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
China warns of ‘drastic measures’ if Taiwan continues on path toward independence
A Beijing official warns that China will take "drastic measures" if Taiwan moves toward independence.
‘Moment of Crisis’ in Eastern Europe: Biden and Putin to Speak Again; Second Time in Three Weeks
As a year marked by a late escalation in tensions between Moscow and the West draws to a close, Presidents Biden and Vladimir Putin will speak by phone on Thursday, amid the Kremlin’s stepped-up demands for an end to what it sees as threats posed by NATO.
Russia, U.S. officials say they’re coordinating on Iran nuclear talks in Vienna
Top U.S. and Russian officials for Iran have met in Vienna, a Russian envoy said on Wednesday, and delegates on both sides said Moscow and Washington were coordinating in a bid to salvage the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
Russia Bans Another Rights Group Ahead Of New Year
A Russian court shut down a prominent human rights organization a day after closing another advocacy group amid a broader crackdown on dissent in Russia ahead of the New Year.
China Rolls Out AI Prosecutor
Chinese researchers say they have created the world’s first artificial intelligence “prosecutor” who can charge suspects with “a 97 percent accuracy”.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Abbas said to warn Gantz changes on Temple Mount will lead to ‘unstoppable’ violence
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas reportedly warned Defense Minister Benny Gantz that while he is committed to stopping violence in the West Bank, he was concerned that changes to the religious status quo on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem could lead to an “unstoppable” escalation, Hebrew media reported Wednesday.
Biden not expected to challenge Israel’s development of Golan Heights for increased Israeli residency
The Biden administration is not expected to dispute Israel’s announcement Sunday that it plans to invest $317.3 million in developing the controversial Golan Heights for increased Israeli residency, the Jewish News Syndicate reports
Inside the United States
Three-quarters of Americans polled say there are only two genders
Most American adults believe that the only two genders are male and female, according to a Rasmussen Reports survey released this week.
Biden Asks US Supreme Court to Hear ‘Remain in Mexico’ Case
The Biden administration on Wednesday asked the U.S. Supreme Court whether it needed to continue to implement a Trump-era policy that has forced tens of thousands of migrants to wait in Mexico for the resolution of their U.S. asylum cases.
Socialite Maxwell Guilty Of Sex Trafficking For Late Billionaire Epstein
Ghislaine Maxwell has been convicted of grooming and trafficking underage girls for billionaire financier Jeffrey Epstein, who allegedly committed suicide 28 months ago.
Christian News
Iranian judiciary grants Christian prisoners 10 days’ holiday
Christian prisoners in Iran were treated to a rare act of mercy by the state as the country’s judiciary granted them 10 days’ leave to be with their families during the Christmas holidays, Radio Free Europe (RFE) reports.
China announces draconian restrictions to online Christian activity
China’s Communist regime has announced harsh new restrictions to online religious activities, effectively banning online church services for Chinese believers that are not part of the state-approved Three-Self church movement, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. The move follows China’s prior banning of in-person religious gatherings, supposedly due to the pandemic.
China warns of ‘drastic measures’ if Taiwan continues on path toward independence
A Beijing official warns that China will take "drastic measures" if Taiwan moves toward independence.
‘Moment of Crisis’ in Eastern Europe: Biden and Putin to Speak Again; Second Time in Three Weeks
As a year marked by a late escalation in tensions between Moscow and the West draws to a close, Presidents Biden and Vladimir Putin will speak by phone on Thursday, amid the Kremlin’s stepped-up demands for an end to what it sees as threats posed by NATO.
Russia, U.S. officials say they’re coordinating on Iran nuclear talks in Vienna
Top U.S. and Russian officials for Iran have met in Vienna, a Russian envoy said on Wednesday, and delegates on both sides said Moscow and Washington were coordinating in a bid to salvage the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
Russia Bans Another Rights Group Ahead Of New Year
A Russian court shut down a prominent human rights organization a day after closing another advocacy group amid a broader crackdown on dissent in Russia ahead of the New Year.
China Rolls Out AI Prosecutor
Chinese researchers say they have created the world’s first artificial intelligence “prosecutor” who can charge suspects with “a 97 percent accuracy”.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Abbas said to warn Gantz changes on Temple Mount will lead to ‘unstoppable’ violence
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas reportedly warned Defense Minister Benny Gantz that while he is committed to stopping violence in the West Bank, he was concerned that changes to the religious status quo on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem could lead to an “unstoppable” escalation, Hebrew media reported Wednesday.
