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 and Putin see eye to eye on Iran leaving Syria
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin 'agreed in principle' during their latest meeting in Helsinki last month that Iranian forces should leave Syria, according to a report in Bloomberg.
U.S. readying more Turkey sanctions unless detained American pastor is released
Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said Thursday that the United States is preparing more sanctions against Turkey if American pastor Andrew Brunson is not released from custody.
Russia says drone attacks on its Syria base have increased
Russian air defense assets in Syria have downed 45 drones targeting their main base in the country, its military said Thursday, after an attack by the Islamic State group on a Syrian army base a day earlier killed seven troops.
U.S. welcomes Saudi Arabia's pledge of $100 million for Syria
The United States on Thursday welcomed Saudi Arabia’s contribution of $100 million to help stabilize parts of Syria no longer held by Islamic State, which comes as the Trump administration looks to cut back on foreign aid.
Chinese bombers likely training for US strikes: Pentagon
Chinese bombers are likely training for strikes against US and allied targets in the Pacific, according to a new Pentagon report that also details how Beijing is transforming its ground forces to 'fight and win.'
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Abbas: We will thwart Trump's plan, Nation-State Law
US administration officials who purportedly claim to want to improve the living conditions of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are 'liars,' Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said on Wednesday.
Cyprus serving as Gaza’s port still in early stages
If the emerging cease-fire arrangement with Hamas includes some kind of port or shipping corridor from Cyprus to Gaza, as some reports have indicated, no one has yet cued in the Cypriots.
Inside the United States
Democrats shatter primary turnout records, bank on anti-Trump enthusiasm to deliver Congress
Democrats saw a surge in voter turnout in primaries in flyover country this month, leaving party leaders salivating over a potential enthusiasm gap they hope will deliver control of Congress and several major governorships in November.
Wall St. rallies on solid earnings, U.S.-China trade talks
U.S. stocks rebounded on Thursday with the Dow posting its biggest percentage gain in over four months, as positive earnings and waning trade jitters buoyed investor confidence.
'Violating Freedom': CA Lawmakers Vote Again to Stop Churches from Helping Gays
The California Senate has passed a bill that would inhibit the church's ability to teach on sexuality and anyone seeking counseling to change their same-sex attraction. It does that by outlawing sexual orientation change efforts.
Fueled by Swing With Independents, Plurality Supports Kavanaugh’s Confirmation to Supreme Court
A new Quinnipiac poll shows increased public support for Judge Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation to the Supreme Court, fueled by an eight-point swing in his favor by independents.
Drying Lake Mead could trigger federal water shortage by 2020
Nevada's Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the West, could fall below a critical threshold in just two years if a new forecast by the Bureau of Reclamation is correct.
Christian News
Military Atheist Group Wants to Throw Air Force Commander 'Behind Prison Bars' for His Christian Faith
The Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) sent a formal complaint this week to Defense Secretary James Mattis calling for an investigation of Brig. Gen. E. John Teichert, a Christian and the newly installed commander of the 412 Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The Satanic Temple Holds Rally Protesting Ten Commandments Monument
The Satanic Temple held a 'Rally for the First Amendment' at the Arkansas State Capitol Thursday and brought with them a statue known as Baphomet, a goat-headed figure associated with the group.
1,800 Soldiers Have Professed Faith in Christ at Missouri Army Base in Last 6 Months
Over 1,800 soldiers have made professions of faith in the last six months at an Army base in Missouri, a chaplain says.
‘There Are No Girls Left’: Syria’s Christian Villages Hollowed Out by ISIS
The number of Christians across the Middle East has been declining for decades as persecution and poverty have led to widespread migration. The Islamic State, also known as ISIS, considered Christians infidels and forced them to pay special taxes, accelerating the trend in Syria and Iraq.
Trump and Putin see eye to eye on Iran leaving Syria
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin 'agreed in principle' during their latest meeting in Helsinki last month that Iranian forces should leave Syria, according to a report in Bloomberg.
U.S. readying more Turkey sanctions unless detained American pastor is released
Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said Thursday that the United States is preparing more sanctions against Turkey if American pastor Andrew Brunson is not released from custody.
Russia says drone attacks on its Syria base have increased
Russian air defense assets in Syria have downed 45 drones targeting their main base in the country, its military said Thursday, after an attack by the Islamic State group on a Syrian army base a day earlier killed seven troops.
