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
Iranian FM in Russia for talks on nuclear deal, Syria
Iran’s foreign minister is visiting Moscow for talks focusing on the future of the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and the situation in Syria, where both nations support President Bashar Assad.
Dollar bruised by worries over China's stance on US bonds
The dollar nursed its losses against the yen on Thursday, having suffered its biggest one-day drop in nearly eight months following a report that China was ready to slow or halt its purchases of US Treasuries.
Europe, Iran to meet on backing nuclear deal as Trump decision looms
Europe and Iran are to put on a united front in support of the landmark 2015 nuclear deal at talks in Brussels Thursday as Washington mulls reimposing sanctions on Tehran.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Arab League to hold meeting on Jerusalem next month
The Arab League will meet on February 1 to discuss how to counter U.S. President Donald Trump's move last month to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, Egypt's state news agency MENA said on Wednesday.
Norway, EU call meeting in bid to ‘speed up’ efforts for 2-state solution
Norway and the European Union said Wednesday they would convene an 'extraordinary session' of donor countries to the Palestinians, saying efforts to reach a peace deal needed to be hurried up.
Support for Israel among young evangelicals dips, says new survey
A new study has some troubling news for Israel and its supporters, who have come to rely on the political and financial support of the 25 percent of Americans who identify as evangelical Christians.
Inside the United States
A Federal Judge Has Blocked Trump's Plan to End the DACA Program for Young Immigrants
A federal judge on Tuesday night temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s decision to end a program protecting young immigrants from deportation.
GOP gambles with vote on controversial surveillance bill
House Republicans on Thursday will try to reauthorize a key but controversial counterterrorism tool, despite a split among lawmakers that could end up sinking the bill.
Growing number of retirements threatens Republican House majority
The Republican Party’s tenuous grip on the House majority slipped Wednesday after Rep. Darrell Issa became the second California Republican this week to opt for retirement over fighting an uncertain battle for re-election.
California's Brown Raises Prospect of Pension Cuts in Downturn
California Governor Jerry Brown said legal rulings may clear the way for making cuts to public pension benefits, which would go against long-standing assumptions and potentially provide financial relief to the state and its local governments.
Christian News
Militant Muslims Firebomb Evangelical Church in Kyrgyzstan; Flames Stop at Open Bible
Christians said they saw a 'sign from God' following a firebombing attack by Muslim militants on an evangelical church in Kyrgyzstan. The flames burned through much of the interior but stopped at the open Bible on the altar.
U.S. Could Send Stranded Iranian Christians Back to Iran
The U.S. government could send 100 mostly Christian Iranians stranded in Austria back to Iran this week, where they would face harsh persecution by Iran's Islamic government.
Iranian FM in Russia for talks on nuclear deal, Syria
Iran’s foreign minister is visiting Moscow for talks focusing on the future of the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and the situation in Syria, where both nations support President Bashar Assad.
Dollar bruised by worries over China's stance on US bonds
The dollar nursed its losses against the yen on Thursday, having suffered its biggest one-day drop in nearly eight months following a report that China was ready to slow or halt its purchases of US Treasuries.
Europe, Iran to meet on backing nuclear deal as Trump decision looms
Europe and Iran are to put on a united front in support of the landmark 2015 nuclear deal at talks in Brussels Thursday as Washington mulls reimposing sanctions on Tehran.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Arab League to hold meeting on Jerusalem next month
The Arab League will meet on February 1 to discuss how to counter U.S. President Donald Trump's move last month to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital, Egypt's state news agency MENA said on Wednesday.
Norway, EU call meeting in bid to ‘speed up’ efforts for 2-state solution
Norway and the European Union said Wednesday they would convene an 'extraordinary session' of donor countries to the Palestinians, saying efforts to reach a peace deal needed to be hurried up.
Support for Israel among young evangelicals dips, says new survey
A new study has some troubling news for Israel and its supporters, who have come to rely on the political and financial support of the 25 percent of Americans who identify as evangelical Christians.
Inside the United States
A Federal Judge Has Blocked Trump's Plan to End the DACA Program for Young Immigrants
A federal judge on Tuesday night temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s decision to end a program protecting young immigrants from deportation.
