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
Taliban blindsides U.S. forces with surprise Afghan offensive
The Taliban is on the verge of dramatically expanding its control over southern and eastern Afghanistan in a surprise offensive that has caught Afghan and American forces off guard and thrown a vexing new wrench into the Trump administration’s strategy for ending the nearly 17-year-old war there.
Cash machines could be mass-hacked in global cyber attack, FBI warns
Banks have been warned of an imminent threat that their cash machines could be mass-hacked by cyber criminals.
Trump prevents F-35 transfer to Turkey
US President Donald Trump authorized the defense policy bill containing a clause delaying the transfer of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.
UN report: Up to 30,000 Islamic State members in Syria, Iraq
The Islamic State extremist group has up to 30,000 members roughly equally distributed between Syria and Iraq and its global network poses a rising threat — as does al-Qaeda, which is much stronger in places, a United Nations report says.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli-Palestinian support for two states at 20-year low, poll says
Support for a two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is at the lowest point in two decades, according to new polling data released on Monday by two academicians.
Netanyahu said to have held recent secret meeting with al-Sisi
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a clandestine meeting in May with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, according to a foreign diplomatic source.
Inside the United States
Trump signs new defense policy bill that rebuilds military, boosts troop pay
President Trump signed a $716 billion defense bill Monday that authorizes hundreds of new planes, ships and tanks -- and delivers a substantial victory to the administration by watering down penalties on a Chinese telecom company.
Trump Admin Upholds Religious Freedom for Federal Contractors
The Trump administration has issued a directive that protects religious freedom as a defense for federal contractors in situations where they've been charged with job discrimination.
Peter Strzok, face of anti-Trump resistance in government, fired from FBI
FBI agent Peter Strzok became a face of anti-Trump resistance within the government. It’s now cost him his job.
Alabama Putting God Back in Schools with 'In God We Trust' Displays
Alabama public schools are hoping to bring God back into their schools by displaying the US motto 'In God We Trust' on school buildings.
Trump Admin Builds ‘More Lethal’ U.S. Military, Expands Force by Nearly 16,000
The Trump administration is working to grow the U.S. military into a 'more lethal and resilient force,' signing off on an increase of more than 15,600 troops across the military branches and a pay raise for soldiers, according to the White House.
W.Va. House votes to impeach 3 Supreme Court judges
West Virginia's House of Delegates voted to impeach three Supreme Court of Appeals judges Monday on allegations they wasted more than $3 million in taxpayer funds.
Christian News
China Shuts Down Six Churches, Forces Members to Leave by Bribing, Threatening Jobs
China's Communist Party forced six churches in Beijing to shut down after attempts to bribe members to leave failed, a new report has revealed.
Southern Baptist Convention Creates New Evangelism Group to Equip Pastors, Church Plants
The Southern Baptist Convention's North American Mission Board has announced the creation of a new evangelism and leadership group meant to help pastors and church plants.
US Congress Urges India's Modi to Protect Christians, Condemn Attacks on Minorities
U.S. Congress members are calling on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold his party accountable and oppose violent attacks on Christians and other minorities.
Taliban blindsides U.S. forces with surprise Afghan offensive
The Taliban is on the verge of dramatically expanding its control over southern and eastern Afghanistan in a surprise offensive that has caught Afghan and American forces off guard and thrown a vexing new wrench into the Trump administration’s strategy for ending the nearly 17-year-old war there.
Cash machines could be mass-hacked in global cyber attack, FBI warns
Banks have been warned of an imminent threat that their cash machines could be mass-hacked by cyber criminals.
Trump prevents F-35 transfer to Turkey
US President Donald Trump authorized the defense policy bill containing a clause delaying the transfer of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.
UN report: Up to 30,000 Islamic State members in Syria, Iraq
The Islamic State extremist group has up to 30,000 members roughly equally distributed between Syria and Iraq and its global network poses a rising threat — as does al-Qaeda, which is much stronger in places, a United Nations report says.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli-Palestinian support for two states at 20-year low, poll says
Support for a two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is at the lowest point in two decades, according to new polling data released on Monday by two academicians.
Netanyahu said to have held recent secret meeting with al-Sisi
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a clandestine meeting in May with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, according to a foreign diplomatic source.
Inside the United States
Trump signs new defense policy bill that rebuilds military, boosts troop pay
President Trump signed a $716 billion defense bill Monday that authorizes hundreds of new planes, ships and tanks -- and delivers a substantial victory to the administration by watering down penalties on a Chinese telecom company.