Biden not expected to challenge Israel’s development of Golan Heights for increased Israeli residency
The Biden administration is not expected to dispute Israel’s announcement Sunday that it plans to invest $317.3 million in developing the controversial Golan Heights for increased Israeli residency, the Jewish News Syndicate reports
Inside the United States
Three-quarters of Americans polled say there are only two genders
Most American adults believe that the only two genders are male and female, according to a Rasmussen Reports survey released this week.
Biden Asks US Supreme Court to Hear ‘Remain in Mexico’ Case
The Biden administration on Wednesday asked the U.S. Supreme Court whether it needed to continue to implement a Trump-era policy that has forced tens of thousands of migrants to wait in Mexico for the resolution of their U.S. asylum cases.
Socialite Maxwell Guilty Of Sex Trafficking For Late Billionaire Epstein
Ghislaine Maxwell has been convicted of grooming and trafficking underage girls for billionaire financier Jeffrey Epstein, who allegedly committed suicide 28 months ago.
Christian News
Iranian judiciary grants Christian prisoners 10 days’ holiday
Christian prisoners in Iran were treated to a rare act of mercy by the state as the country’s judiciary granted them 10 days’ leave to be with their families during the Christmas holidays, Radio Free Europe (RFE) reports.
China announces draconian restrictions to online Christian activity
China’s Communist regime has announced harsh new restrictions to online religious activities, effectively banning online church services for Chinese believers that are not part of the state-approved Three-Self church movement, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. The move follows China’s prior banning of in-person religious gatherings, supposedly due to the pandemic.
Around the World
Poland President Vetoes Media Law, US Happy
Political tensions rose in Poland on Tuesday after President Andrzej Duda vetoed media ownership legislation that could have silenced a U.S.-owned TV network criticizing the government.
Russia Closes Oldest Rights Group
In an Orwellian move that critics view resembling the Soviet-era, Russia’s Supreme Court banned Tuesday one of the country’s oldest and main human rights groups.
Congo attacks show Islamic State’s expansion across Africa
The Islamic State’s foothold across Africa is expanding amid a recent spate of gruesome attacks and there are growing fears in Washington that the terror group, as well as other extremist outfits like it will use the continent as a staging ground for future jihadist strikes against the West.
Afghanistan anti-Taliban resistance begs for U.S. support, gets nothing from Biden
Pro-democracy fighters in Afghanistan‘s Panjshir Valley may be bloodied but are not bowed in opposing the Taliban, who have claimed victory over the entire country, a resistance leader told The Washington Times.
Iran nuclear talks resume in Vienna; EU diplomat warns of ‘difficult’ work ahead
Negotiators trying to save the landmark Iran nuclear deal resumed discussions on Monday with the EU chair warning of “difficult” work ahead.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
‘Campaign Between Wars’: Israel Struck ‘Dozens’ of Syrian Targets in 2021 to Disrupt Weapons Transfer to Iranian Proxies
The Israeli army said Tuesday that airstrike operations carried out this year hit “dozens” of targets in Syria and have limited the ability of Iran to funnel arms to its proxies in the region.
Syria says it will ‘use all legally available means to retake’ Golan
Syria said Monday that Israel’s plans to double the number of Israeli citizens living in Israeli-annexed Golan Heights mark a “dangerous and unprecedented” escalation between the countries.
Inside the United States
Ohio Governor signs “Born-Alive” bill into law
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) has signed into law Senate Bill 157, the “Born-Alive Infant Protection Act,” which requires doctors to provide life-saving treatment to babies born alive after an attempted abortion or face criminal charges, the Hill reports.
Biden Signs $768 Billion Bill As US Faces Attack
U.S. President Joe Biden signed a $768 billion defense bill amid fears that Russia and China are ahead of the United States in developing new weapons systems such as hypersonic technology.
U.S. home prices surge 18.4% in October
U.S. home prices surged again in October as the housing market continues to boom in the wake of last year’s coronavirus recession.
Christian News
Evangelist Graham Condemns Satanist Attack On Christmas
American evangelist Franklin Graham has condemned U.S.-based Satanists after they tried “to destroy” Christmas over the weekend.
