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
Iran: $100b. in assets 'fully released' under nuclear deal
Iran said Monday it now has access to more than $100 billion worth of frozen overseas assets following the implementation of a landmark nuclear deal with world powers.
US, 11 other countries sign free-trade deal in New Zealand
Trade ministers from 12 Pacific Rim countries including the United States gathered Thursday in New Zealand for the ceremonial signing of a free-trade deal they say will significantly boost trade.
U.N. halts Syria talks as government closes in on Aleppo
A United Nations envoy halted his attempts to conduct Syrian peace talks on Wednesday after the army, backed by Russian air strikes, advanced against rebel forces north of Aleppo, choking opposition supply lines from Turkey to the city.
Donald Trump and Pope Francis Are 2016 Nobel Peace Prize Nominees
Donald Trump and Pope Francis are among the nominees for the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize, experts confirmed Wednesday.
Germany considers $5,450 limit on cash transactions
The German government is considering introducing a limit of 5,000 euros ($5,450) on cash transactions in an effort to combat money laundering and financing of terrorism.
State admits Kerry downplayed Iran's $100 billion payday
The State Department admitted Tuesday that Iran will get about $100 billion in frozen assets under the Iran nuclear agreement, just weeks after Secretary of State John Kerry ridiculed that number as 'fictional.'
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
France considers recognition of a Palestinian state
The French foreign minister says France will recognize a Palestinian state if its efforts to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks fail.
Poll: 63% of Israelis Rank President Obama 'Worst for Israel in The Last 30 Years'
A survey shows that Jewish Israelis rank Barack Obama as the 'worst' U.S. president in relation to Israel in the last 30 years -- 63% of Israelis put Obama in the 'worst' category while 16% rated Jimmy Carter as the second 'worst' president.
One killed, two wounded in J'lem terror attack
Three terrorists committed a combined stabbing and shooting attack Wednesday afternoon at Jerusalem's Damascus gate, wounding two female Border Police officers and a young man.
Hamas calls for Palestinian elections 10 years on
Islamist movement Hamas on Tuesday marked the 10th anniversary of the legislative election it won in 2006 with a call for new parliamentary and presidential polls in the Palestinian territories.
Inside the United States
January Gun Sales Set Yet Another Record
The FBI conducted more gun-related background checks this January than in any other January since the system was created.
Pro-life group releases Planned Parenthood video ahead of court appearances
Apparently neither lawsuits nor indictments can stop the Center for Medical Progress from releasing anti-Planned Parenthood videos.
Pentagon Said to Seek 35% Fund Boost for Islamic State Fight
The Pentagon will seek a 35 percent increase in funding for the fight against Islamic State in its next budget, bringing the request for U.S. military efforts against the terrorist group to $7.5 billion, according to a defense official.
Obama to seek 1.6 percent pay raise for federal government workers
The Obama administration next week will propose a 1.6 percent pay increase for federal employees, an administration official said on Wednesday.
Obama visits US mosque, says impression of Muslims distorted
President Barack Obama sought Wednesday to correct what he called a 'hugely distorted impression' of Muslim-Americans as he made his first visit to a U.S. mosque. He said those who demonize all Muslims for the acts of a few are playing into extremists' hands.
Subpoenaed Documents Reveal Obama Admin Deliberately Kept Congress in Dark Over Debt Ceiling Plans
The Obama administration deliberately withheld information and kept Congress in the dark on how it was going to prioritize payments if the debt ceiling was not raised, according documents subpoenaed by the House Financial Services Committee.
White House veto threats keep on coming
The White House has issued two more veto threats against Republican-sponsored bills, picking up the pace of confrontation with GOP leaders.
U.S. Politics
In big shift since 2008, red states now outnumber blue states in U.S.: Gallup
For the first time in eight years, there are more "red" states than "blue" states in the country, according to new analysis of political party affiliations in the U.S. from Gallup.
Rick Santorum endorses Marco Rubio after suspending campaign
Rick Santorum endorsed Marco Rubio for president on Wednesday evening, just hours after it was widely reported that he'd drop out of the race himself.
Ryan asks conservatives: Don't revolt in 2016
House Speaker Paul Ryan kicked off a policy summit at the Heritage Foundation with a clear message for the conservatives who have been his allies over the years but made life hard for former Speaker John Boehner: Please don't revolt, at least not this year.
Christian News
Nigeria: Twin bombings leave dozens dead, injured
Suicide bombings in two predominantly Christian communities in northeast Nigeria last week left at least 26 dead and dozens more injured.