U.S. welcomes Saudi Arabia's pledge of $100 million for Syria
The United States on Thursday welcomed Saudi Arabia’s contribution of $100 million to help stabilize parts of Syria no longer held by Islamic State, which comes as the Trump administration looks to cut back on foreign aid.
Chinese bombers likely training for US strikes: Pentagon
Chinese bombers are likely training for strikes against US and allied targets in the Pacific, according to a new Pentagon report that also details how Beijing is transforming its ground forces to 'fight and win.'
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Abbas: We will thwart Trump's plan, Nation-State Law
US administration officials who purportedly claim to want to improve the living conditions of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are 'liars,' Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said on Wednesday.
Cyprus serving as Gaza’s port still in early stages
If the emerging cease-fire arrangement with Hamas includes some kind of port or shipping corridor from Cyprus to Gaza, as some reports have indicated, no one has yet cued in the Cypriots.
Inside the United States
Democrats shatter primary turnout records, bank on anti-Trump enthusiasm to deliver Congress
Democrats saw a surge in voter turnout in primaries in flyover country this month, leaving party leaders salivating over a potential enthusiasm gap they hope will deliver control of Congress and several major governorships in November.
Wall St. rallies on solid earnings, U.S.-China trade talks
U.S. stocks rebounded on Thursday with the Dow posting its biggest percentage gain in over four months, as positive earnings and waning trade jitters buoyed investor confidence.
'Violating Freedom': CA Lawmakers Vote Again to Stop Churches from Helping Gays
The California Senate has passed a bill that would inhibit the church's ability to teach on sexuality and anyone seeking counseling to change their same-sex attraction. It does that by outlawing sexual orientation change efforts.
Fueled by Swing With Independents, Plurality Supports Kavanaugh’s Confirmation to Supreme Court
A new Quinnipiac poll shows increased public support for Judge Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation to the Supreme Court, fueled by an eight-point swing in his favor by independents.
Drying Lake Mead could trigger federal water shortage by 2020
Nevada's Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the West, could fall below a critical threshold in just two years if a new forecast by the Bureau of Reclamation is correct.
Christian News
Military Atheist Group Wants to Throw Air Force Commander 'Behind Prison Bars' for His Christian Faith
The Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) sent a formal complaint this week to Defense Secretary James Mattis calling for an investigation of Brig. Gen. E. John Teichert, a Christian and the newly installed commander of the 412 Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
The Satanic Temple Holds Rally Protesting Ten Commandments Monument
The Satanic Temple held a 'Rally for the First Amendment' at the Arkansas State Capitol Thursday and brought with them a statue known as Baphomet, a goat-headed figure associated with the group.
1,800 Soldiers Have Professed Faith in Christ at Missouri Army Base in Last 6 Months
Over 1,800 soldiers have made professions of faith in the last six months at an Army base in Missouri, a chaplain says.
‘There Are No Girls Left’: Syria’s Christian Villages Hollowed Out by ISIS
The number of Christians across the Middle East has been declining for decades as persecution and poverty have led to widespread migration. The Islamic State, also known as ISIS, considered Christians infidels and forced them to pay special taxes, accelerating the trend in Syria and Iraq.
Around the World
Mexico unsure if it will finish NAFTA talks with U.S. in August
Mexico’s economy minister on Wednesday said that Mexico and the United States may not meet an August goal to finish bilateral talks to revamp the NAFTA trade deal, which is beset by disagreements over automobile trade rules and other issues.
U.S. Says Small Russian Satellite A Space Weapon
Russia has deployed a suspicious satellite the United States says is part of Moscow's plans to attack orbiting satellites in a future conflict, a State Department official revealed in Geneva on Tuesday.
'ISIS 2.0': Semi-independent terror cells, loyal only to radical ideology, plot strikes around world
Osama Bin Laden has been dead for years and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s 'caliphate' in the Middle East has crumbled, but the global jihadist threat continues to boil as extremists retreat underground to plot terror strikes around the world.
Qatar to invest $15bn in Turkey amid lira currency crisis
Qatar has pledged to invest $15 billion in Turkey as Ankara rolls out measures to strengthen the lira amid a trade spat with the US.
Turkey braces for hard times amid currency crisis, US spat
Some Turks are reacting with defiance to their plunging currency and an escalating trade and political dispute with the United States - an indication that they are ready to endure economic pain and risk further deterioration in a key, yet troubled alliance dating from the Cold War.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel to boost security budget by hundreds of millions of dollars
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented the cabinet with his '2030 Security Concept' on Wednesday, which will add hundreds of millions of dollars to military spending, and outlines the expected threats, military manpower needs, and principles for using force over the next decade.
