released
Ray Epps, the uncharged man identified as a key instigator behind the January 6, 2020 Capitol Breach for telling people to storm the Capitol, said in a text message to his nephew that he "orchestrated" things, according to newly released witness transcripts from the January 6th Committee.
One-third of world economy expected to be in recession in 2023, says IMF chief
This year is going to be tougher on the global economy than 2022, the International Monetary Fund’s chief, Kristalina Georgieva, has warned.
Ukraine says it shot down 39 Iran-made kamikaze drones during wave of Russian air strikes, “one terrorist has found another”
Russia used Iranian-made drones in a wave of attacks targeting essential infrastructure in Ukraine over the New Year’s weekend, Ukrainian officials announced Monday.
Ukraine Facing New Year “Terror”
Ukraine faced “terror on New Year’s Eve” as Russia fired more than 20 cruise missiles at targets in Ukraine on Saturday, killing at least one person in the capital Kyiv and injuring more, authorities said.
Croatia Welcomes 2023 With Euro And Schengen
Heavily Catholic Croatia rang in the New Year with the euro currency and by joining European Union's border-free Schengen zone a decade after joining the EU.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Blinken tells Israel’s new FM: US will oppose steps that undermine 2-state solution
Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday stressed US opposition to policies that undermine efforts to reach a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, during his first call with new Foreign Minister Eli Cohen.
Syria says IAF strikes briefly put Damascus airport out of service, kill 2 soldiers
The Israeli airforce carried out a strike on Sunday night targeting Damascus International Airport that put it out of service temporarily, killed two soldiers and wounded two others, Syria’s state news agency SANA reported.
US Air Force temporarily deploys six fighter jets to Israeli airbase
The United States Air Force on Monday deployed six fighter jets to an Israeli Air Force base in southern Israel, as part of a military tactic to constantly disperse its aircraft at various airbases.
Inside the United States
Trump takes fire from right after blaming abortion issue for GOP midterm defeats
Stunned pro-life advocates pushed back after Donald Trump, one of their greatest allies during his presidency, blamed the abortion issue for hobbling the Republican Party in the November election.
Appeals Court Upholds Florida School Board’s Bathroom Policy
A Florida school district’s policy that requires students to use bathrooms based on their biological sex is constitutional, according to a federal appeals court.
Ohio School Board Ignores Parents, Clergy with Trans Bathroom Policy Even as US Court Issues Big Trans Ruling
A school district in Shelby, Ohio, says it will not change its policy allowing transgender students to use the restroom corresponding to their gender identity. The decision came despite opposition from members of the local community and a large group of Ohio clergy.
U.S. sees major housing price correction, nearly the largest since World War II
The United States is seeing a major price correction in its housing market, with analysts calling it very nearly the largest such shift since the end of World War II roughly 80 years ago.
Christian News
Dozens Of Christians Kidnapped In Nigeria After Mass Killings
Christians in northern Nigeria were searching Tuesday for scores of believers reportedly abducted in a Christmas Day attack by Islamic fighters that killed at least one person.
Uganda: Evangelist almost completely blind after acid attack by Islamic extremists
Islamic extremists enraged at the preaching of the Gospel sprayed acid in the face of evangelist Pastor Frank Mutabaazi in Kampala, Uganda last month, causing severe burns and almost completely blinding him, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. While Christianity is legal in Uganda, Christians have come under increasing violent attacks from extremists in the minority Muslim population.
Pakistan Christian Girl Awaits Justice After Abuse
A Christian girl in Pakistan who worked as a domestic servant is still awaiting justice three months after she was raped at her employer's home, representatives say.
Worthy Watch
‘Died Suddenly’? More Than 1-in-4 Think Someone They Know Died From COVID-19 Vaccines
Nearly half of Americans think COVID-19 vaccines may be to blame for many unexplained deaths, and more than a quarter say someone they know could be among the victims.
Worthy Insights
Jan. 6 Committee Raises ‘White Flag,’ Withdraws Major Action Against Trump
The House Jan. 6 committee has dropped its subpoena against former President Donald Trump as it wraps up work and prepares to dissolve next week.