Mexico: Baptists families expelled
Ten Baptist families were unceremoniously expelled from the community of Tuxpan de Bolanos in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, last week for refusing to recant their faith.
Rev. Graham: America Is Being Systematically Stripped of its Christian Heritage By Politicians Hostile to Christianity
Secularism has infiltrated our government, schools, and society to such a vast extent that it is stripping America of its 'Christian heritage,' and replacing it with 'a worldview that embraces atheistic humanism and is devoid of biblical values,' said Rev. Franklin Graham, son of world-renowned preacher Billy Graham.
Why Nepal Has One Of The World's Fastest-Growing Christian Populations
Famous for its high peaks and wind-whipped prayer flags, Hindu-majority Nepal used to be a nation unreached by Christianity.
Around the World
Iran: $100b. in assets 'fully released' under nuclear deal
Iran said Monday it now has access to more than $100 billion worth of frozen overseas assets following the implementation of a landmark nuclear deal with world powers.
US, 11 other countries sign free-trade deal in New Zealand
Trade ministers from 12 Pacific Rim countries including the United States gathered Thursday in New Zealand for the ceremonial signing of a free-trade deal they say will significantly boost trade.
U.N. halts Syria talks as government closes in on Aleppo
A United Nations envoy halted his attempts to conduct Syrian peace talks on Wednesday after the army, backed by Russian air strikes, advanced against rebel forces north of Aleppo, choking opposition supply lines from Turkey to the city.
Donald Trump and Pope Francis Are 2016 Nobel Peace Prize Nominees
Donald Trump and Pope Francis are among the nominees for the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize, experts confirmed Wednesday.
Germany considers $5,450 limit on cash transactions
The German government is considering introducing a limit of 5,000 euros ($5,450) on cash transactions in an effort to combat money laundering and financing of terrorism.
State admits Kerry downplayed Iran's $100 billion payday
The State Department admitted Tuesday that Iran will get about $100 billion in frozen assets under the Iran nuclear agreement, just weeks after Secretary of State John Kerry ridiculed that number as 'fictional.'
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
France considers recognition of a Palestinian state
The French foreign minister says France will recognize a Palestinian state if its efforts to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks fail.
Poll: 63% of Israelis Rank President Obama 'Worst for Israel in The Last 30 Years'
A survey shows that Jewish Israelis rank Barack Obama as the 'worst' U.S. president in relation to Israel in the last 30 years -- 63% of Israelis put Obama in the 'worst' category while 16% rated Jimmy Carter as the second 'worst' president.
One killed, two wounded in J'lem terror attack
Three terrorists committed a combined stabbing and shooting attack Wednesday afternoon at Jerusalem's Damascus gate, wounding two female Border Police officers and a young man.
Hamas calls for Palestinian elections 10 years on
Islamist movement Hamas on Tuesday marked the 10th anniversary of the legislative election it won in 2006 with a call for new parliamentary and presidential polls in the Palestinian territories.
Inside the United States
January Gun Sales Set Yet Another Record
The FBI conducted more gun-related background checks this January than in any other January since the system was created.
Pro-life group releases Planned Parenthood video ahead of court appearances
Apparently neither lawsuits nor indictments can stop the Center for Medical Progress from releasing anti-Planned Parenthood videos.
Pentagon Said to Seek 35% Fund Boost for Islamic State Fight
The Pentagon will seek a 35 percent increase in funding for the fight against Islamic State in its next budget, bringing the request for U.S. military efforts against the terrorist group to $7.5 billion, according to a defense official.
Obama to seek 1.6 percent pay raise for federal government workers
The Obama administration next week will propose a 1.6 percent pay increase for federal employees, an administration official said on Wednesday.
Obama visits US mosque, says impression of Muslims distorted
President Barack Obama sought Wednesday to correct what he called a 'hugely distorted impression' of Muslim-Americans as he made his first visit to a U.S. mosque. He said those who demonize all Muslims for the acts of a few are playing into extremists' hands.
Subpoenaed Documents Reveal Obama Admin Deliberately Kept Congress in Dark Over Debt Ceiling Plans
The Obama administration deliberately withheld information and kept Congress in the dark on how it was going to prioritize payments if the debt ceiling was not raised, according documents subpoenaed by the House Financial Services Committee.
White House veto threats keep on coming
The White House has issued two more veto threats against Republican-sponsored bills, picking up the pace of confrontation with GOP leaders.
U.S. Politics
In big shift since 2008, red states now outnumber blue states in U.S.: Gallup
For the first time in eight years, there are more "red" states than "blue" states in the country, according to new analysis of political party affiliations in the U.S. from Gallup.
