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
Iran protests spread nationwide, now 'far bigger than 2009'
Pictures and videos coming out of Iran are starting to look more like a full-on revolution than a protest movement, but American news agencies continue to be slow to react, describing the historic protests as mostly about the country’s weak economy and chastising President Trump for cheering them on.
China covertly offering North Korea missiles, aid to halt nuclear program
China’s Communist Party adopted a secret plan in September to bolster the North Korean government with increased aid and military support, including new missiles, if Pyongyang halts further nuclear tests, according to an internal party document.
US urges Iran to unblock social media, calls emergency UN session
US envoy to the UN Nikki Haley on Tuesday called for emergency sessions of the United Nations Security Council and Human Rights Council to discuss the Iranian protests and the government’s reaction.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Trump threatens to cut off US aid to Palestinians over Jerusalem dispute
Acknowledging his push to broker peace in the Middle East has stalled, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to cut off aid to the Palestinian Authority, asking why Washington should make 'any of these massive future payments' when the Palestinians were 'no longer willing to talk peace.'
US warns it won’t fund UN refugee agency if Palestinians reject talks
The US on Tuesday threatened it would cut aid to the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency if Ramallah refused to come to the negotiating table for relaunched peace talks.
Inside the United States
Eastern U.S. braces for more frigid weather, storm
A record-shattering freeze kept its grip on much of the eastern United States on Tuesday, causing at least seven deaths and closing schools as forecasters warned of a storm that could slam some areas with blizzard conditions later this week.
Sen. Hatch to retire, opening door for possible Romney run
Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah said Tuesday he will not seek re-election after serving more than 40 years in the Senate, opening the door for 2012 GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney to run for his seat.
FEMA to Stop Discriminating Against Churches, Synagogues
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced a new policy Tuesday that may end the agency's discrimination against churches, synagogues and other houses of worship in regards to receiving immediate and equal access to federal disaster relief funding.
GOP's Bachmann mulling bid for Franken's Senate seat
Michele Bachmann, the deeply conservative former congresswoman and one-time presidential contender, said she is considering running for Al Franken's former Senate seat in Minnesota.
Franken officially resigns from Senate after groping allegations
Minnesota Democrat Al Franken officially resigned from the Senate on Tuesday after announcing he would step down last month amid multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.
Christian News
Police Kill Christians in Churches in DR Congo as Demonstrators Protest President's Rule
Police in the Democratic Republic of Congo allegedly opened fire and deployed tear gas inside churches on Sunday, killing at least eight Christians, and arrested more than 100 people after Christians carrying Bibles and crucifixes joined protests against the rule of President Joseph Kabila.
Over 32,000 Students Unite in Worship at Passion Conference
More than 32,000 young adults from across the globe will fill arenas in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., for an event that has been sold out for months. Jan. 1-3, attendees will gather in Atlanta’s Philips Arena and Infinite Energy Center, and The Anthem in Washington, D.C., for Passion 2018—a gathering of 18-to-25-year-olds, and their church and campus leaders.
Iran protests spread nationwide, now 'far bigger than 2009'
Pictures and videos coming out of Iran are starting to look more like a full-on revolution than a protest movement, but American news agencies continue to be slow to react, describing the historic protests as mostly about the country’s weak economy and chastising President Trump for cheering them on.
China covertly offering North Korea missiles, aid to halt nuclear program
China’s Communist Party adopted a secret plan in September to bolster the North Korean government with increased aid and military support, including new missiles, if Pyongyang halts further nuclear tests, according to an internal party document.
US urges Iran to unblock social media, calls emergency UN session
US envoy to the UN Nikki Haley on Tuesday called for emergency sessions of the United Nations Security Council and Human Rights Council to discuss the Iranian protests and the government’s reaction.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Trump threatens to cut off US aid to Palestinians over Jerusalem dispute
Acknowledging his push to broker peace in the Middle East has stalled, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to cut off aid to the Palestinian Authority, asking why Washington should make 'any of these massive future payments' when the Palestinians were 'no longer willing to talk peace.'
US warns it won’t fund UN refugee agency if Palestinians reject talks
The US on Tuesday threatened it would cut aid to the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency if Ramallah refused to come to the negotiating table for relaunched peace talks.