Trump Admin Upholds Religious Freedom for Federal Contractors
The Trump administration has issued a directive that protects religious freedom as a defense for federal contractors in situations where they've been charged with job discrimination.
Peter Strzok, face of anti-Trump resistance in government, fired from FBI
FBI agent Peter Strzok became a face of anti-Trump resistance within the government. It’s now cost him his job.
Alabama Putting God Back in Schools with 'In God We Trust' Displays
Alabama public schools are hoping to bring God back into their schools by displaying the US motto 'In God We Trust' on school buildings.
Trump Admin Builds ‘More Lethal’ U.S. Military, Expands Force by Nearly 16,000
The Trump administration is working to grow the U.S. military into a 'more lethal and resilient force,' signing off on an increase of more than 15,600 troops across the military branches and a pay raise for soldiers, according to the White House.
W.Va. House votes to impeach 3 Supreme Court judges
West Virginia's House of Delegates voted to impeach three Supreme Court of Appeals judges Monday on allegations they wasted more than $3 million in taxpayer funds.
Christian News
China Shuts Down Six Churches, Forces Members to Leave by Bribing, Threatening Jobs
China's Communist Party forced six churches in Beijing to shut down after attempts to bribe members to leave failed, a new report has revealed.
Southern Baptist Convention Creates New Evangelism Group to Equip Pastors, Church Plants
The Southern Baptist Convention's North American Mission Board has announced the creation of a new evangelism and leadership group meant to help pastors and church plants.
US Congress Urges India's Modi to Protect Christians, Condemn Attacks on Minorities
U.S. Congress members are calling on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold his party accountable and oppose violent attacks on Christians and other minorities.
Around the World
North, South Korea agree on third summit to be held in Pyongyang
North and South Korea agreed to hold a summit in Pyongyang in September, the latest step forward in cross-border ties this year after more high-level talks on Monday, the South’s Unification Ministry said.
Iran test-fires ballistic missile for first time in 2018, officials say
For the first time in more than a year, Iran test-fired a ballistic missile in a brazen display of defiance months after President Trump pulled the United States out of a landmark nuclear deal and days before his administration slapped new sanctions on the Islamic Republic, three U.S. officials with knowledge of the launch tell Fox News.
Lira collapses as Erdogan tells Turks: They have 'their dollars,' we have 'our god'
The Turkish lira has collapsed to an all-time low against the dollar, but the country's leader has brushed aside concerns, telling Turks 'we have our God.' The Turkish President Recep Erdogan then followed those comments up Friday by urging Turks to sell dollars and gold and buy lira.
Iran's Zarif: 'There will be no meeting' with US
Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Saturday there would be no meeting with the United States in the near future following Washington's reimposition of sanctions.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu: Israel Will Restore Quiet to Gaza Border Region ‘in Full’
Israel will restore total quiet its southern region near the border with the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Sunday.
Netanyahu threatens snap elections if no solution found to IDF Draft Law
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Sunday that if no solution is found to the IDF draft law, a date will be set within the next two weeks for national elections.
Preparing for fight against Hezbollah, army tries out combat reshuffle
The military has field-tested a new fighting method combining infantry, tanks and combat engineering into one unified force, as part of a major military reform meant to streamline the Israel Defense Forces, the army said Sunday.
Inside the United States
California's largest wildfire destroys dozens of residences
The largest of several wildfires burning throughout the state of California destroyed nearly 30 homes over the weekend, fire officials said Sunday.
Charlottesville anniversary: Few arrests, peaceful protests
Thousands of people wanting to send a message that racism isn’t welcome in the United States gathered in a park outside the White House to protest a white nationalist rally on the anniversary of the deadly violence in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Feds Collect Record Individual Income Taxes Through July; Still Run $683.9B Deficit
The federal government collected a record $1,415,150,000,000 in individual income taxes through the first ten months of fiscal 2018 (October 2017 through July 2018), according to the Monthly Treasury Statement.
Trump condemns 'all types of racism' on one-year anniversary of Charlottesville
President Trump on Saturday condemned 'all types of racism' on the eve of the one-year anniversary of a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, and counter-demonstrations in which one woman was killed.
More than 100 large wildfires in U.S. as new blazes erupt
Six large new wildfires erupted in the United States, pushing the number of major active blazes nationwide to over 100, with more expected to break out sparked by lightning strikes on bone-dry terrain, authorities said on Saturday.
North, South Korea agree on third summit to be held in Pyongyang
North and South Korea agreed to hold a summit in Pyongyang in September, the latest step forward in cross-border ties this year after more high-level talks on Monday, the South’s Unification Ministry said.
