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?"
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
No US carrier at sea leaves gap in Middle East, First Time Since WW2
For the next week, not only will there be no U.S. Navy aircraft carrier in the Middle East, but there will be no American aircraft carriers deployed at sea anywhere else in the world, despite a host of worldwide threats facing the United States.
Istanbul Nightclub Terror Attack on New Years Eve; Gunman Still At Large
At least 39 people were killed and nearly 70 were wounded when a gunman opened fire shortly after a nightclub crowd had celebrated ringing in the New Year.
North Korea prepares for new round of nuclear weapons tests
North Korea is reportedly in the final stages for a new round of nuclear weapons tests, Pyongyang announced Sunday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Bolton calls for Trump to retaliate against UN over Israel resolution
Former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton on Sunday called for the U.S. to take action against the international body and member nations who supported a resolution censuring Israel over its settlements.
Netanyahu, Putin speak for second time in a week
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on Saturday night with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the evolving situation in the Mideast, the second time the two leaders have spoken this week.
Abbas: 2017 will be the year of Palestinian statehood
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday told Fatah party officials that 2017 would be 'the year of the independent Palestinian state.'
Hamas leader floats idea of West Bank-Gaza Strip federation
A senior Hamas official said on Friday that a federation between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip could be a feasible solution to the ongoing division between Hamas and Fatah.
Yesh Atid could top Likud if Israeli elections held today, poll shows
The center-left Yesh Atid (There is a Future) party could oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud as head of government if elections were held today, a new Channel 10 news poll suggests.
Report: Netanyahu to be interrogated by police this week
After several attempts to coordinate an interrogation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, investigators will question him under caution on Monday, Israel Radio reported on Sunday.
Inside the United States
In 2017, GOP Congress Sees Mandate to Undo Obama's Agenda
Republicans' grip on all levers of power stands as a mandate to the GOP-led Congress, which will move swiftly to try to undo eight years of outgoing President Barack Obama's agenda.
Judge blocks Obama mandate forcing doctors to perform abortions, transgender surgeries
President-elect Donald Trump can undo many of President Obama's executive orders with the stroke of a pen, but rolling back a key new mandate forcing religious doctors and hospitals to perform abortions and transgender surgeries looks to be a much more protracted legal battle.
Obama spending another $300 million in Kenya
The Obama administration is seeking to infuse another $306 million into HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention programs solely for the African nation of Kenya, where men who have sex with men, female sex workers and people who inject drugs 'are considered key populations for intervention.'
Chicago murder rate up nearly 60 percent in 2016 for biggest spike in decades
The murder rate in the nation's third-largest city more than doubled in 2016 -- a staggering statistic that represents the largest spike in decades, statistics show.
Washington Post retracts story about Russian hack at Vermont utility
The Washington Post has retracted its story about Russian hackers penetrating the nation's electricity grid with a virus found in a Burlington, Vt., electric company laptop.
Christian News
ISIS Leader Lays Trap to Kill Christian TV Ministry Worker -- But Ends Up Embracing Jesus Instead
Such is the incredible power of God that He could melt the heart of a vicious Islamic State (ISIS) leader and turn him into an ardent follower of Christ--almost in an instant.
2017 to Bring Rise in Violent Persecution of Christians Worldwide: Report
Christians living in Islamic countries as well as in the world's two most populous countries of India and China are set to face heightened threats of violent persecution at the hands of both state and non-state actors in 2017, Release International has warned.
Around the World
No US carrier at sea leaves gap in Middle East, First Time Since WW2
For the next week, not only will there be no U.S. Navy aircraft carrier in the Middle East, but there will be no American aircraft carriers deployed at sea anywhere else in the world, despite a host of worldwide threats facing the United States.
Istanbul Nightclub Terror Attack on New Years Eve; Gunman Still At Large
At least 39 people were killed and nearly 70 were wounded when a gunman opened fire shortly after a nightclub crowd had celebrated ringing in the New Year.
North Korea prepares for new round of nuclear weapons tests
North Korea is reportedly in the final stages for a new round of nuclear weapons tests, Pyongyang announced Sunday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Bolton calls for Trump to retaliate against UN over Israel resolution
Former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton on Sunday called for the U.S. to take action against the international body and member nations who supported a resolution censuring Israel over its settlements.
Netanyahu, Putin speak for second time in a week
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on Saturday night with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the evolving situation in the Mideast, the second time the two leaders have spoken this week.
Abbas: 2017 will be the year of Palestinian statehood
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday told Fatah party officials that 2017 would be 'the year of the independent Palestinian state.'