Inside the United States
Eastern U.S. braces for more frigid weather, storm
A record-shattering freeze kept its grip on much of the eastern United States on Tuesday, causing at least seven deaths and closing schools as forecasters warned of a storm that could slam some areas with blizzard conditions later this week.
Sen. Hatch to retire, opening door for possible Romney run
Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah said Tuesday he will not seek re-election after serving more than 40 years in the Senate, opening the door for 2012 GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney to run for his seat.
FEMA to Stop Discriminating Against Churches, Synagogues
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced a new policy Tuesday that may end the agency's discrimination against churches, synagogues and other houses of worship in regards to receiving immediate and equal access to federal disaster relief funding.
GOP's Bachmann mulling bid for Franken's Senate seat
Michele Bachmann, the deeply conservative former congresswoman and one-time presidential contender, said she is considering running for Al Franken's former Senate seat in Minnesota.
Franken officially resigns from Senate after groping allegations
Minnesota Democrat Al Franken officially resigned from the Senate on Tuesday after announcing he would step down last month amid multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.
Christian News
Police Kill Christians in Churches in DR Congo as Demonstrators Protest President's Rule
Police in the Democratic Republic of Congo allegedly opened fire and deployed tear gas inside churches on Sunday, killing at least eight Christians, and arrested more than 100 people after Christians carrying Bibles and crucifixes joined protests against the rule of President Joseph Kabila.
Over 32,000 Students Unite in Worship at Passion Conference
More than 32,000 young adults from across the globe will fill arenas in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., for an event that has been sold out for months. Jan. 1-3, attendees will gather in Atlanta’s Philips Arena and Infinite Energy Center, and The Anthem in Washington, D.C., for Passion 2018—a gathering of 18-to-25-year-olds, and their church and campus leaders.
Around the World
As protests persist, Rouhani warns Iran will respond to ‘lawbreakers’
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Monday said his country would respond to 'rioters and lawbreakers,' a day after attempting to strike a conciliatory tone with protesters demonstrating against the regime across the country.
Gunman kills two Christians at alcohol store south of Cairo
A masked gunman shot dead two Christian brothers at their alcohol shop south of Cairo on Monday, security sources said.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
In late night vote, Knesset passes law to hinder East Jerusalem withdrawal
Lawmakers approved a bill in the early hours Tuesday that requires a special two-thirds majority vote in the Knesset to relinquish any part of Jerusalem to the Palestinians under a future peace accord.
Air force hits Hamas camp in Gaza after rocket fire
The Israeli Air Force hit a Hamas camp in the southern Gaza Strip early Tuesday in response to a rocket fired at Israel hours before, the army said.
Seal from First Temple Period found at Kotel supports biblical accounts
A rare, well-preserved piece of clay dating to the First Temple period with the Hebrew inscription 'governor of the city' was recently discovered during excavations by the Israel Antiquities Authority in the Western Wall Plaza in Jerusalem.
Inside the United States
Arctic Outbreak Setting Record Lows as Dangerously Cold Wind Chills Infiltrate Plains, Midwest and East
A reinforcing shot of bitter, Arctic air will soon prolong the long-lived cold outbreak across the Plains, Midwest, South and East into the end of this week, likely shattering more daily records and sending wind chills to dangerously cold levels.
House expands Russia probe to FBI, Justice use of unconfirmed dossier to snare Trump
The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has expanded its 2016 election investigation from a starting point of Russian interference to an end-game that focuses on federal law enforcement and how it conducted a drive to snare President Trump and his people.
California launches legal sale of cannabis for recreational use
California will launch the world’s largest regulated commercial market for recreational marijuana on Monday, as dozens of newly licensed stores catering to adults who enjoy the drug for its psychoactive effects open for business up and down the state.
Christian News
9,000 Jailed Christians Receive Sentence Reductions for Christmas in Indonesia
Indonesia reduced the sentences of over 9,000 Christian prisoners on Christmas day, including the sentence of a Christian governor jailed on blasphemy charges.
As protests persist, Rouhani warns Iran will respond to ‘lawbreakers’
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Monday said his country would respond to 'rioters and lawbreakers,' a day after attempting to strike a conciliatory tone with protesters demonstrating against the regime across the country.
Gunman kills two Christians at alcohol store south of Cairo
A masked gunman shot dead two Christian brothers at their alcohol shop south of Cairo on Monday, security sources said.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
In late night vote, Knesset passes law to hinder East Jerusalem withdrawal
Lawmakers approved a bill in the early hours Tuesday that requires a special two-thirds majority vote in the Knesset to relinquish any part of Jerusalem to the Palestinians under a future peace accord.