GOP gambles with vote on controversial surveillance bill
House Republicans on Thursday will try to reauthorize a key but controversial counterterrorism tool, despite a split among lawmakers that could end up sinking the bill.
Growing number of retirements threatens Republican House majority
The Republican Party’s tenuous grip on the House majority slipped Wednesday after Rep. Darrell Issa became the second California Republican this week to opt for retirement over fighting an uncertain battle for re-election.
California's Brown Raises Prospect of Pension Cuts in Downturn
California Governor Jerry Brown said legal rulings may clear the way for making cuts to public pension benefits, which would go against long-standing assumptions and potentially provide financial relief to the state and its local governments.
Christian News
Militant Muslims Firebomb Evangelical Church in Kyrgyzstan; Flames Stop at Open Bible
Christians said they saw a 'sign from God' following a firebombing attack by Muslim militants on an evangelical church in Kyrgyzstan. The flames burned through much of the interior but stopped at the open Bible on the altar.
U.S. Could Send Stranded Iranian Christians Back to Iran
The U.S. government could send 100 mostly Christian Iranians stranded in Austria back to Iran this week, where they would face harsh persecution by Iran's Islamic government.
Around the World
Strong quake in Caribbean Sea shakes Honduras, Mexico and Belize, sparks tsunami warning
An earthquake of magnitude 7.6 that struck near remote islands belonging to Honduras on Tuesday was felt across northern Central America, prompting a tsunami warning for parts of the Caribbean.
U.S. to decide on Iran sanctions waivers on Friday: State Department
The Trump administration is expected to decide on Friday whether to continue to waive U.S. penalties on Iran, as agreed under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, the State Department said on Tuesday.
Australia experiences 3rd hottest year on record in 2017
Officials says Australia has experienced its third hottest year on record in 2017, when surrounding high sea temperatures delivered a second consecutive summer of devastating coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Palestinian Authority Paid Terrorists Over $347 Million in 2017
The Palestinian Authority paid terrorists and their families more than $347 million last year, according to its own records.
Israeli jets and rockets hit Syria overnight, Syrian army claims
The Syrian army claimed Tuesday that Israeli fighter jets and rockets targeted positions inside the war-torn nation overnight, marking a potential uptick in tensions between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants operating there.
4 arrested for trying to sell land to Jews
Four people have been arrested for the capital offense of selling Palestinian land to Jews, even though the deals apparently were halted before completion, according to authorities.
Inside the United States
At least 13 killed amid heavy rains, floods, slides in Southern California
At least 13 people died as a result of heavy rains that triggered flooding and mudslides in fire-ravaged parts of Southern California.
Federal Judges Order North Carolina to Quickly Redraw Congressional Districts
A panel of three federal judges has ordered North Carolina to redraw its Congressional district boundaries immediately, saying the current version is unconstitutional.
Trump calls GOP Dreamer fix a ‘bill of love,’ seeks deal with Dems on immigration
At a meeting Tuesday with bipartisan members of Congress, President Trump said the fix to the soon-to-expire temporary amnesty for 'Dreamers' would be a 'bill of love,' but stressed that tougher border security must be part of the deal.
Sen. Cruz Introduces Legislation to Make Tax Cuts Permanent
Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) has introduced a bill that would make the individual tax cuts included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent.
Florida judge blocks abortion delay law, rules it unconstitutional
A Florida judge on Tuesday permanently blocked and declared unconstitutional a law requiring a woman to delay an abortion by at least 24 hours after making a visit to a doctor who would have to inform her of possible risks of the procedure.
U.S. top court considers putting brakes on police vehicle searches
U.S. Supreme Court justices on Tuesday wrestled with the scope of police authority to search vehicles without warrants, with Chief Justice John Roberts referencing the shiny red convertible taken for a joyride in the 1986 comedy film 'Ferris Bueller’s Day Off' to make a serious legal point.
Christian News
Through a War, God Brings Revival to Syria
For years, Syrian Christians had been praying for a revival. 'But never did we imagine it would come because of war,' said one church leader. Seven years of civil war has left Syria in ruins. Many of those who came from Christian families left early on in the war, a cause of great despair as church leaders watched their congregants slowly disappear.