US warns no one will be 'fully pleased’ by Israeli-Palestinian peace plan
The Trump administration said Wednesday that neither Israelis nor Palestinian would be 'fully pleased' by its long-awaited Middle East peace plan, whose contents are one of the most guarded secrets in Washington.
IAI to provide Barak-8 Missile Defense System for navy’s new warships
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will provide advanced defense systems to Israel Navy’s new Sa’ar-6 corvettes to protect strategic maritime assets, the defense giant announced on Tuesday.
Inside the United States
Drugs killed almost 72,000 people last year, a record
More people than ever are dying from drug overdoses, with death tolls surpassing 72,000 in 2017, according to preliminary data out Wednesday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
U.S. and Mexico to set up joint team to fight drug cartels
U.S. and Mexican law enforcement authorities will set up a joint team based in Chicago targeting the leaders and finances of drug cartels that ship opioids into the United States, aiming to stanch a spike in overdose deaths, officials said on Wednesday.
$3.5 Million Payout: Tea Party Wins Major Victory Over IRS
Court records show a judge this week approved a settlement between the Internal Revenue Service and hundreds of Tea Party groups.
Brennan first to fall as Trump kicks off review of Obama officials' access
President Trump on Wednesday personally revoked the security clearance of former CIA Director John O. Brennan, a bitter and vocal Trump critic, citing his 'erratic conduct and behavior' as their clashes escalated over the special counsel’s Russia investigation.
Christian News
Pentecostal church holds massive 'holy supper' in Mexico
More than half a million members of a Mexican Pentecostal church called 'The Light of the World' held a massive 'holy supper' this week, one of the largest religious ceremonies in the world.
Court rejects appeal for American pastor's release from detention, Turkish media says
Turkey on Wednesday rejected the U.S.' appeal for an American pastor's release from detention, Turkish media reported.
Christian Baker Again Under Fire Again -- This Time for Refusing to Bake a Transgender Cake
In June, the Supreme Court decided the case Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, issuing a powerful rebuke to the Colorado Civil Rights Commission for its 'religious hostility' toward Christian baker Jack Phillips. Phillips had refused to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding, and the commission had compared his decision to religious arguments in favor of the Ku Klux Klan and Nazism.
Mexico unsure if it will finish NAFTA talks with U.S. in August
Mexico’s economy minister on Wednesday said that Mexico and the United States may not meet an August goal to finish bilateral talks to revamp the NAFTA trade deal, which is beset by disagreements over automobile trade rules and other issues.
U.S. Says Small Russian Satellite A Space Weapon
Russia has deployed a suspicious satellite the United States says is part of Moscow's plans to attack orbiting satellites in a future conflict, a State Department official revealed in Geneva on Tuesday.
'ISIS 2.0': Semi-independent terror cells, loyal only to radical ideology, plot strikes around world
Osama Bin Laden has been dead for years and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s 'caliphate' in the Middle East has crumbled, but the global jihadist threat continues to boil as extremists retreat underground to plot terror strikes around the world.
Qatar to invest $15bn in Turkey amid lira currency crisis
Qatar has pledged to invest $15 billion in Turkey as Ankara rolls out measures to strengthen the lira amid a trade spat with the US.
Turkey braces for hard times amid currency crisis, US spat
Some Turks are reacting with defiance to their plunging currency and an escalating trade and political dispute with the United States - an indication that they are ready to endure economic pain and risk further deterioration in a key, yet troubled alliance dating from the Cold War.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel to boost security budget by hundreds of millions of dollars
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented the cabinet with his '2030 Security Concept' on Wednesday, which will add hundreds of millions of dollars to military spending, and outlines the expected threats, military manpower needs, and principles for using force over the next decade.
US warns no one will be 'fully pleased’ by Israeli-Palestinian peace plan
The Trump administration said Wednesday that neither Israelis nor Palestinian would be 'fully pleased' by its long-awaited Middle East peace plan, whose contents are one of the most guarded secrets in Washington.
IAI to provide Barak-8 Missile Defense System for navy’s new warships
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will provide advanced defense systems to Israel Navy’s new Sa’ar-6 corvettes to protect strategic maritime assets, the defense giant announced on Tuesday.