Hamas leader floats idea of West Bank-Gaza Strip federation
A senior Hamas official said on Friday that a federation between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip could be a feasible solution to the ongoing division between Hamas and Fatah.
Yesh Atid could top Likud if Israeli elections held today, poll shows
The center-left Yesh Atid (There is a Future) party could oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud as head of government if elections were held today, a new Channel 10 news poll suggests.
Report: Netanyahu to be interrogated by police this week
After several attempts to coordinate an interrogation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, investigators will question him under caution on Monday, Israel Radio reported on Sunday.
Inside the United States
In 2017, GOP Congress Sees Mandate to Undo Obama's Agenda
Republicans' grip on all levers of power stands as a mandate to the GOP-led Congress, which will move swiftly to try to undo eight years of outgoing President Barack Obama's agenda.
Judge blocks Obama mandate forcing doctors to perform abortions, transgender surgeries
President-elect Donald Trump can undo many of President Obama's executive orders with the stroke of a pen, but rolling back a key new mandate forcing religious doctors and hospitals to perform abortions and transgender surgeries looks to be a much more protracted legal battle.
Obama spending another $300 million in Kenya
The Obama administration is seeking to infuse another $306 million into HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention programs solely for the African nation of Kenya, where men who have sex with men, female sex workers and people who inject drugs 'are considered key populations for intervention.'
Chicago murder rate up nearly 60 percent in 2016 for biggest spike in decades
The murder rate in the nation's third-largest city more than doubled in 2016 -- a staggering statistic that represents the largest spike in decades, statistics show.
Washington Post retracts story about Russian hack at Vermont utility
The Washington Post has retracted its story about Russian hackers penetrating the nation's electricity grid with a virus found in a Burlington, Vt., electric company laptop.
Christian News
ISIS Leader Lays Trap to Kill Christian TV Ministry Worker -- But Ends Up Embracing Jesus Instead
Such is the incredible power of God that He could melt the heart of a vicious Islamic State (ISIS) leader and turn him into an ardent follower of Christ--almost in an instant.
2017 to Bring Rise in Violent Persecution of Christians Worldwide: Report
Christians living in Islamic countries as well as in the world's two most populous countries of India and China are set to face heightened threats of violent persecution at the hands of both state and non-state actors in 2017, Release International has warned.
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
US levels sanctions against Russia over election hacking
The United States is unleashing a string of sanctions and other punitive measures against Russia amid allegations that it engaged in cyber-meddling in the U.S. presidential campaign, and Moscow is responding with a threat to expel dozens of Americans.
Russia-US Tensions: Moscow Shuts Down International School In Response To Obama Administration's Russia Sanctions
After declaring that it will respond to any 'hostile steps' taken by the United States, Russia closed an international day school in Moscow on Thursday as the first indication of retaliation against the Obama administration's sanctions against the country announced the same day.
Clashes Violate Syria Ceasefire Less Than Two Hours After It Starts
Clashes between rebels and Syrian government forces took place less than two hours after a ceasefire took effect on Friday, a monitoring group and a rebel official said, in the first violations of a deal backed by Russia and Turkey.
Trump responds to sanctions against Russia, says it's time to 'move on'
President-elect Donald Trump said Thursday 'it's time for our country to move on to bigger and better things' after the Obama administration issued sanctions against Russia for its alleged 2016 election hacking.
Russia mocks Obama's 'lame duck' status after new sanctions imposed
Russia used social media on Thursday to mock President Obama after he expelled diplomats and imposed a new round of sanctions on the nation.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu denies 'baseless' corruption accusations
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied recent allegations of wrongdoing on Friday morning. 'All the recent accusations have been proven to be baseless and so too nothing will come out of what has been in the media now.' The prime minister's office said in a statement regarding media reports that the Attorney General will open a formal investigation into corruption charges.
Netanyahu corruption probe expected within days
An Israeli TV channel reported Thursday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is suspected of receiving valuable gifts from two businessmen.
Inside the United States
Rockettes' liberal defenders still insist on Christian coercion in gay weddings
The same people who want to crack down on Christian bakers who decline to participate in same-sex wedding ceremonies are defending the conscience rights of Radio City Rockettes dancers who object to performing at Donald Trump's presidential inauguration.
California DMV: 800,000 Undocumented Immigrants Got Driver's Licenses in Past Two Years
A controversial California law has allowed thousands of undocumented residents to obtain driver's licenses at a time when President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office next month, vowed to crackdown on illegal immigration.