Strong quake in Caribbean Sea shakes Honduras, Mexico and Belize, sparks tsunami warning
An earthquake of magnitude 7.6 that struck near remote islands belonging to Honduras on Tuesday was felt across northern Central America, prompting a tsunami warning for parts of the Caribbean.
U.S. to decide on Iran sanctions waivers on Friday: State Department
The Trump administration is expected to decide on Friday whether to continue to waive U.S. penalties on Iran, as agreed under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, the State Department said on Tuesday.
Australia experiences 3rd hottest year on record in 2017
Officials says Australia has experienced its third hottest year on record in 2017, when surrounding high sea temperatures delivered a second consecutive summer of devastating coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Palestinian Authority Paid Terrorists Over $347 Million in 2017
The Palestinian Authority paid terrorists and their families more than $347 million last year, according to its own records.
Israeli jets and rockets hit Syria overnight, Syrian army claims
The Syrian army claimed Tuesday that Israeli fighter jets and rockets targeted positions inside the war-torn nation overnight, marking a potential uptick in tensions between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants operating there.
4 arrested for trying to sell land to Jews
Four people have been arrested for the capital offense of selling Palestinian land to Jews, even though the deals apparently were halted before completion, according to authorities.
Inside the United States
At least 13 killed amid heavy rains, floods, slides in Southern California
At least 13 people died as a result of heavy rains that triggered flooding and mudslides in fire-ravaged parts of Southern California.
Federal Judges Order North Carolina to Quickly Redraw Congressional Districts
A panel of three federal judges has ordered North Carolina to redraw its Congressional district boundaries immediately, saying the current version is unconstitutional.
Trump calls GOP Dreamer fix a ‘bill of love,’ seeks deal with Dems on immigration
At a meeting Tuesday with bipartisan members of Congress, President Trump said the fix to the soon-to-expire temporary amnesty for 'Dreamers' would be a 'bill of love,' but stressed that tougher border security must be part of the deal.
Sen. Cruz Introduces Legislation to Make Tax Cuts Permanent
Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) has introduced a bill that would make the individual tax cuts included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent.
Florida judge blocks abortion delay law, rules it unconstitutional
A Florida judge on Tuesday permanently blocked and declared unconstitutional a law requiring a woman to delay an abortion by at least 24 hours after making a visit to a doctor who would have to inform her of possible risks of the procedure.
U.S. top court considers putting brakes on police vehicle searches
U.S. Supreme Court justices on Tuesday wrestled with the scope of police authority to search vehicles without warrants, with Chief Justice John Roberts referencing the shiny red convertible taken for a joyride in the 1986 comedy film 'Ferris Bueller’s Day Off' to make a serious legal point.
Christian News
Through a War, God Brings Revival to Syria
For years, Syrian Christians had been praying for a revival. 'But never did we imagine it would come because of war,' said one church leader. Seven years of civil war has left Syria in ruins. Many of those who came from Christian families left early on in the war, a cause of great despair as church leaders watched their congregants slowly disappear.
Around the World
2 Koreas say they seek breakthrough at rare border talks
Senior officials from North and South Korea began the rivals’ first formal talks in about two years Tuesday to discuss how to cooperate in next month’s Winter Olympics in the South and how to improve their long-strained ties.
Papua New Guinea volcano erupts for first time in history, sparking tsunami fears as hundreds flee
A volcano in Papua New Guinea that was thought to be dormant has erupted for the first time in known history, spewing ash thousands of feet into the air and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of residents.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Security cabinet holds 'extremely significant' meetings about northern border
Israel’s security cabinet has convened several times in recent days, holding 'extremely significant' meetings to discuss developments on the northern border and Iran’s presence in Syria.
Turkey seeks to increase its influence in East Jerusalem
Since the US recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital last month, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has become the leading voice of the Arab and Islamic opposition to the move. His country even hosted a special meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), during which he called Israel a "terror state" and threatened to cut its diplomatic ties with it.
VP Mike Pence to Visit Egypt, Jordan and Israel Later This Month
In his first trip to the Middle East as vice president, Mike Pence is scheduled to visit several countries and leaders in the region later this month.