‘I Also Orchestrated It’: Uncharged J6 Witness Ray Epps Transcript Released
Ray Epps, the uncharged man identified as a key instigator behind the January 6, 2020 Capitol Breach for telling people to storm the Capitol, said in a text message to his nephew that he "orchestrated" things, according to newly released witness transcripts from the January 6th Committee.
Around the World
Brazil’s Controversial Lula Sworn In President
Brazil’s controversial leftist leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, was sworn in as president shortly after his predecessor left for the United States amid rising tensions.
Former Pope Benedict XVI Dies At 95
Former Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned as pontiff citing poor health, has died at his Vatican residence, aged 95, the Vatican said Saturday. He died almost a decade after he stood down.
Hezbollah’s Nasrallah suffers second stroke, hospitalized in Beirut – report
Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah was rushed to intensive care after suffering a stroke, according to reports from Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.
Vaccine-Evasive Omicron Subvariant on the Rise
The COVID-19 omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 is quickly becoming the dominant strain in the United States. In the past week, it has doubled its spread. Now 41% of new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. consist of it.
Scientists Discover 100,000 Viruses Never Seen Before
Scientists have identified more than 100,000 RNA viruses that have never been seen before, a new study has revealed.
Iran holds military exercises near strategically vital Strait of Hormuz
Iran said Friday it has kicked off annual military drills Friday in the critical Strait of Hormuz even as Tehran continues its crackdown on anti-government protests that have spread throughout the country.
Belarus blames Ukraine of firing missile as war escalates (Worthy News Radio)
Belarus has accused neighboring Ukraine of firing an air defense missile into Belarusian territory. The incident raised concerns as Belarus is a close ally of Russia, which invaded Ukraine earlier this year.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iran bombs mock Israeli navy base in military exercise
Iranian forces holding military drills in the Straits of Hormuz successfully targeted a mock-up of an Israeli base Saturday, according to Iranian media accounts.
Netanyahu pans ‘despicable’ UN vote, says Jews cannot be occupiers in their own land
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed the United Nations General Assembly Saturday for a resolution passed the previous day to refer Israel’s “occupation… of Palestinian territory” to the International Court of Justice, accusing the global body of “distorting historical facts” and declaring that the Jewish people cannot be “an occupier” in its own land.
Inside the United States
Ex-President Trump Under Pressure Over Tax Returns
Former U.S. President Donald Trump faced more hurdles on his attempted path to re-election Saturday after Democrats in Congress released thousands of pages of what they view as controversial tax returns.
Violent crime soars in 2022; blame pinned on too few cops, lax prosecutors, more brutal society
Homicide rates dipped in 2022, but violent crimes such as rape, robbery and assault remained dramatically higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic, The Washington Times found in a review of data from police departments across the country.
Abortion doctors can’t be charged under Arizona law, court rules
An Arizona court has ruled that abortion doctors cannot be prosecuted under a pre-statehood law that criminalizes nearly all abortions yet was barred from being enforced for decades.
Earthquake rocks Northern California weeks after different strong quake
A 5.4 magnitude earthquake rocked Humboldt County, California, nearly two weeks after another strong quake hit the same area.
Christian News
Afghanistan Christians Fear Imminent Death
Minority Christians in Afghanistan enter 2023 amid fears that the ruling Taliban group will increase enforcement of “Sharia,” or Islamic, law.
Kirk Cameron’s Christian story hour draws overflow crowd after disagreement with host library
Christian actor Kirk Cameron's debut story hour for his Christian story book drew an overflow crowd to the Indianapolis Public Library.
Nigeria Islamists Burn Homes After Killing Christians
Christians in several parts of Nigeria were reeling Thursday from new attacks by Islamic fighters who reportedly torched homes and killed Christians, including a pregnant woman.
Christian Families Expelled From India Town
Some 13 Christian families in India’s central state of Chhattisgarh spent Christmas outside their homes after being beaten and expelled from a village for refusing to deny their faith in Christ, several sources said.