Iran test-fires ballistic missile for first time in 2018, officials say
For the first time in more than a year, Iran test-fired a ballistic missile in a brazen display of defiance months after President Trump pulled the United States out of a landmark nuclear deal and days before his administration slapped new sanctions on the Islamic Republic, three U.S. officials with knowledge of the launch tell Fox News.
Lira collapses as Erdogan tells Turks: They have 'their dollars,' we have 'our god'
The Turkish lira has collapsed to an all-time low against the dollar, but the country's leader has brushed aside concerns, telling Turks 'we have our God.' The Turkish President Recep Erdogan then followed those comments up Friday by urging Turks to sell dollars and gold and buy lira.
Iran's Zarif: 'There will be no meeting' with US
Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Saturday there would be no meeting with the United States in the near future following Washington's reimposition of sanctions.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu: Israel Will Restore Quiet to Gaza Border Region ‘in Full’
Israel will restore total quiet its southern region near the border with the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Sunday.
Netanyahu threatens snap elections if no solution found to IDF Draft Law
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Sunday that if no solution is found to the IDF draft law, a date will be set within the next two weeks for national elections.
Preparing for fight against Hezbollah, army tries out combat reshuffle
The military has field-tested a new fighting method combining infantry, tanks and combat engineering into one unified force, as part of a major military reform meant to streamline the Israel Defense Forces, the army said Sunday.
Inside the United States
California's largest wildfire destroys dozens of residences
The largest of several wildfires burning throughout the state of California destroyed nearly 30 homes over the weekend, fire officials said Sunday.
Charlottesville anniversary: Few arrests, peaceful protests
Thousands of people wanting to send a message that racism isn’t welcome in the United States gathered in a park outside the White House to protest a white nationalist rally on the anniversary of the deadly violence in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Feds Collect Record Individual Income Taxes Through July; Still Run $683.9B Deficit
The federal government collected a record $1,415,150,000,000 in individual income taxes through the first ten months of fiscal 2018 (October 2017 through July 2018), according to the Monthly Treasury Statement.
Trump condemns 'all types of racism' on one-year anniversary of Charlottesville
President Trump on Saturday condemned 'all types of racism' on the eve of the one-year anniversary of a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, and counter-demonstrations in which one woman was killed.
More than 100 large wildfires in U.S. as new blazes erupt
Six large new wildfires erupted in the United States, pushing the number of major active blazes nationwide to over 100, with more expected to break out sparked by lightning strikes on bone-dry terrain, authorities said on Saturday.
Around the World
Iran, N. Korea Grow Stockpile of Ballistic Missiles Capable of Striking U.S. Troops, Allies, Israel
Iran and North Korea are growing their stockpile of ballistic missiles, including long-range missiles capable of striking U.S. assets, American allies, and even the continental United States, according to new congressional reports that shine a light on efforts by these rogue nations to advance their military capabilities.
Russia likens US sanctions to economic war — and threatens response 'by other means'
Russia's Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev reportedly warned the U.S. on Friday that sanctions it plans to impose against Moscow over the nerve-agent attack of a former spy living in Britain could be treated as a declaration of an economic war.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
PA leader Abbas talks US peace plan with Jordan's Abdullah
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas met with Jordan's King Abdullah in Amman on Wednesday to discuss the regional situation ahead of the expected unveiling of the U.S. administration's Middle East peace plan.
No rockets or airstrikes as fragile Gaza truce lasts through the night
After two days that saw the worst exchange of fire between Israel and Hamas since the 2014 war, a fragile truce prevailed Friday in Gaza, with no rocket attacks or airstrikes since an apparent ceasefire went into effect at midnight.
IDF says war in Gaza approaching, communities near Strip could be evacuated
A senior army official warned Thursday morning that Israel was nearing a full-blown military confrontation in the Gaza Strip after hundreds of rockets were launched overnight by Palestinian terror groups, adding that the government could begin evacuating communities near the coastal enclave in preparation.
US condemns Hamas rocket attacks, supports Israel’s right to defend itself
The United States condemned the Hamas terror group on Thursday for launching some 180 rockets and mortar shells at Israeli population centers and defended Israel’s military response in the worst exchange of fire since the 2014 war.
Israel 'surprised' by reports of Columbia recognition of Palestinian state
Israel's foreign ministry said on Thursday that it was "surprised" by media reports saying Columbia decided to recognize the State of Palestine.
