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
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.
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
Obama Administration Set to Punish Russia for "Election Interference"
The Obama administration is close to announcing a series of measures to punish Russia for its interference in the 2016 presidential election, including economic sanctions and diplomatic censure, according to U.S. officials.
Turkey, Russia agree on Syria cease-fire plan
Turkey and Russia have reached an agreement on a cease-fire plan comprising the whole of Syria, and the two countries will work to ensure that it comes into effect at midnight Wednesday night, Turkey’s state-run news agency reported Wednesday.
Defector: North Korea has Big Nuclear Plans
Next year will be the most opportune time for North Korea to bolster its nuclear program because of upcoming leadership changes in the United States and South Korea, according to a senior North Korean official who defected recently to the South.
Finland to test 'universal basic income' for the unemployed
A group of 2,000 unemployed people in Finland will receive a basic income every month from the state, tax-free and with no strings attached. Proponents hope to prove such schemes boost people's motivation to find work.
U.N. Agency Publishes Secret Iran Deal Docs On Exemptions Obama Admin Dismissed
Iran was given secret exemptions allowing the country to exceed restrictions set out by the landmark nuclear deal inked last year, some of which were made public this week by the United Nations nuclear watchdog and others that are likely still being withheld, according to diplomatic sources and a top nuclear expert who spoke to THE WEEKLY STANDARD.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
PA planning more steps against Israel at ICC
Saeb Erekat, formerly the chief negotiator on behalf of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and a member of the Fatah Central Committee, threatened on Tuesday that the PA would take a number of steps in the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague against what he termed the 'crimes of the Israeli occupation, led by the settlements.'
Shin Bet: Hamas terror operative arrested crossing border into Israel; Reveals Hamas Tunnel Network
It was cleared for publication Wednesday that Bilal Razania, brother of Mustafa Razania, head of the Hamas internal security apparatus, was arrested while crossing the border from Gaza into Israel on November 27, 2016, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) said in a statement.
Israel urges Obama to stop diplomatic 'assault' amid fears of more U.N. action
An Israeli spokesman called Tuesday for President Obama to stop his diplomatic 'assault' on the Middle East nation and warned that last week's anti-Israel U.N. resolution may be only the beginning.
Inside the United States
Congress Moving to Cut U.S. Funding to U.N. in Wake of Anti-Israel Vote
Congress is already setting the stage to cut off U.S. funding to the United Nations in the wake of a contested vote last week in which the Obama administration permitted an anti-Israel resolution to win overwhelming approval, according to congressional leaders, who told the Washington Free Beacon that the current administration is already plotting to take further action against the Jewish state before vacating office.
U.S. appeals court revives Clinton email suit
In a new legal development on the controversy over former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's emails, an appeals court on Tuesday reversed a lower court ruling and said two U.S. government agencies should have done more to recover the emails.
Christian News
Latest violence has Christians across Middle East fearing bleak future for themselves in region
While 2016 may have been the year that the Islamic State was pushed back and towards defeat, its two years of violence have left Christians with wounds created by fear and distrust that may never heal.
Around the World
Obama Administration Set to Punish Russia for "Election Interference"
The Obama administration is close to announcing a series of measures to punish Russia for its interference in the 2016 presidential election, including economic sanctions and diplomatic censure, according to U.S. officials.
Turkey, Russia agree on Syria cease-fire plan
Turkey and Russia have reached an agreement on a cease-fire plan comprising the whole of Syria, and the two countries will work to ensure that it comes into effect at midnight Wednesday night, Turkey’s state-run news agency reported Wednesday.
Defector: North Korea has Big Nuclear Plans
Next year will be the most opportune time for North Korea to bolster its nuclear program because of upcoming leadership changes in the United States and South Korea, according to a senior North Korean official who defected recently to the South.
Finland to test 'universal basic income' for the unemployed
A group of 2,000 unemployed people in Finland will receive a basic income every month from the state, tax-free and with no strings attached. Proponents hope to prove such schemes boost people's motivation to find work.