Christian News
Faith and Martyrdom: 2016's Top Persecution Stories
A new report names Christians as the most persecuted religious group on the planet. According to statistics from the Center for Global Christianity, around 90,000 Christians were killed for their faith in 2016. About 70 percent of those killed in 2016, were martyred in tribal conflicts in Africa because they refused to take up arms.
Christians are Changing Orphans Lives Worldwide
There are an estimated eight million children worldwide living in orphanages. Now a movement, led primarily by Christians, wants to change that dynamic and put those children in safe, stable and nurturing families. It's an ambitious vision of a world without orphans.
1 Christian killed for their faith every 6 minutes in 2016 - study
Ninety thousand Christians were murdered for their faith around the globe this year, which amounts to one being killed every six minutes, Italy's CESNUR religious study group said.
Around the World
US levels sanctions against Russia over election hacking
The United States is unleashing a string of sanctions and other punitive measures against Russia amid allegations that it engaged in cyber-meddling in the U.S. presidential campaign, and Moscow is responding with a threat to expel dozens of Americans.
Russia-US Tensions: Moscow Shuts Down International School In Response To Obama Administration's Russia Sanctions
After declaring that it will respond to any 'hostile steps' taken by the United States, Russia closed an international day school in Moscow on Thursday as the first indication of retaliation against the Obama administration's sanctions against the country announced the same day.
Clashes Violate Syria Ceasefire Less Than Two Hours After It Starts
Clashes between rebels and Syrian government forces took place less than two hours after a ceasefire took effect on Friday, a monitoring group and a rebel official said, in the first violations of a deal backed by Russia and Turkey.
Trump responds to sanctions against Russia, says it's time to 'move on'
President-elect Donald Trump said Thursday 'it's time for our country to move on to bigger and better things' after the Obama administration issued sanctions against Russia for its alleged 2016 election hacking.
Russia mocks Obama's 'lame duck' status after new sanctions imposed
Russia used social media on Thursday to mock President Obama after he expelled diplomats and imposed a new round of sanctions on the nation.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu denies 'baseless' corruption accusations
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied recent allegations of wrongdoing on Friday morning. 'All the recent accusations have been proven to be baseless and so too nothing will come out of what has been in the media now.' The prime minister's office said in a statement regarding media reports that the Attorney General will open a formal investigation into corruption charges.
Netanyahu corruption probe expected within days
An Israeli TV channel reported Thursday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is suspected of receiving valuable gifts from two businessmen.
Inside the United States
Rockettes' liberal defenders still insist on Christian coercion in gay weddings
The same people who want to crack down on Christian bakers who decline to participate in same-sex wedding ceremonies are defending the conscience rights of Radio City Rockettes dancers who object to performing at Donald Trump's presidential inauguration.
California DMV: 800,000 Undocumented Immigrants Got Driver's Licenses in Past Two Years
A controversial California law has allowed thousands of undocumented residents to obtain driver's licenses at a time when President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office next month, vowed to crackdown on illegal immigration.
Christian News
Faith and Martyrdom: 2016's Top Persecution Stories
A new report names Christians as the most persecuted religious group on the planet. According to statistics from the Center for Global Christianity, around 90,000 Christians were killed for their faith in 2016. About 70 percent of those killed in 2016, were martyred in tribal conflicts in Africa because they refused to take up arms.
Christians are Changing Orphans Lives Worldwide
There are an estimated eight million children worldwide living in orphanages. Now a movement, led primarily by Christians, wants to change that dynamic and put those children in safe, stable and nurturing families. It's an ambitious vision of a world without orphans.
1 Christian killed for their faith every 6 minutes in 2016 - study
Ninety thousand Christians were murdered for their faith around the globe this year, which amounts to one being killed every six minutes, Italy's CESNUR religious study group said.
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
New Syria cease-fire set to begin at midnight
The major players involved in the long-running Syrian conflict have agreed to a cease-fire set to begin at midnight on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier in the day.
Turkey says Lebanon's Hezbollah should leave Syria
Turkey says the Lebanon-based terrorist group Hezbollah, which has sent thousands of fighters to support President Bashar Assad, should withdraw from Syria.
Iraqi forces launch second phase of Mosul offensive against Islamic State
Iraqi security forces on Thursday began the second phase of their offensive against Islamic State militants in Mosul, pushing into some eastern districts where the battle has been in deadlock for nearly a month.
Turkey's Erdogan Drops Bombshell Claim: 'Confirmed Evidence' US-Led Coalition Forces Supported ISIS
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday made the bombshell claim that he has 'confirmed evidence' that U.S.-led coalition forces provided support to terrorist groups in Syria, including ISIS.