Rick Santorum endorses Marco Rubio after suspending campaign
Rick Santorum endorsed Marco Rubio for president on Wednesday evening, just hours after it was widely reported that he'd drop out of the race himself.
Ryan asks conservatives: Don't revolt in 2016
House Speaker Paul Ryan kicked off a policy summit at the Heritage Foundation with a clear message for the conservatives who have been his allies over the years but made life hard for former Speaker John Boehner: Please don't revolt, at least not this year.
Christian News
Nigeria: Twin bombings leave dozens dead, injured
Suicide bombings in two predominantly Christian communities in northeast Nigeria last week left at least 26 dead and dozens more injured.
Mexico: Baptists families expelled
Ten Baptist families were unceremoniously expelled from the community of Tuxpan de Bolanos in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, last week for refusing to recant their faith.
Rev. Graham: America Is Being Systematically Stripped of its Christian Heritage By Politicians Hostile to Christianity
Secularism has infiltrated our government, schools, and society to such a vast extent that it is stripping America of its 'Christian heritage,' and replacing it with 'a worldview that embraces atheistic humanism and is devoid of biblical values,' said Rev. Franklin Graham, son of world-renowned preacher Billy Graham.
Why Nepal Has One Of The World's Fastest-Growing Christian Populations
Famous for its high peaks and wind-whipped prayer flags, Hindu-majority Nepal used to be a nation unreached by Christianity.
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
Russia open to 'terrorists' attending Syria peace talks
Russia said Tuesday it supports the inclusion of all opposition parties in Syrian peace talks, including representatives of two hard-line Islamic groups, as President Bashar Assad’s troops captured a village north of Syria’s largest city with the aid of Russian airstrikes.
U.S. Spots Russian Commandos in Syria
Russian special operations troops are working covertly in Syria to support an array of Iranian-backed fighters, including members of the international terrorist group Hezbollah, U.S. defense officials and counterterror experts say.
State admits Kerry downplayed Iran's $100 billion payday
The State Department admitted Tuesday that Iran will get about $100 billion in frozen assets under the Iran nuclear agreement, just weeks after Secretary of State John Kerry ridiculed that number as 'fictional.'
N. Korea satellite launch would violate U.N. sanctions
North Korea has announced an imminent satellite launch which is a major violation of United Nations sanctions. This launch comes on the heels of North Korea's recent fourth nuclear test which was also a major violation of the U.N. directive. The world body forbode North Korea from testing ballistic missile technology following its 2012 rocket launch.
Zika virus can be spread by sex, officials now say
The Zika virus, a disease that this week was declared a worldwide health emergency and is widely thought to cause birth defects, is now also known to be spreadable by sexual contact.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Olmert pleads guilty to obstruction of justice
Ex-prime minister Ehud Olmert on Tuesday admitted to two counts of obstruction of justice as part of a plea deal after a years-long legal saga. The Jerusalem Magistrates Court judge convicted Olmert on both counts. It was the first time that Olmert admitted to wrongdoing in any of the cases against him.
Poll: Most Frenchmen believe Jews responsible for rise in anti-Semitism
Fully 60 percent of Frenchmen believe that Jews bear at least some responsibility for recent rises in anti-Semitism, according to a new poll by the Ipsos market research firm.
Inside the United States
Democrats foil GOP repeal of Obamacare
House Democrats sustained President Obama's veto of an Obamacare repeal Tuesday, defeating the GOP's deepest salvo yet against the health care law but delivering a rallying cry to conservative Republicans in a pivotal election year.
House OKs bill targeting Iran deal, which Obama vowed to veto
The US House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a Republican-led bill targeting the landmark nuclear agreement with Iran.
The Fed Wants to Test How Banks Would Handle Negative Rates
As interest rates turn negative around the world, the Federal Reserve is asking banks to consider the possibility of the same happening in the U.S.
D.C. might pay criminals for good behavior
The District of Columbia has moved forward on a plan to reward $4.9 million over four years to released criminals who do not become repeat offenders.
Christian News
Sudan: One of two pastors released
Sudanese authorities have released one of two pastors detained in December.
Nigeria: Pastors kidnapped
Two Nigerian pastors have been abducted this month in Kogi state, Nigeria.
Around the World
Russia open to 'terrorists' attending Syria peace talks
Russia said Tuesday it supports the inclusion of all opposition parties in Syrian peace talks, including representatives of two hard-line Islamic groups, as President Bashar Assad’s troops captured a village north of Syria’s largest city with the aid of Russian airstrikes.