India persecution: Spate of Hindu attacks against Christianity over Christmas period
The intensifying persecution of believers by Hindu nationalists in India has now even caught the attention of mainstream international media, with the Guardian UK joining Christian organizations in reporting on a spate of attacks against Christianity in the country over the Christmas period.
Britain: Prosecution withdraws case against UK pastor fined for carrying on ministry to homeless
A British pastor who was fined over £16,000 for running her ministry to the homeless during a UK lockdown was told this month that the prosecution has withdrawn the case against her, Christian Legal Centre reports. Pastor Chizumie Dyer, who runs her ‘Church on the Streets’ ministry in Nottingham, England, was issued fines by police in February 2021.
Texas pastor forgives church vandal; Christmas services continued despite damage
The pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas has extended forgiveness to a vandal who caused between $100,000 - $300,000 damage to the church building on Christmas Eve, CBN reports. Pastor Eric Borchers said the attack would not stop his congregation from enjoying Christmas services as parishioners rallied to clean up the damage.
Gallup: 69% of Americans Identify as Christian
Based on two 2021 polls, Gallup found that nearly 75% of Americans identify with a specific religious faith, including 69% who identify as Christian.
Poland President Vetoes Media Law, US Happy
Political tensions rose in Poland on Tuesday after President Andrzej Duda vetoed media ownership legislation that could have silenced a U.S.-owned TV network criticizing the government.
Russia Closes Oldest Rights Group
In an Orwellian move that critics view resembling the Soviet-era, Russia’s Supreme Court banned Tuesday one of the country’s oldest and main human rights groups.
Congo attacks show Islamic State’s expansion across Africa
The Islamic State’s foothold across Africa is expanding amid a recent spate of gruesome attacks and there are growing fears in Washington that the terror group, as well as other extremist outfits like it will use the continent as a staging ground for future jihadist strikes against the West.
Afghanistan anti-Taliban resistance begs for U.S. support, gets nothing from Biden
Pro-democracy fighters in Afghanistan‘s Panjshir Valley may be bloodied but are not bowed in opposing the Taliban, who have claimed victory over the entire country, a resistance leader told The Washington Times.
Iran nuclear talks resume in Vienna; EU diplomat warns of ‘difficult’ work ahead
Negotiators trying to save the landmark Iran nuclear deal resumed discussions on Monday with the EU chair warning of “difficult” work ahead.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
‘Campaign Between Wars’: Israel Struck ‘Dozens’ of Syrian Targets in 2021 to Disrupt Weapons Transfer to Iranian Proxies
The Israeli army said Tuesday that airstrike operations carried out this year hit “dozens” of targets in Syria and have limited the ability of Iran to funnel arms to its proxies in the region.
Syria says it will ‘use all legally available means to retake’ Golan
Syria said Monday that Israel’s plans to double the number of Israeli citizens living in Israeli-annexed Golan Heights mark a “dangerous and unprecedented” escalation between the countries.
Inside the United States
Ohio Governor signs “Born-Alive” bill into law
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) has signed into law Senate Bill 157, the “Born-Alive Infant Protection Act,” which requires doctors to provide life-saving treatment to babies born alive after an attempted abortion or face criminal charges, the Hill reports.
Biden Signs $768 Billion Bill As US Faces Attack
U.S. President Joe Biden signed a $768 billion defense bill amid fears that Russia and China are ahead of the United States in developing new weapons systems such as hypersonic technology.
U.S. home prices surge 18.4% in October
U.S. home prices surged again in October as the housing market continues to boom in the wake of last year’s coronavirus recession.
Christian News
Evangelist Graham Condemns Satanist Attack On Christmas
American evangelist Franklin Graham has condemned U.S.-based Satanists after they tried “to destroy” Christmas over the weekend.
India persecution: Spate of Hindu attacks against Christianity over Christmas period
The intensifying persecution of believers by Hindu nationalists in India has now even caught the attention of mainstream international media, with the Guardian UK joining Christian organizations in reporting on a spate of attacks against Christianity in the country over the Christmas period.
Britain: Prosecution withdraws case against UK pastor fined for carrying on ministry to homeless
A British pastor who was fined over £16,000 for running her ministry to the homeless during a UK lockdown was told this month that the prosecution has withdrawn the case against her, Christian Legal Centre reports. Pastor Chizumie Dyer, who runs her ‘Church on the Streets’ ministry in Nottingham, England, was issued fines by police in February 2021.