Inside the United States
Bipartisan Bill Moves to Protect Religious Foster Care
Lawmakers are considering a bill to protect religious foster care and adoption agencies in response to recent crackdowns on religious charities by state and local governments.
Man arrested at New Mexico compound is son of imam with possible link to 1993 World Trade Center bombing
The man arrested at a squalid New Mexico compound is the son of a controversial Brooklyn imam who was on a list of people who 'may be alleged as co-conspirators' to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, according to court documents released by prosecutors Wednesday. Siraj Wahhaj, who shares a name with his son who was arrested Saturday, testified as a character witness for Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman, the notorious 'blind sheikh' who was convicted in 1995 of plotting terror attacks in the U.S.
Pence unveils Space Force to counter Russia, China
Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday announced the first steps in the Trump administration's bid to establish a standalone military Space Force by 2020, including creating an elite group of space troops in the same vein as current special operations forces.
Judge threatens to hold Jeff Sessions in contempt over asylum deportation
A frustrated federal judge lashed the Trump administration Thursday and threatened to hold Attorney General Jeff Sessions in contempt after being told the government had deported an asylum seeker despite clear assurances she wouldn’t be touched.
Christian News
Losing Faith: Why South Carolina is abandoning its churches
South Carolina churches are shedding thousands of members a year, even as the state’s population grows by tens of thousands.
Iran, N. Korea Grow Stockpile of Ballistic Missiles Capable of Striking U.S. Troops, Allies, Israel
Iran and North Korea are growing their stockpile of ballistic missiles, including long-range missiles capable of striking U.S. assets, American allies, and even the continental United States, according to new congressional reports that shine a light on efforts by these rogue nations to advance their military capabilities.
Russia likens US sanctions to economic war — and threatens response 'by other means'
Russia's Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev reportedly warned the U.S. on Friday that sanctions it plans to impose against Moscow over the nerve-agent attack of a former spy living in Britain could be treated as a declaration of an economic war.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
PA leader Abbas talks US peace plan with Jordan's Abdullah
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas met with Jordan's King Abdullah in Amman on Wednesday to discuss the regional situation ahead of the expected unveiling of the U.S. administration's Middle East peace plan.
No rockets or airstrikes as fragile Gaza truce lasts through the night
After two days that saw the worst exchange of fire between Israel and Hamas since the 2014 war, a fragile truce prevailed Friday in Gaza, with no rocket attacks or airstrikes since an apparent ceasefire went into effect at midnight.
IDF says war in Gaza approaching, communities near Strip could be evacuated
A senior army official warned Thursday morning that Israel was nearing a full-blown military confrontation in the Gaza Strip after hundreds of rockets were launched overnight by Palestinian terror groups, adding that the government could begin evacuating communities near the coastal enclave in preparation.
US condemns Hamas rocket attacks, supports Israel’s right to defend itself
The United States condemned the Hamas terror group on Thursday for launching some 180 rockets and mortar shells at Israeli population centers and defended Israel’s military response in the worst exchange of fire since the 2014 war.
Israel 'surprised' by reports of Columbia recognition of Palestinian state
Israel's foreign ministry said on Thursday that it was "surprised" by media reports saying Columbia decided to recognize the State of Palestine.
Inside the United States
Bipartisan Bill Moves to Protect Religious Foster Care
Lawmakers are considering a bill to protect religious foster care and adoption agencies in response to recent crackdowns on religious charities by state and local governments.
Man arrested at New Mexico compound is son of imam with possible link to 1993 World Trade Center bombing
The man arrested at a squalid New Mexico compound is the son of a controversial Brooklyn imam who was on a list of people who 'may be alleged as co-conspirators' to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, according to court documents released by prosecutors Wednesday. Siraj Wahhaj, who shares a name with his son who was arrested Saturday, testified as a character witness for Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman, the notorious 'blind sheikh' who was convicted in 1995 of plotting terror attacks in the U.S.
Pence unveils Space Force to counter Russia, China
Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday announced the first steps in the Trump administration's bid to establish a standalone military Space Force by 2020, including creating an elite group of space troops in the same vein as current special operations forces.
Judge threatens to hold Jeff Sessions in contempt over asylum deportation
A frustrated federal judge lashed the Trump administration Thursday and threatened to hold Attorney General Jeff Sessions in contempt after being told the government had deported an asylum seeker despite clear assurances she wouldn’t be touched.
Christian News
Losing Faith: Why South Carolina is abandoning its churches
South Carolina churches are shedding thousands of members a year, even as the state’s population grows by tens of thousands.