U.N. Agency Publishes Secret Iran Deal Docs On Exemptions Obama Admin Dismissed
Iran was given secret exemptions allowing the country to exceed restrictions set out by the landmark nuclear deal inked last year, some of which were made public this week by the United Nations nuclear watchdog and others that are likely still being withheld, according to diplomatic sources and a top nuclear expert who spoke to THE WEEKLY STANDARD.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
PA planning more steps against Israel at ICC
Saeb Erekat, formerly the chief negotiator on behalf of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and a member of the Fatah Central Committee, threatened on Tuesday that the PA would take a number of steps in the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague against what he termed the 'crimes of the Israeli occupation, led by the settlements.'
Shin Bet: Hamas terror operative arrested crossing border into Israel; Reveals Hamas Tunnel Network
It was cleared for publication Wednesday that Bilal Razania, brother of Mustafa Razania, head of the Hamas internal security apparatus, was arrested while crossing the border from Gaza into Israel on November 27, 2016, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) said in a statement.
Israel urges Obama to stop diplomatic 'assault' amid fears of more U.N. action
An Israeli spokesman called Tuesday for President Obama to stop his diplomatic 'assault' on the Middle East nation and warned that last week's anti-Israel U.N. resolution may be only the beginning.
Inside the United States
Congress Moving to Cut U.S. Funding to U.N. in Wake of Anti-Israel Vote
Congress is already setting the stage to cut off U.S. funding to the United Nations in the wake of a contested vote last week in which the Obama administration permitted an anti-Israel resolution to win overwhelming approval, according to congressional leaders, who told the Washington Free Beacon that the current administration is already plotting to take further action against the Jewish state before vacating office.
U.S. appeals court revives Clinton email suit
In a new legal development on the controversy over former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's emails, an appeals court on Tuesday reversed a lower court ruling and said two U.S. government agencies should have done more to recover the emails.
Christian News
Latest violence has Christians across Middle East fearing bleak future for themselves in region
While 2016 may have been the year that the Islamic State was pushed back and towards defeat, its two years of violence have left Christians with wounds created by fear and distrust that may never heal.
Today's Breaking News
Around the World
Russia says will boost cooperation with Turkey, Iran on Syria - Interfax
Russian Foreign Minster Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that Russia would work more closely with Turkey and Iran on the situation in Syria and said the three countries' cooperation had saved lives by helping to evacuate eastern Aleppo.
Russia Calls US Move to Better Arm Syrian Rebels a 'Hostile act'
Russia said on Tuesday that a U.S. decision to ease some restrictions on arming Syrian rebels had opened the way for deliveries of shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles, a move it said would directly threaten Russian forces in Syria.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel will share 'evidence' of Obama-UN collusion with Trump, ambassador says
Israel's ambassador the United States says his country will share evidence with President-elect Donald Trump that the Obama administration was behind a United Nations Security Council resolution that condemned Israel's settlements in Palestinian territory, though the ambassador did not offer the evidence when pressed in a CNN interview.
Abbas Eyes Paris Summit as Israel to Expand Construction
The Palestinian president said Tuesday that he hopes the upcoming Mideast conference in France will set a timetable to end settlements, as Israel advances plans for thousands of new homes in parts of Jerusalem claimed by the Palestinians, despite the recent U.N. Security Council resolution condemning construction there.
Security forces foil 180 attacks in Judea and Samaria in 2016
Security forces have foiled some 180 shooting attacks across Judea and Samaria in 2016, a senior defense official revealed Sunday.
The UN Votes to Expel 400,000 Jews. Now What?
The UN Security Council vote, made possible by the Obama Administration's historic decision to abstain, has effectively nullified the Oslo Accords, which were premised on direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
Backfire: Obama's Israel slap could prompt U.S. to leave U.N.
The president's refusal to veto a United Nations resolution condemning Israeli settlements, documented in detail by WND on Friday, is now causing such a backlash, the move could stunningly backfire on the outgoing commander in chief.
Inside the United States
Trump can reshape judiciary as he inherits more than 100 federal court vacancies
The Trump administration will have a huge opportunity to reshape the judiciary with an estimated 103 federal circuit and district court vacancies being handed over during the transition, a report said.
Islamic State arrests reveal jihadi threat near seat of U.S. government
Law enforcement agencies have arrested nine Northern Virginia residents on charges of aiding the Islamic State since the terrorist group rose to power in Syria and Iraq in 2014 and launched social media propaganda to attract followers, a government message to police states.