U.S. Spots Russian Commandos in Syria
Russian special operations troops are working covertly in Syria to support an array of Iranian-backed fighters, including members of the international terrorist group Hezbollah, U.S. defense officials and counterterror experts say.
State admits Kerry downplayed Iran's $100 billion payday
The State Department admitted Tuesday that Iran will get about $100 billion in frozen assets under the Iran nuclear agreement, just weeks after Secretary of State John Kerry ridiculed that number as 'fictional.'
N. Korea satellite launch would violate U.N. sanctions
North Korea has announced an imminent satellite launch which is a major violation of United Nations sanctions. This launch comes on the heels of North Korea's recent fourth nuclear test which was also a major violation of the U.N. directive. The world body forbode North Korea from testing ballistic missile technology following its 2012 rocket launch.
Zika virus can be spread by sex, officials now say
The Zika virus, a disease that this week was declared a worldwide health emergency and is widely thought to cause birth defects, is now also known to be spreadable by sexual contact.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Olmert pleads guilty to obstruction of justice
Ex-prime minister Ehud Olmert on Tuesday admitted to two counts of obstruction of justice as part of a plea deal after a years-long legal saga. The Jerusalem Magistrates Court judge convicted Olmert on both counts. It was the first time that Olmert admitted to wrongdoing in any of the cases against him.
Poll: Most Frenchmen believe Jews responsible for rise in anti-Semitism
Fully 60 percent of Frenchmen believe that Jews bear at least some responsibility for recent rises in anti-Semitism, according to a new poll by the Ipsos market research firm.
Inside the United States
Democrats foil GOP repeal of Obamacare
House Democrats sustained President Obama's veto of an Obamacare repeal Tuesday, defeating the GOP's deepest salvo yet against the health care law but delivering a rallying cry to conservative Republicans in a pivotal election year.
House OKs bill targeting Iran deal, which Obama vowed to veto
The US House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a Republican-led bill targeting the landmark nuclear agreement with Iran.
The Fed Wants to Test How Banks Would Handle Negative Rates
As interest rates turn negative around the world, the Federal Reserve is asking banks to consider the possibility of the same happening in the U.S.
D.C. might pay criminals for good behavior
The District of Columbia has moved forward on a plan to reward $4.9 million over four years to released criminals who do not become repeat offenders.
Christian News
Sudan: One of two pastors released
Sudanese authorities have released one of two pastors detained in December.
Nigeria: Pastors kidnapped
Two Nigerian pastors have been abducted this month in Kogi state, Nigeria.
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
British scientists granted permission to genetically modify human embryos
British scientists have been granted permission to genetically modify human embryos by the fertility regulator.
Company Developing ‘Tech Tattoos’ So People Can Track Their Medical, Financial Info
Software company Chaotic Moon has developed a 'tech tattoo' that gets embedded into a person's arm and can track a person's financial and medical information.
Russia deploys frontline fighter jets to Syria amid Turkish tension
Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said Monday that Su-35 fighters have been deployed to Hemeimeem air base in Syria. The Su-35 is Russia's most advanced fighter that is fielded in significant numbers. NATO designates the aircraft as the SU-35S Flanker-E.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Leviathan signs first gas deal at $1.3 billion
In a vote of confidence for Israel's natural gas market, the consortium developing Israel's largest gas field Leviathan announced its first sale Sunday, for a whopping $1.3 billion.
Inside the United States
National debt hits $19 trillion
The national debt hit $19 trillion for the first time ever on Friday, and came in at $19.012 trillion.
Legal US pot sales soar to $5.4B in 2015: Report
Legal U.S. pot sales soared to $5.4 billion for 2015, up 17.4 percent from $4.6 billion in 2014, according to data released Monday by the ArcView Group, which tracks the cannabis markets.
U.S. Busts 'Massive' Hezbollah Drug, Money Laundering Scheme
U.S. and European authorities announced on Monday that they had busted a 'massive' drug and money-laundering scheme being operated by the Iranian-backed terror group Hezbollah.
U.S. Politics
Values Voters Deliver Iowa for Ted Cruz
Ted Cruz won a major victory in Monday's Iowa caucuses. Polls showed him running behind Donald Trump, who attacked Cruz furiously, calling him a nasty person, a stooge of Goldman Sachs, and, heaven forbid, a Canadian. But Cruz persevered and beat Trump 28 to 24 percent, with Marco Rubio a close third at 23 percent. Cruz's path to the Republican nomination depended on him winning the Iowa caucuses. Well, he won them.