Inside the United States
Drugs killed almost 72,000 people last year, a record
More people than ever are dying from drug overdoses, with death tolls surpassing 72,000 in 2017, according to preliminary data out Wednesday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
U.S. and Mexico to set up joint team to fight drug cartels
U.S. and Mexican law enforcement authorities will set up a joint team based in Chicago targeting the leaders and finances of drug cartels that ship opioids into the United States, aiming to stanch a spike in overdose deaths, officials said on Wednesday.
$3.5 Million Payout: Tea Party Wins Major Victory Over IRS
Court records show a judge this week approved a settlement between the Internal Revenue Service and hundreds of Tea Party groups.
Brennan first to fall as Trump kicks off review of Obama officials' access
President Trump on Wednesday personally revoked the security clearance of former CIA Director John O. Brennan, a bitter and vocal Trump critic, citing his 'erratic conduct and behavior' as their clashes escalated over the special counsel’s Russia investigation.
Christian News
Pentecostal church holds massive 'holy supper' in Mexico
More than half a million members of a Mexican Pentecostal church called 'The Light of the World' held a massive 'holy supper' this week, one of the largest religious ceremonies in the world.
Court rejects appeal for American pastor's release from detention, Turkish media says
Turkey on Wednesday rejected the U.S.' appeal for an American pastor's release from detention, Turkish media reported.
Christian Baker Again Under Fire Again -- This Time for Refusing to Bake a Transgender Cake
In June, the Supreme Court decided the case Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, issuing a powerful rebuke to the Colorado Civil Rights Commission for its 'religious hostility' toward Christian baker Jack Phillips. Phillips had refused to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding, and the commission had compared his decision to religious arguments in favor of the Ku Klux Klan and Nazism.
Around the World
US, Afghan forces battle Taliban in Ghazni
Although the Taliban overran a base in northern Afghanistan, and Afghan forces were battling insurgents for a fifth day in the eastern city of Ghazni on Tuesday, the U.S. military reported that the city 'remains under Afghan government control.'
Westminster 'terror attack': Driver arrested after car mows down cyclists and ploughs into Parliament barrier
A terror suspect arrested after a car crashed into a barrier at the Houses of Parliament at high speed is not believed to be known to the security services, police have said.
Trump to Sanction Iranian Ship Identified in Facilitating Terror Strikes
The Trump administration will take action against an Iranian ship that has been stationed at a key choke point in the Red Sea for months and is believed to be providing significant military aid to terrorist forces in Yemen, according to U.S. officials and military experts familiar with the situation.
UN says an estimated 2.3 million people have fled Venezuela
An estimated 2.3 million Venezuelans had fled the crisis-wracked country as of June, mainly to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil, the United Nations said Tuesday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Russia exerts growing clout in Middle East as it begins patrols in Golan Heights
Russian military police have begun patrolling the demilitarised zone between Israel and Syria in the Golan Heights, highlighting Moscow's increasing clout as a Middle Eastern power broker following its intervention in the civil war there.
Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal 'virtually done,' paper reports
After a two-day lull in violence along the Gaza Strip-Israel border, the Los Angeles Times quoted a senior Israeli official Monday as saying that a cease-fire agreement with Hamas, the Islamist organization that rules Gaza, is 'virtually done.'
Top Trump security aide Bolton to visit Israel next week
Top White House official John Bolton will visit Israel for talks next week, the Trump administration said Tuesday.
Egypt summons Palestinian groups for Israeli truce, unity talks
Representatives of various Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip headed to Cairo on Tuesday for talks with Egyptian intelligence officials on the possibility of reaching a truce agreement with Israel, and ending the Hamas-Fatah power struggle.
Hezbollah chief claims terror group stronger than IDF, ready for war
The leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement said Tuesday that US sanctions against Iran and his Iran-backed group will not have major effects on them and will not lead to regime change in Tehran.
Inside the United States
Evacuations, rescues as 'historic' floods hit northeastern U.S.
New Jersey declared a partial state of emergency on Tuesday as forecasts for further heavy rainfall posed new danger in parts of that state, New York and Pennsylvania, where rescuers hauled people from waterways, flooded cars and homes.
Army Chaplain Faces 6 Months in Prison after Not Affirming Same-Sex Couple
A U.S. Army chaplain is facing a dereliction of duty charge and potentially six months in a military prison after not accepting a same-sex couple in a marriage retreat, even though he ensured the two women they could take part in the next scheduled retreat with a different chaplain, according to his attorney.