‘Nigerian Woman Still In Jail For Condemning Christian’s Death’
Christians have appealed for prayers and advocacy on behalf of Rhoda Ya'u Jatau, a woman detained in Nigeria since May for posting protests against the killing of a Christian student on social media.
Brazil’s Controversial Lula Sworn In President
Brazil’s controversial leftist leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, was sworn in as president shortly after his predecessor left for the United States amid rising tensions.
Former Pope Benedict XVI Dies At 95
Former Pope Benedict XVI, who resigned as pontiff citing poor health, has died at his Vatican residence, aged 95, the Vatican said Saturday. He died almost a decade after he stood down.
Hezbollah’s Nasrallah suffers second stroke, hospitalized in Beirut – report
Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah was rushed to intensive care after suffering a stroke, according to reports from Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.
Vaccine-Evasive Omicron Subvariant on the Rise
The COVID-19 omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 is quickly becoming the dominant strain in the United States. In the past week, it has doubled its spread. Now 41% of new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. consist of it.
Scientists Discover 100,000 Viruses Never Seen Before
Scientists have identified more than 100,000 RNA viruses that have never been seen before, a new study has revealed.
Iran holds military exercises near strategically vital Strait of Hormuz
Iran said Friday it has kicked off annual military drills Friday in the critical Strait of Hormuz even as Tehran continues its crackdown on anti-government protests that have spread throughout the country.
Belarus blames Ukraine of firing missile as war escalates (Worthy News Radio)
Belarus has accused neighboring Ukraine of firing an air defense missile into Belarusian territory. The incident raised concerns as Belarus is a close ally of Russia, which invaded Ukraine earlier this year.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iran bombs mock Israeli navy base in military exercise
Iranian forces holding military drills in the Straits of Hormuz successfully targeted a mock-up of an Israeli base Saturday, according to Iranian media accounts.
Netanyahu pans ‘despicable’ UN vote, says Jews cannot be occupiers in their own land
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed the United Nations General Assembly Saturday for a resolution passed the previous day to refer Israel’s “occupation… of Palestinian territory” to the International Court of Justice, accusing the global body of “distorting historical facts” and declaring that the Jewish people cannot be “an occupier” in its own land.
Inside the United States
Ex-President Trump Under Pressure Over Tax Returns
Former U.S. President Donald Trump faced more hurdles on his attempted path to re-election Saturday after Democrats in Congress released thousands of pages of what they view as controversial tax returns.
Violent crime soars in 2022; blame pinned on too few cops, lax prosecutors, more brutal society
Homicide rates dipped in 2022, but violent crimes such as rape, robbery and assault remained dramatically higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic, The Washington Times found in a review of data from police departments across the country.
Abortion doctors can’t be charged under Arizona law, court rules
An Arizona court has ruled that abortion doctors cannot be prosecuted under a pre-statehood law that criminalizes nearly all abortions yet was barred from being enforced for decades.
Earthquake rocks Northern California weeks after different strong quake
A 5.4 magnitude earthquake rocked Humboldt County, California, nearly two weeks after another strong quake hit the same area.
Christian News
Afghanistan Christians Fear Imminent Death
Minority Christians in Afghanistan enter 2023 amid fears that the ruling Taliban group will increase enforcement of “Sharia,” or Islamic, law.
Kirk Cameron’s Christian story hour draws overflow crowd after disagreement with host library
Christian actor Kirk Cameron's debut story hour for his Christian story book drew an overflow crowd to the Indianapolis Public Library.
Nigeria Islamists Burn Homes After Killing Christians
Christians in several parts of Nigeria were reeling Thursday from new attacks by Islamic fighters who reportedly torched homes and killed Christians, including a pregnant woman.
Christian Families Expelled From India Town
Some 13 Christian families in India’s central state of Chhattisgarh spent Christmas outside their homes after being beaten and expelled from a village for refusing to deny their faith in Christ, several sources said.
‘Nigerian Woman Still In Jail For Condemning Christian’s Death’
Christians have appealed for prayers and advocacy on behalf of Rhoda Ya'u Jatau, a woman detained in Nigeria since May for posting protests against the killing of a Christian student on social media.