Air force hits Hamas camp in Gaza after rocket fire
The Israeli Air Force hit a Hamas camp in the southern Gaza Strip early Tuesday in response to a rocket fired at Israel hours before, the army said.
Seal from First Temple Period found at Kotel supports biblical accounts
A rare, well-preserved piece of clay dating to the First Temple period with the Hebrew inscription 'governor of the city' was recently discovered during excavations by the Israel Antiquities Authority in the Western Wall Plaza in Jerusalem.
Inside the United States
Arctic Outbreak Setting Record Lows as Dangerously Cold Wind Chills Infiltrate Plains, Midwest and East
A reinforcing shot of bitter, Arctic air will soon prolong the long-lived cold outbreak across the Plains, Midwest, South and East into the end of this week, likely shattering more daily records and sending wind chills to dangerously cold levels.
House expands Russia probe to FBI, Justice use of unconfirmed dossier to snare Trump
The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has expanded its 2016 election investigation from a starting point of Russian interference to an end-game that focuses on federal law enforcement and how it conducted a drive to snare President Trump and his people.
California launches legal sale of cannabis for recreational use
California will launch the world’s largest regulated commercial market for recreational marijuana on Monday, as dozens of newly licensed stores catering to adults who enjoy the drug for its psychoactive effects open for business up and down the state.
Christian News
9,000 Jailed Christians Receive Sentence Reductions for Christmas in Indonesia
Indonesia reduced the sentences of over 9,000 Christian prisoners on Christmas day, including the sentence of a Christian governor jailed on blasphemy charges.
Around the World
Trump redoubles support of Iran protests, saying the 'world is watching'
President Trump on Saturday again expressed his support for Iran’s growing anti-government protests, saying oppressive regimes 'cannot endure forever” and that “the world is watching.'
Assad may have retaken the Syrian Golan, but Iran is pulling the strings
The evacuation of several hundred Syrian rebels from the Beit Jinn area on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights over the weekend puts Israel in an old-new position on the border. Assad’s army is once again at the fences, just like it was from 1967 to 2011.
Iran unrest ‘start of a big movement,’ says Nobelist Iranian
The unrest in Iran is just “the beginning of a big movement” that could be more widespread than the demonstrations of 2009, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Iranian lawyer Shirin Ebadi said in an interview Sunday.
January will bring two supermoons, a blue moon, and a total lunar eclipse
Visible supermoons—full moons that appear when the moon is at its closest orbital point to Earth—aren’t very rare. Having three in a row certainly is.
Iran warns against ‘illegal gatherings’ as fresh protest reported in Tehran
The Iranian government warned people against further protests on Saturday after two days of demonstrations sparked by anger over an array of economic problems even as a fresh demonstration was reported at the University of Tehran.
2 protesters killed in Iran as government tries to thwart activists with social media crackdown
Two demonstrators were reportedly killed overnight as the Iranian government struggled to contain anti-government protests spreading throughout the country.
Putin tells Assad Russia will help defend Syrian sovereignty
Russian President Vladimir Putin told his Syrian counterpart Bashar Assad in a new year’s greeting that Russia will continue supporting Syria’s efforts to defend its sovereignty, the Kremlin said on Saturday.
France sets up tax dept to investigate Jews
The secret department has 20 Hebrew-speaking employees, and is hiring five more to investigate tax evasion.
Sen. Graham: U.S. can deal 'fatal blows' to Iran, North Korea in 2018
Current and former U.S. officials said President Donald Trump's response to Iranian protests could have long-term effects on nuclear tensions with North Korea.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu's party approves resolution to annex West Bank, open settlements
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party approved on Sunday evening a proposal requiring party members to act to annex Judea and Samaria.
Hamas calls US ambassador 'racist,' says all ties should be cut with DC
The Palestinians should cut all ties with the United States because of 'racist' and 'ignorant' comments US Ambassador David Friedman made to The Jerusalem Post last week, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said on Saturday.