New Gallup Poll Shows Democrats Favor Socialism Over Capitalism
More Democrats have a favorable view of socialism than those who have a favorable view of capitalism, according to a Gallup poll released Monday.
Stunning findings on report of Catholic Church abuse: Pa. priests molested more than 1,000 children
Hundreds of priests were said to have molested more than 1,000 children -- and possibly many more -- since the 1940s, and senior church officials, including a man who is now the archbishop of Washington, D.C., allegedly covered up the abuse, according to a grand jury report released Tuesday.
Transgender candidate Christine Hallquist wins Democratic nomination for Vermont governor
A former utility executive from Vermont has become the first transgender candidate to win a major political party’s nomination for governor.
Christian News
Pennsylvania Couple Fined for Using Farm for Bible Study, Prayer Groups
A couple in Pennsylvania has been served a cease-and-desist order for using their 32-acre farm for private prayer groups.
US, Afghan forces battle Taliban in Ghazni
Although the Taliban overran a base in northern Afghanistan, and Afghan forces were battling insurgents for a fifth day in the eastern city of Ghazni on Tuesday, the U.S. military reported that the city 'remains under Afghan government control.'
Westminster 'terror attack': Driver arrested after car mows down cyclists and ploughs into Parliament barrier
A terror suspect arrested after a car crashed into a barrier at the Houses of Parliament at high speed is not believed to be known to the security services, police have said.
Trump to Sanction Iranian Ship Identified in Facilitating Terror Strikes
The Trump administration will take action against an Iranian ship that has been stationed at a key choke point in the Red Sea for months and is believed to be providing significant military aid to terrorist forces in Yemen, according to U.S. officials and military experts familiar with the situation.
UN says an estimated 2.3 million people have fled Venezuela
An estimated 2.3 million Venezuelans had fled the crisis-wracked country as of June, mainly to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil, the United Nations said Tuesday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Russia exerts growing clout in Middle East as it begins patrols in Golan Heights
Russian military police have begun patrolling the demilitarised zone between Israel and Syria in the Golan Heights, highlighting Moscow's increasing clout as a Middle Eastern power broker following its intervention in the civil war there.
Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal 'virtually done,' paper reports
After a two-day lull in violence along the Gaza Strip-Israel border, the Los Angeles Times quoted a senior Israeli official Monday as saying that a cease-fire agreement with Hamas, the Islamist organization that rules Gaza, is 'virtually done.'
Top Trump security aide Bolton to visit Israel next week
Top White House official John Bolton will visit Israel for talks next week, the Trump administration said Tuesday.
Egypt summons Palestinian groups for Israeli truce, unity talks
Representatives of various Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip headed to Cairo on Tuesday for talks with Egyptian intelligence officials on the possibility of reaching a truce agreement with Israel, and ending the Hamas-Fatah power struggle.
Hezbollah chief claims terror group stronger than IDF, ready for war
The leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement said Tuesday that US sanctions against Iran and his Iran-backed group will not have major effects on them and will not lead to regime change in Tehran.
Inside the United States
Evacuations, rescues as 'historic' floods hit northeastern U.S.
New Jersey declared a partial state of emergency on Tuesday as forecasts for further heavy rainfall posed new danger in parts of that state, New York and Pennsylvania, where rescuers hauled people from waterways, flooded cars and homes.
Army Chaplain Faces 6 Months in Prison after Not Affirming Same-Sex Couple
A U.S. Army chaplain is facing a dereliction of duty charge and potentially six months in a military prison after not accepting a same-sex couple in a marriage retreat, even though he ensured the two women they could take part in the next scheduled retreat with a different chaplain, according to his attorney.
New Gallup Poll Shows Democrats Favor Socialism Over Capitalism
More Democrats have a favorable view of socialism than those who have a favorable view of capitalism, according to a Gallup poll released Monday.
Stunning findings on report of Catholic Church abuse: Pa. priests molested more than 1,000 children
Hundreds of priests were said to have molested more than 1,000 children -- and possibly many more -- since the 1940s, and senior church officials, including a man who is now the archbishop of Washington, D.C., allegedly covered up the abuse, according to a grand jury report released Tuesday.
Transgender candidate Christine Hallquist wins Democratic nomination for Vermont governor
A former utility executive from Vermont has become the first transgender candidate to win a major political party’s nomination for governor.
Christian News
Pennsylvania Couple Fined for Using Farm for Bible Study, Prayer Groups
A couple in Pennsylvania has been served a cease-and-desist order for using their 32-acre farm for private prayer groups.