Moscow says new US sanctions would be attempt to hamper Russia-US cooperation
Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that if the United States imposed new sanctions on Russia over hacking allegations it would be an attempt to disrupt possible cooperation between the two countries, the RIA news agency reported.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
White House On Defense After Being Exposed as Architect of Anti-Israel U.N. Action
Senior Obama administration officials are scrambling to provide explanations after multiple reports, including in the Washington Free Beacon, identified the White House as being a chief architect of a recent United Nations resolution condemning the state of Israel, according to conversations with multiple former and current U.S. officials.
Chief rabbi: US has forsaken Israel, we can trust only in the Lord
The US has forsaken Israel, and the Jewish state can now place its trust only in God, Israel's Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef said Wednesday, as Jerusalem and Washington continued to face off over Friday's United Nations Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlements.
Trump blasts Obama, urges Israel to 'stay strong;' Netanyahu thanks PEOTUS for 'clear cut' support
President-elect Donald Trump criticized President Obama's treatment of Israel Wednesday, urging Israel to 'stay strong' until he takes office next month and accusing the president of erecting 'roadblocks' to a smooth transition.
Netanyahu slams Kerry for insisting Israel can be Jewish or democratic -- not both
Secretary of State John Kerry said Wednesday that if Israel rejects a two-state solution for peace with the Palestinian people, 'it can be Jewish or it can be democratic.'
Inside the United States
Trump blasts Obama 'roadblocks' as power transfer turns increasingly hostile
The presidential transition hit a new low Wednesday, with President-elect Donald Trump openly criticizing President Obama for bungling U.S. relations with Israel and erecting other “roadblocks” to a smooth transfer of power in Washington.
UN resolution finally makes Israel a partisan fight
The intense sniping between the outgoing and incoming administrations over the stalled Middle East peace process is the latest sign of a growing partisan divide over Israel.
Obama claims another 1.6 million Western acres as national monuments
In yet another shot at the incoming Trump administration, President Obama on Wednesday designated about 1.6 million acres of Western land as national monuments, cordoning off the massive areas from energy development while vowing that his successor can't reverse his actions.
Lame-duck Congress punts EB-5 'golden visa' reform to Donald Trump
When the lame-duck Congress stumbled out of town earlier this month, lawmakers blew through yet another self-imposed deadline for cleaning up a controversial visa program that critics say could even become a pathway for terrorists into the U.S. -- dropping the problem in the lap of President-elect Trump and a newly elected House and Senate to fix next year.
Series of earthquakes hits near California-Nevada border
A series of moderate earthquakes rocked the California-Nevada border Wednesday, shaking residents in both states but producing no reports of major damage or injury.
Christian News
Kim Jong-un Forces North Korean Christians To Celebrate Grandmother's Birthday Instead of Jesus Christ This Christmas
Kim Jong-un, supreme leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, has taken his dislike of Christianity to a whole new level this Christmas by forcing people under his regime to celebrate the birth anniversary of his grandmother Kim Jong-suk instead of Jesus Christ.
Fastest-Growing Churches Have Modern Worship, Teach Literal Interpretation of the Bible: Study
A Canadian study has found that Mainline Protestant churches that have both modern worship services and teach a literal interpretation of the Bible grow faster.
Christians Most Persecuted Religious Group on the Planet
Christians are the most persecuted religious group in the world, according to the Centre for Global Christianity.
5 Steps Toward a Great Awakening in 2017
According to the Chicago Tribune, 2016 was, 'A year unlike any year.' Merriam-Webster, famous for its dictionaries, picked 'surreal' as the word of the year, and Nigel Farage of Brexit fame opined that 2016 was the 'Year Of The 'Political Revolution' By The Little People.' By all counts, 2016 was a year of great shaking, perhaps of divine proportions.
Indonesia Christian Governor Battles Radical Islam
A court in Jakarta, Indonesia, ruled that the trial of a Christian governor charged with blasphemy against Islam will go forward.
Christians In Europe: Norway Divorces Protestant Church As Muslims Blamed For 'Parallel Societies'
Norway is asking for a divorce from its biggest, most important church. The Church of Norway and the Norwegian government will formally become separated on Jan. 1 after nearly 500 years.
Around the World
New Syria cease-fire set to begin at midnight
The major players involved in the long-running Syrian conflict have agreed to a cease-fire set to begin at midnight on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier in the day.
Turkey says Lebanon's Hezbollah should leave Syria
Turkey says the Lebanon-based terrorist group Hezbollah, which has sent thousands of fighters to support President Bashar Assad, should withdraw from Syria.