Martin O'Malley Quitting Democratic Race
Former Maryland Gov. Democrat Martin O'Malley is dropping out of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination Tuesday after a poor showing in the Iowa caucuses.
Mike Huckabee Quits GOP Campaign
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee said Tuesday that he was quitting the race for the Republican presidential nomination after a dismal showing in the Iowa caucuses.
Ted Cruz Wins Iowa Caucus, Clinton Holds Narrow Lead Over Sanders
Republican Senator Ted Cruz beat billionaire Donald Trump in Iowa on Monday while Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders remained deadlocked in the first presidential nominating contests of the 2016 White House race.
Iowa Democratic Caucus Too Close to Call
Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) were locked in a virtual tie late Monday night, with the Iowa Democratic caucus too close to call.
Christian News
Egyptian Christian students stand trial for insulting Islam
An Egyptian lawyer says three Coptic Christian students face charges of insulting Islam and will stand trial this week after appearing in a video mocking Muslim prayers.
Pastor of China's Largest Megachurch Jailed for Protesting Demolition of Church Crosses
Pastor Gu 'Joseph' Yuese of Hangzhou's Chongyi Church, the largest government-sanctioned church in China, has reportedly been sent to jail for protesting forced removal of church crosses.
Around the World
British scientists granted permission to genetically modify human embryos
British scientists have been granted permission to genetically modify human embryos by the fertility regulator.
Company Developing ‘Tech Tattoos’ So People Can Track Their Medical, Financial Info
Software company Chaotic Moon has developed a 'tech tattoo' that gets embedded into a person's arm and can track a person's financial and medical information.
Russia deploys frontline fighter jets to Syria amid Turkish tension
Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said Monday that Su-35 fighters have been deployed to Hemeimeem air base in Syria. The Su-35 is Russia's most advanced fighter that is fielded in significant numbers. NATO designates the aircraft as the SU-35S Flanker-E.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Leviathan signs first gas deal at $1.3 billion
In a vote of confidence for Israel's natural gas market, the consortium developing Israel's largest gas field Leviathan announced its first sale Sunday, for a whopping $1.3 billion.
Inside the United States
National debt hits $19 trillion
The national debt hit $19 trillion for the first time ever on Friday, and came in at $19.012 trillion.
Legal US pot sales soar to $5.4B in 2015: Report
Legal U.S. pot sales soared to $5.4 billion for 2015, up 17.4 percent from $4.6 billion in 2014, according to data released Monday by the ArcView Group, which tracks the cannabis markets.
U.S. Busts 'Massive' Hezbollah Drug, Money Laundering Scheme
U.S. and European authorities announced on Monday that they had busted a 'massive' drug and money-laundering scheme being operated by the Iranian-backed terror group Hezbollah.
U.S. Politics
Values Voters Deliver Iowa for Ted Cruz
Ted Cruz won a major victory in Monday's Iowa caucuses. Polls showed him running behind Donald Trump, who attacked Cruz furiously, calling him a nasty person, a stooge of Goldman Sachs, and, heaven forbid, a Canadian. But Cruz persevered and beat Trump 28 to 24 percent, with Marco Rubio a close third at 23 percent. Cruz's path to the Republican nomination depended on him winning the Iowa caucuses. Well, he won them.
Martin O'Malley Quitting Democratic Race
Former Maryland Gov. Democrat Martin O'Malley is dropping out of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination Tuesday after a poor showing in the Iowa caucuses.
Mike Huckabee Quits GOP Campaign
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee said Tuesday that he was quitting the race for the Republican presidential nomination after a dismal showing in the Iowa caucuses.
Ted Cruz Wins Iowa Caucus, Clinton Holds Narrow Lead Over Sanders
Republican Senator Ted Cruz beat billionaire Donald Trump in Iowa on Monday while Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders remained deadlocked in the first presidential nominating contests of the 2016 White House race.
Iowa Democratic Caucus Too Close to Call
Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) were locked in a virtual tie late Monday night, with the Iowa Democratic caucus too close to call.
Christian News
Egyptian Christian students stand trial for insulting Islam
An Egyptian lawyer says three Coptic Christian students face charges of insulting Islam and will stand trial this week after appearing in a video mocking Muslim prayers.
Pastor of China's Largest Megachurch Jailed for Protesting Demolition of Church Crosses
Pastor Gu 'Joseph' Yuese of Hangzhou's Chongyi Church, the largest government-sanctioned church in China, has reportedly been sent to jail for protesting forced removal of church crosses.