Texas pastor forgives church vandal; Christmas services continued despite damage
The pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas has extended forgiveness to a vandal who caused between $100,000 - $300,000 damage to the church building on Christmas Eve, CBN reports. Pastor Eric Borchers said the attack would not stop his congregation from enjoying Christmas services as parishioners rallied to clean up the damage.
Gallup: 69% of Americans Identify as Christian
Based on two 2021 polls, Gallup found that nearly 75% of Americans identify with a specific religious faith, including 69% who identify as Christian.
Around the World
UN Condemns Myanmar Christmas Eve Massacre (Worthy News In-depth)
The new United Nations special envoy to Myanmar has condemned escalating violence in the country after the ruling army reportedly killed up to 38 people on Christmas Eve.
‘Iran deal put us on cruise control heading over a cliff,’ former envoy warns
Former Israeli Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer this week defended his government's positions that encouraged the United States to leave the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, and supported Israel's current position that the US must leave a military option on the table and signal that Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons
Russia ‘not bluffing’ on NATO rollback, warns of ‘large-scale conflict in Europe’
Russia will not drop a demand that NATO “be rolled back” to its 1997 boundaries, according to a senior Russian envoy, a requirement backed by the threat of “a large-scale conflict in Europe” arising out of Ukraine.
US and Russia to hold talks on January 10, official says
The United States and Russia are set to hold dialogue on nuclear arms control and tensions over a military build up around Ukraine on January 10, a White House official said on Monday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli airstrikes said to hit key Syrian port of Latakia, causing ‘massive’ damage
Syrian state media said Israeli warplanes fired missiles on the port of the coastal city of Latakia early Tuesday causing large explosions and fires, the second alleged strike in a month on the key facility.
Lapid: Israel Will ‘Act Alone’ Against Iran ‘If Necessary’
Israel will “act alone” to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear-threshold state “if necessary,” Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said on Monday, as negotiations between Tehran and world powers were set to resume in Vienna.
Israel Fortifies ‘Northern Shield’ Along Lebanese Border to Protect Civilians Against Rocket Attacks
Israel announced on Monday that it expanded a program to install rocket-proof protection in the homes of another three communities located along the country’s northern border with Lebanon.
Israel Sees Drop in Severe Cases Amid Latest Covid Outbreak
The number of serious coronavirus cases dropped on Monday, even as daily infections continue to increase amid the fifth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in Israel, the latest Health Ministry data reveals.
Inside the United States
Biden signs $768.2 billion defense spending bill into law
President Joe Biden signed the National Defense Authorization Act into law Monday, authorizing $768.2 billion in military spending, including a 2.7% pay raise for service members, for 2022.
Biden declares ‘no federal solution’ to unrelenting waves of COVID-19
President Biden on Monday delivered a cryptic warning to the nation’s governors when he said there is “no federal solution” to the COVID-19 outbreaks and called on the states to do more.
Christian News
Kenya: Somali-born Christian survives murder attempt by Islamists
A Somali-born Christian convert in northeastern Kenya is recovering after four ethnic Somali Muslims attempted to murder him for leaving Islam to follow Christ, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. The population of Kenya is 80% Christian but converts from Islam remain vulnerable to attacks from radicalized Muslims.
Myanmar: Save the Children aid group says two members missing since Christmas Eve massacre
The international Save the Children aid organization reported Saturday that two of its members were missing in Myanmar after the Burmese Army (Tatmadaw) murdered 35 civilians on Friday and burned the bodies beyond recognition, the Washington Times reports. The slaughter on Christmas Eve was the latest atrocity committed by the Tatmadaw in seeking to control Myanmar and impose Buddhism as the national religion.
Myanmar atrocity: Burmese Army burns 35 civilians alive on Christmas Eve
Myanmar’s Burmese Army (Tatmadaw) burned alive at least 35 civilians, including elderly people and children, in Karenni state on Christmas Eve, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports. The Tatmadaw rogue army has been slaughtering and displacing non-Buddhists since it overthrew Myanmar’s democratically elected government in a February 1 coup.