Thousands of Palestinians take part in anti-Trump protests
Thousands of Palestinians took to the streets of Gaza and the occupied West Bank for the fourth Friday in a row in protests against U.S. President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Palestine recalls U.S. envoy following Trump Jerusalem decision
Palestine recalled its envoy to the United States after President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Inside the United States
Trump declares war on slavery, human trafficking
On Nov. 1, American Urban Radio Network’s White House correspondent April Ryan asked Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders if President Trump believes slavery was wrong.
White House, Congress prepare for talks on spending, immigration
The White House said on Friday it was set to kick off talks next week with Republican and Democratic congressional leaders on immigration policy, government spending and other issues that need to be wrapped up early in the new year.
5 deputies shot, 1 fatally, near Denver; suspect shot and killed, authorities say
Authorities in Colorado have identified a sheriff’s deputy who was slain in an early morning shooting near Denver.
Christian News
Persecution Trends Report Lists Top Countries of Concern for 2018
A group which monitors Christian persecution around the world has released a new report listing countries where attacks and restrictions on Christians are likely to increase. These include China, India and Nigeria.
Trump redoubles support of Iran protests, saying the 'world is watching'
President Trump on Saturday again expressed his support for Iran’s growing anti-government protests, saying oppressive regimes 'cannot endure forever” and that “the world is watching.'
Assad may have retaken the Syrian Golan, but Iran is pulling the strings
The evacuation of several hundred Syrian rebels from the Beit Jinn area on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights over the weekend puts Israel in an old-new position on the border. Assad’s army is once again at the fences, just like it was from 1967 to 2011.
Iran unrest ‘start of a big movement,’ says Nobelist Iranian
The unrest in Iran is just “the beginning of a big movement” that could be more widespread than the demonstrations of 2009, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Iranian lawyer Shirin Ebadi said in an interview Sunday.
January will bring two supermoons, a blue moon, and a total lunar eclipse
Visible supermoons—full moons that appear when the moon is at its closest orbital point to Earth—aren’t very rare. Having three in a row certainly is.
Iran warns against ‘illegal gatherings’ as fresh protest reported in Tehran
The Iranian government warned people against further protests on Saturday after two days of demonstrations sparked by anger over an array of economic problems even as a fresh demonstration was reported at the University of Tehran.
2 protesters killed in Iran as government tries to thwart activists with social media crackdown
Two demonstrators were reportedly killed overnight as the Iranian government struggled to contain anti-government protests spreading throughout the country.
Putin tells Assad Russia will help defend Syrian sovereignty
Russian President Vladimir Putin told his Syrian counterpart Bashar Assad in a new year’s greeting that Russia will continue supporting Syria’s efforts to defend its sovereignty, the Kremlin said on Saturday.
France sets up tax dept to investigate Jews
The secret department has 20 Hebrew-speaking employees, and is hiring five more to investigate tax evasion.
Sen. Graham: U.S. can deal 'fatal blows' to Iran, North Korea in 2018
Current and former U.S. officials said President Donald Trump's response to Iranian protests could have long-term effects on nuclear tensions with North Korea.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu's party approves resolution to annex West Bank, open settlements
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party approved on Sunday evening a proposal requiring party members to act to annex Judea and Samaria.
Hamas calls US ambassador 'racist,' says all ties should be cut with DC
The Palestinians should cut all ties with the United States because of 'racist' and 'ignorant' comments US Ambassador David Friedman made to The Jerusalem Post last week, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said on Saturday.
Thousands of Palestinians take part in anti-Trump protests
Thousands of Palestinians took to the streets of Gaza and the occupied West Bank for the fourth Friday in a row in protests against U.S. President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Palestine recalls U.S. envoy following Trump Jerusalem decision
Palestine recalled its envoy to the United States after President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Inside the United States
Trump declares war on slavery, human trafficking
On Nov. 1, American Urban Radio Network’s White House correspondent April Ryan asked Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders if President Trump believes slavery was wrong.
White House, Congress prepare for talks on spending, immigration
The White House said on Friday it was set to kick off talks next week with Republican and Democratic congressional leaders on immigration policy, government spending and other issues that need to be wrapped up early in the new year.
5 deputies shot, 1 fatally, near Denver; suspect shot and killed, authorities say
Authorities in Colorado have identified a sheriff’s deputy who was slain in an early morning shooting near Denver.
Christian News
Persecution Trends Report Lists Top Countries of Concern for 2018
A group which monitors Christian persecution around the world has released a new report listing countries where attacks and restrictions on Christians are likely to increase. These include China, India and Nigeria.