Inside the United States
US hits record for costly weather disasters: $306 billion
With three strong hurricanes, wildfires, hail, flooding, tornadoes and drought, the United States tallied a record high bill last year for weather disasters: $306 billion.
Mudslide and flood threat prompts evacuations in burnt Southern California as major storm looms
Mudslides and flash floods, or at least the potential for them, raised new danger for Southern California on Monday as mandatory evacuations were issued for regions already devastated by wildfires and now facing the first major rainstorm of the season.
Supreme Court declines to review Mississippi religious liberty law
The Supreme Court announced Monday it would not hear cases challenging a Mississippi law that allows religious organizations to refuse to hire persons or provide services in situations that run afoul of their sincerely held religious beliefs.
Appeals Court Strikes Maryland City's Law Forcing Pro-Life Centers to Promote Abortion
A three-judge panel of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has struck down a Maryland city's law that forced a pro-life center to post disclaimers at their facility about not providing abortions.
Senate vote on 20-week abortion ban coming this month
The Senate is likely to vote this month on a bill that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of gestation, sources familiar with the matter told the Washington Examiner.
US banks buoy reserves as credit card debt hits $1.02 trillion record
Sure, a record $1.02 trillion in U.S. credit card debt gives banks the chance to earn higher interest.
FEMA chief: Puerto Rico still in emergency response mode
Nearly four months after two hurricanes hit this island, the chief of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s operations in Puerto Rico says he has never before had to continue emergency relief efforts like delivering food, water and temporary roofing so long after a natural disaster.
2 Koreas say they seek breakthrough at rare border talks
Senior officials from North and South Korea began the rivals’ first formal talks in about two years Tuesday to discuss how to cooperate in next month’s Winter Olympics in the South and how to improve their long-strained ties.
Papua New Guinea volcano erupts for first time in history, sparking tsunami fears as hundreds flee
A volcano in Papua New Guinea that was thought to be dormant has erupted for the first time in known history, spewing ash thousands of feet into the air and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of residents.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Security cabinet holds 'extremely significant' meetings about northern border
Israel’s security cabinet has convened several times in recent days, holding 'extremely significant' meetings to discuss developments on the northern border and Iran’s presence in Syria.
Turkey seeks to increase its influence in East Jerusalem
Since the US recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital last month, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has become the leading voice of the Arab and Islamic opposition to the move. His country even hosted a special meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), during which he called Israel a "terror state" and threatened to cut its diplomatic ties with it.
VP Mike Pence to Visit Egypt, Jordan and Israel Later This Month
In his first trip to the Middle East as vice president, Mike Pence is scheduled to visit several countries and leaders in the region later this month.
Inside the United States
US hits record for costly weather disasters: $306 billion
With three strong hurricanes, wildfires, hail, flooding, tornadoes and drought, the United States tallied a record high bill last year for weather disasters: $306 billion.
Mudslide and flood threat prompts evacuations in burnt Southern California as major storm looms
Mudslides and flash floods, or at least the potential for them, raised new danger for Southern California on Monday as mandatory evacuations were issued for regions already devastated by wildfires and now facing the first major rainstorm of the season.
Supreme Court declines to review Mississippi religious liberty law
The Supreme Court announced Monday it would not hear cases challenging a Mississippi law that allows religious organizations to refuse to hire persons or provide services in situations that run afoul of their sincerely held religious beliefs.
Appeals Court Strikes Maryland City's Law Forcing Pro-Life Centers to Promote Abortion
A three-judge panel of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has struck down a Maryland city's law that forced a pro-life center to post disclaimers at their facility about not providing abortions.
Senate vote on 20-week abortion ban coming this month
The Senate is likely to vote this month on a bill that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of gestation, sources familiar with the matter told the Washington Examiner.
US banks buoy reserves as credit card debt hits $1.02 trillion record
Sure, a record $1.02 trillion in U.S. credit card debt gives banks the chance to earn higher interest.
FEMA chief: Puerto Rico still in emergency response mode
Nearly four months after two hurricanes hit this island, the chief of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s operations in Puerto Rico says he has never before had to continue emergency relief efforts like delivering food, water and temporary roofing so long after a natural disaster.