DRC: Suicide bomber kills five in Christian area
Five people were killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Christmas Day when a suicide bomber blew himself up in a hotel restaurant in North Kivu, an area where Christians are known to live, Christian Today (CT) reports.
Hungarian Christmas Cheer In Shoeboxes
Hungarian churches and charities have begun distributing support to thousands of impoverished children, including those who lost parents amid the raging coronavirus pandemic.
UN Condemns Myanmar Christmas Eve Massacre (Worthy News In-depth)
The new United Nations special envoy to Myanmar has condemned escalating violence in the country after the ruling army reportedly killed up to 38 people on Christmas Eve.
‘Iran deal put us on cruise control heading over a cliff,’ former envoy warns
Former Israeli Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer this week defended his government's positions that encouraged the United States to leave the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, and supported Israel's current position that the US must leave a military option on the table and signal that Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons
Russia ‘not bluffing’ on NATO rollback, warns of ‘large-scale conflict in Europe’
Russia will not drop a demand that NATO “be rolled back” to its 1997 boundaries, according to a senior Russian envoy, a requirement backed by the threat of “a large-scale conflict in Europe” arising out of Ukraine.
US and Russia to hold talks on January 10, official says
The United States and Russia are set to hold dialogue on nuclear arms control and tensions over a military build up around Ukraine on January 10, a White House official said on Monday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israeli airstrikes said to hit key Syrian port of Latakia, causing ‘massive’ damage
Syrian state media said Israeli warplanes fired missiles on the port of the coastal city of Latakia early Tuesday causing large explosions and fires, the second alleged strike in a month on the key facility.
Lapid: Israel Will ‘Act Alone’ Against Iran ‘If Necessary’
Israel will “act alone” to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear-threshold state “if necessary,” Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said on Monday, as negotiations between Tehran and world powers were set to resume in Vienna.
Israel Fortifies ‘Northern Shield’ Along Lebanese Border to Protect Civilians Against Rocket Attacks
Israel announced on Monday that it expanded a program to install rocket-proof protection in the homes of another three communities located along the country’s northern border with Lebanon.
Israel Sees Drop in Severe Cases Amid Latest Covid Outbreak
The number of serious coronavirus cases dropped on Monday, even as daily infections continue to increase amid the fifth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in Israel, the latest Health Ministry data reveals.
Inside the United States
Biden signs $768.2 billion defense spending bill into law
President Joe Biden signed the National Defense Authorization Act into law Monday, authorizing $768.2 billion in military spending, including a 2.7% pay raise for service members, for 2022.
Biden declares ‘no federal solution’ to unrelenting waves of COVID-19
President Biden on Monday delivered a cryptic warning to the nation’s governors when he said there is “no federal solution” to the COVID-19 outbreaks and called on the states to do more.
Christian News
Kenya: Somali-born Christian survives murder attempt by Islamists
A Somali-born Christian convert in northeastern Kenya is recovering after four ethnic Somali Muslims attempted to murder him for leaving Islam to follow Christ, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. The population of Kenya is 80% Christian but converts from Islam remain vulnerable to attacks from radicalized Muslims.
Myanmar: Save the Children aid group says two members missing since Christmas Eve massacre
The international Save the Children aid organization reported Saturday that two of its members were missing in Myanmar after the Burmese Army (Tatmadaw) murdered 35 civilians on Friday and burned the bodies beyond recognition, the Washington Times reports. The slaughter on Christmas Eve was the latest atrocity committed by the Tatmadaw in seeking to control Myanmar and impose Buddhism as the national religion.
Myanmar atrocity: Burmese Army burns 35 civilians alive on Christmas Eve
Myanmar’s Burmese Army (Tatmadaw) burned alive at least 35 civilians, including elderly people and children, in Karenni state on Christmas Eve, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reports. The Tatmadaw rogue army has been slaughtering and displacing non-Buddhists since it overthrew Myanmar’s democratically elected government in a February 1 coup.
DRC: Suicide bomber kills five in Christian area
Five people were killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Christmas Day when a suicide bomber blew himself up in a hotel restaurant in North Kivu, an area where Christians are known to live, Christian Today (CT) reports.
Hungarian Christmas Cheer In Shoeboxes
Hungarian churches and charities have begun distributing support to thousands of impoverished children, including those who lost parents amid the raging coronavirus pandemic.