U.S. was No. 1 worldwide in weapons sales in 2015 at $40B
The United States sold $40.2 billion worth of weapons in 2015 -- by far the most in the world, according to a new congressional study.
Obama circumvents Constitution with 'signing statements' after blasting Bush
President Obama said Friday that the annual defense policy bill Congress sent him violated the Constitution -- but he signed it anyway.
Obama evades Congress, stretches war powers in precedent for Trump
President Obama took office criticizing the expansive wars fought under the 2001 and 2002 authorizations for the use of military force, but over the past eight years, he has become attached to the two documents and used them to justify expansion of U.S. military action around the globe.
Christian News
Sixteen hurt in Christmas eve blast at Catholic church in Philippines
Sixteen people were wounded in a grenade explosion outside a Catholic church during a Christmas eve mass in the Philippines' restive southern island of Mindanao, a priest and police said on Saturday.
Around the World
Russia says will boost cooperation with Turkey, Iran on Syria - Interfax
Russian Foreign Minster Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that Russia would work more closely with Turkey and Iran on the situation in Syria and said the three countries' cooperation had saved lives by helping to evacuate eastern Aleppo.
Russia Calls US Move to Better Arm Syrian Rebels a 'Hostile act'
Russia said on Tuesday that a U.S. decision to ease some restrictions on arming Syrian rebels had opened the way for deliveries of shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles, a move it said would directly threaten Russian forces in Syria.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel will share 'evidence' of Obama-UN collusion with Trump, ambassador says
Israel's ambassador the United States says his country will share evidence with President-elect Donald Trump that the Obama administration was behind a United Nations Security Council resolution that condemned Israel's settlements in Palestinian territory, though the ambassador did not offer the evidence when pressed in a CNN interview.
Abbas Eyes Paris Summit as Israel to Expand Construction
The Palestinian president said Tuesday that he hopes the upcoming Mideast conference in France will set a timetable to end settlements, as Israel advances plans for thousands of new homes in parts of Jerusalem claimed by the Palestinians, despite the recent U.N. Security Council resolution condemning construction there.
Security forces foil 180 attacks in Judea and Samaria in 2016
Security forces have foiled some 180 shooting attacks across Judea and Samaria in 2016, a senior defense official revealed Sunday.
The UN Votes to Expel 400,000 Jews. Now What?
The UN Security Council vote, made possible by the Obama Administration's historic decision to abstain, has effectively nullified the Oslo Accords, which were premised on direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
Backfire: Obama's Israel slap could prompt U.S. to leave U.N.
The president's refusal to veto a United Nations resolution condemning Israeli settlements, documented in detail by WND on Friday, is now causing such a backlash, the move could stunningly backfire on the outgoing commander in chief.
Inside the United States
Trump can reshape judiciary as he inherits more than 100 federal court vacancies
The Trump administration will have a huge opportunity to reshape the judiciary with an estimated 103 federal circuit and district court vacancies being handed over during the transition, a report said.
Islamic State arrests reveal jihadi threat near seat of U.S. government
Law enforcement agencies have arrested nine Northern Virginia residents on charges of aiding the Islamic State since the terrorist group rose to power in Syria and Iraq in 2014 and launched social media propaganda to attract followers, a government message to police states.
U.S. was No. 1 worldwide in weapons sales in 2015 at $40B
The United States sold $40.2 billion worth of weapons in 2015 -- by far the most in the world, according to a new congressional study.
Obama circumvents Constitution with 'signing statements' after blasting Bush
President Obama said Friday that the annual defense policy bill Congress sent him violated the Constitution -- but he signed it anyway.
Obama evades Congress, stretches war powers in precedent for Trump
President Obama took office criticizing the expansive wars fought under the 2001 and 2002 authorizations for the use of military force, but over the past eight years, he has become attached to the two documents and used them to justify expansion of U.S. military action around the globe.
Christian News
Sixteen hurt in Christmas eve blast at Catholic church in Philippines
Sixteen people were wounded in a grenade explosion outside a Catholic church during a Christmas eve mass in the Philippines' restive southern island of Mindanao, a priest and police said on Saturday.