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
Belarus Detains Opposition Leaders After Rally Against President
Authorities in Belarus have detained two leading opposition activists following the most massive rally so far against President Alexander Lukashenko.
UN security council rejects US call for sanctions against Iran
The president of the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday rejected the Trump administration’s demand to restore all U.N. sanctions on Iran, a move that drew an angry rebuke from the U.S. ambassador who accused opponents of supporting “terrorists.”
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
National Security Adviser to lead Israeli delegation to UAE next week
An official Israeli delegation led by National Security Adviser Meir Ben Shabbat is set to travel to Abu Dhabi next Monday, following the announcement of normalization between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
Abbas: Normalization between Arabs, Israel won’t achieve peace
Normalization of relations between Israel and the Arab countries will not achieve peace and stability in the region, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said Tuesday.
Inside the United States
Evangelical University President Falwell Resigns Over Sex Scandal Allegations
The leading evangelical college in the United States, Liberty University, says it has accepted the resignation of its embattled president Jerry Falwell Jr. over alleged sexual relations that are not in line with the institute`s teaching.
New video shows sworn testimony of Planned Parenthood officials admitting to harvesting fetal tissue and organs
A newly unsealed video confirms Planned Parenthood staff altered abortions methods in order to remove fetuses whose organs were preserved intact and could be sold for profit, the Federalist reports. Released by the Center for Medical Progress (CMP) Monday, the video shows testimonies given under oath by Planned Parenthood officials describing the harvest of fetal organs and tissue. Federal law prohibits partial-birth abortions and the removal of live babies with intent to kill them during delivery for harvesting organs.
Tennessee school district causes concern by asking parents not to listen to their children’s virtual classes
A Tennessee school district has been criticized for asking parents to sign a form agreeing to stay out of earshot during their children’s online classes, on the grounds that parents might overhear confidential information, Fox News reports. Following significant pressure, Rutherford County Schools then changed course and now allows parents to be present, with teachers’ permission.
Hurricane Laura Could Make US Landfall as Category 3 Storm
The storm system known as Laura became a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to intensify as it hits warmer water, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said in its latest forecast.
Hillary Clinton to Biden: Don't concede if the election is close
Hillary Clinton is predicting Donald Trump's reelection effort will be a messy affair, and the former Democratic candidate has some advice for Joe Biden: If the race is close, don't concede.
Police, Protesters, Clash for 2nd Night in Kenosha, Wisconsin Over Police Shooting
Police used tear gas to subdue protesters in the city of Kenosha, Wisconsin Monday as people took to the streets for the second straight night after the shooting of a Black man by police on Sunday.
Ohio Republicans draft articles of impeachment against GOP governor for coronavirus restrictions
Three Ohio Republican lawmakers are moving ahead with a bid to impeach the state's GOP governor regarding how he's handled the coronavirus pandemic.
'He’s taken on the swamp': Jim Jordan touts Trump's outsider achievements
Rep. Jim Jordan, a top Republican and one of President Trump’s staunchest allies in Congress, promoted Trump as a tough, outsider president who cares about people.
Christian News
Prosecuted Pentecostal Pastor and Wife Flee Iran
A prominent Pentecostal pastor and his wife have fled Iran after their appeal against a 15-year combined prison sentence for Christian activities failed, rights activists and family confirmed late Tuesday.
Thousands Of Christians Fearful As India Faces 12th Anniversary Of Deadly Attacks
The 12th anniversary of one of India`s deadliest attacks against Christians is marked by concerns that thousands have not yet returned to their homes for fear of reprisals. Additionally, authorities are declining to investigate hundreds of cases, religious rights investigators told Worthy News.
New poll finds most pastors are concerned about young people in their church
A new study shows that 85% of pastors are very worried that youth and young adults in their church are spending too much time watching screens on electronic devices, CBN News reported Monday. The poll was released by the Barna Group, and aimed to examine how pastors should disciple young people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Around 86% of churches that responded said they were concerned about their young people having increased online access, but have no strategy to manage the situation.
Belarus Detains Opposition Leaders After Rally Against President
Authorities in Belarus have detained two leading opposition activists following the most massive rally so far against President Alexander Lukashenko.
UN security council rejects US call for sanctions against Iran
The president of the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday rejected the Trump administration’s demand to restore all U.N. sanctions on Iran, a move that drew an angry rebuke from the U.S. ambassador who accused opponents of supporting “terrorists.”
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
National Security Adviser to lead Israeli delegation to UAE next week
An official Israeli delegation led by National Security Adviser Meir Ben Shabbat is set to travel to Abu Dhabi next Monday, following the announcement of normalization between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
Abbas: Normalization between Arabs, Israel won’t achieve peace
Normalization of relations between Israel and the Arab countries will not achieve peace and stability in the region, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said Tuesday.
Inside the United States
Evangelical University President Falwell Resigns Over Sex Scandal Allegations
The leading evangelical college in the United States, Liberty University, says it has accepted the resignation of its embattled president Jerry Falwell Jr. over alleged sexual relations that are not in line with the institute`s teaching.
New video shows sworn testimony of Planned Parenthood officials admitting to harvesting fetal tissue and organs
A newly unsealed video confirms Planned Parenthood staff altered abortions methods in order to remove fetuses whose organs were preserved intact and could be sold for profit, the Federalist reports. Released by the Center for Medical Progress (CMP) Monday, the video shows testimonies given under oath by Planned Parenthood officials describing the harvest of fetal organs and tissue. Federal law prohibits partial-birth abortions and the removal of live babies with intent to kill them during delivery for harvesting organs.