Iraqi forces launch second phase of Mosul offensive against Islamic State
Iraqi security forces on Thursday began the second phase of their offensive against Islamic State militants in Mosul, pushing into some eastern districts where the battle has been in deadlock for nearly a month.
Turkey's Erdogan Drops Bombshell Claim: 'Confirmed Evidence' US-Led Coalition Forces Supported ISIS
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday made the bombshell claim that he has 'confirmed evidence' that U.S.-led coalition forces provided support to terrorist groups in Syria, including ISIS.
Moscow says new US sanctions would be attempt to hamper Russia-US cooperation
Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that if the United States imposed new sanctions on Russia over hacking allegations it would be an attempt to disrupt possible cooperation between the two countries, the RIA news agency reported.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
White House On Defense After Being Exposed as Architect of Anti-Israel U.N. Action
Senior Obama administration officials are scrambling to provide explanations after multiple reports, including in the Washington Free Beacon, identified the White House as being a chief architect of a recent United Nations resolution condemning the state of Israel, according to conversations with multiple former and current U.S. officials.
Chief rabbi: US has forsaken Israel, we can trust only in the Lord
The US has forsaken Israel, and the Jewish state can now place its trust only in God, Israel's Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef said Wednesday, as Jerusalem and Washington continued to face off over Friday's United Nations Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlements.
Trump blasts Obama, urges Israel to 'stay strong;' Netanyahu thanks PEOTUS for 'clear cut' support
President-elect Donald Trump criticized President Obama's treatment of Israel Wednesday, urging Israel to 'stay strong' until he takes office next month and accusing the president of erecting 'roadblocks' to a smooth transition.
Netanyahu slams Kerry for insisting Israel can be Jewish or democratic -- not both
Secretary of State John Kerry said Wednesday that if Israel rejects a two-state solution for peace with the Palestinian people, 'it can be Jewish or it can be democratic.'
Inside the United States
Trump blasts Obama 'roadblocks' as power transfer turns increasingly hostile
The presidential transition hit a new low Wednesday, with President-elect Donald Trump openly criticizing President Obama for bungling U.S. relations with Israel and erecting other “roadblocks” to a smooth transfer of power in Washington.
UN resolution finally makes Israel a partisan fight
The intense sniping between the outgoing and incoming administrations over the stalled Middle East peace process is the latest sign of a growing partisan divide over Israel.
Obama claims another 1.6 million Western acres as national monuments
In yet another shot at the incoming Trump administration, President Obama on Wednesday designated about 1.6 million acres of Western land as national monuments, cordoning off the massive areas from energy development while vowing that his successor can't reverse his actions.
Lame-duck Congress punts EB-5 'golden visa' reform to Donald Trump
When the lame-duck Congress stumbled out of town earlier this month, lawmakers blew through yet another self-imposed deadline for cleaning up a controversial visa program that critics say could even become a pathway for terrorists into the U.S. -- dropping the problem in the lap of President-elect Trump and a newly elected House and Senate to fix next year.
Series of earthquakes hits near California-Nevada border
A series of moderate earthquakes rocked the California-Nevada border Wednesday, shaking residents in both states but producing no reports of major damage or injury.
Christian News
Kim Jong-un Forces North Korean Christians To Celebrate Grandmother's Birthday Instead of Jesus Christ This Christmas
Kim Jong-un, supreme leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, has taken his dislike of Christianity to a whole new level this Christmas by forcing people under his regime to celebrate the birth anniversary of his grandmother Kim Jong-suk instead of Jesus Christ.
Fastest-Growing Churches Have Modern Worship, Teach Literal Interpretation of the Bible: Study
A Canadian study has found that Mainline Protestant churches that have both modern worship services and teach a literal interpretation of the Bible grow faster.
Christians Most Persecuted Religious Group on the Planet
Christians are the most persecuted religious group in the world, according to the Centre for Global Christianity.
5 Steps Toward a Great Awakening in 2017
According to the Chicago Tribune, 2016 was, 'A year unlike any year.' Merriam-Webster, famous for its dictionaries, picked 'surreal' as the word of the year, and Nigel Farage of Brexit fame opined that 2016 was the 'Year Of The 'Political Revolution' By The Little People.' By all counts, 2016 was a year of great shaking, perhaps of divine proportions.
Indonesia Christian Governor Battles Radical Islam
A court in Jakarta, Indonesia, ruled that the trial of a Christian governor charged with blasphemy against Islam will go forward.
Christians In Europe: Norway Divorces Protestant Church As Muslims Blamed For 'Parallel Societies'
Norway is asking for a divorce from its biggest, most important church. The Church of Norway and the Norwegian government will formally become separated on Jan. 1 after nearly 500 years.