Tennessee school district causes concern by asking parents not to listen to their children’s virtual classes
A Tennessee school district has been criticized for asking parents to sign a form agreeing to stay out of earshot during their children’s online classes, on the grounds that parents might overhear confidential information, Fox News reports. Following significant pressure, Rutherford County Schools then changed course and now allows parents to be present, with teachers’ permission.
Hurricane Laura Could Make US Landfall as Category 3 Storm
The storm system known as Laura became a Category 1 hurricane Tuesday in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to intensify as it hits warmer water, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said in its latest forecast.
Hillary Clinton to Biden: Don't concede if the election is close
Hillary Clinton is predicting Donald Trump's reelection effort will be a messy affair, and the former Democratic candidate has some advice for Joe Biden: If the race is close, don't concede.
Police, Protesters, Clash for 2nd Night in Kenosha, Wisconsin Over Police Shooting
Police used tear gas to subdue protesters in the city of Kenosha, Wisconsin Monday as people took to the streets for the second straight night after the shooting of a Black man by police on Sunday.
Ohio Republicans draft articles of impeachment against GOP governor for coronavirus restrictions
Three Ohio Republican lawmakers are moving ahead with a bid to impeach the state's GOP governor regarding how he's handled the coronavirus pandemic.
'He’s taken on the swamp': Jim Jordan touts Trump's outsider achievements
Rep. Jim Jordan, a top Republican and one of President Trump’s staunchest allies in Congress, promoted Trump as a tough, outsider president who cares about people.
Christian News
Prosecuted Pentecostal Pastor and Wife Flee Iran
A prominent Pentecostal pastor and his wife have fled Iran after their appeal against a 15-year combined prison sentence for Christian activities failed, rights activists and family confirmed late Tuesday.
Thousands Of Christians Fearful As India Faces 12th Anniversary Of Deadly Attacks
The 12th anniversary of one of India`s deadliest attacks against Christians is marked by concerns that thousands have not yet returned to their homes for fear of reprisals. Additionally, authorities are declining to investigate hundreds of cases, religious rights investigators told Worthy News.
New poll finds most pastors are concerned about young people in their church
A new study shows that 85% of pastors are very worried that youth and young adults in their church are spending too much time watching screens on electronic devices, CBN News reported Monday. The poll was released by the Barna Group, and aimed to examine how pastors should disciple young people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Around 86% of churches that responded said they were concerned about their young people having increased online access, but have no strategy to manage the situation.
Around the World
Germany: ‘Russian Dissident Navalny Likely Poisoned’
A prominent German hospital treating Russian dissident and fierce Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny says tests indicate that he was poisoned.
Erdogan Converts Another Historic Church into a Mosque
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reconverted another historic Byzantine church into a mosque on Friday just weeks after opening the iconic Hagia Sophia to Muslim worship.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu and Putin discuss UAE deal, Israeli air strikes in Syria
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, with the two discussing cooperation on combating the coronavirus pandemic and regional issues, a statement from the Kremlin said.
Pompeo: We’ll honor Israel’s military edge, but are reviewing arms sales to UAE
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized on Monday that America was committed to maintaining Israel’s military superiority in the region while appearing to hint at an impending deal by which the Trump administration would provide the United Arab Emirates with advanced fighter jets.
3,200-year-old fort, site of epic battles in biblical era, found in south Israel
A 3,200-year-old Canaanite citadel where epic battles were fought during biblical times has been unearthed near the southern Israeli city of Kiryat Gat, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced Sunday.
Inside the United States
Renominated Trump Defends God In Pledge of Allegiance
U.S. President Donald Trump pledged Monday that God remains in the Pledge of Allegiance after the Republican Party nominated him for a second term in the White House.
Jesus 2020 Campaign
As the Republicans and Democrats gear up for November’s presidential election, thousands of Americans are opting out of the partisan mud-sling and are putting up “Jesus 2020” signs in their yards, Fox News reports.
2 of Californias largest wildfires ever continue burning simultaneously as death toll climbs
"California is battling two of the largest fires in our history and has seen nearly 600 new fires in the last week caused by dry lightning strikes. These are unprecedented times and conditions, but California is strong -- we will get through this,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a weekend press release.
Wisconsin Governor Deploys National Guard after Police Shooting of Black Man
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers is deploying the National Guard to the city of Kenosha to prevent violence after the police shooting of a Black man.
Trump’s second-term plan includes stopping ‘endless’ wars, boosting military support
President Donald Trump released a 50-point second-term agenda on Sunday which vows to maintain American military might and “wipe out” terrorist groups overseas but also to stop the country’s involvement in “endless wars.”
Franklin Graham to Pray at RNC, Draws Attention to 'Absence of God' During Democrats' Convention
Evangelist Franklin Graham, the president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and Samaritan's Purse, a Christian relief organization, is scheduled to pray at the Republican National Convention (RNC) on Thursday.
Democratic Platform: ‘We Will…Guarantee Transgender Students’ Access to Facilities Based on Their Gender Identity’
The platform approved by the Democratic National Convention last week says that the party will seek to “guarantee transgender students’ access to facilities based on their gender identity.”
Christian News
“Nigeria: A Killing Field of Defenseless Christians” – a further 11 people were slaughtered last week
The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law has published a report called “Nigeria: A Killing Field of Defenseless Christians,” in which it estimates that some 11,500 Christians have been murdered in Nigeria since 2015 by Fulani herdsmen, Boko Haram and highway bandits. Muslim Fulani herdsmen killed a further 11 Christians in the state of Kaduna last week, CBN News reports.
Frightened people contact former transgender drug dealer asking for prayer during COVID-19 crisis
Nichol Collins had been a drug dealer and was living a transgender lifestyle for 20 years when she had a transformative encounter with Jesus Christ, became a Christian, and began praying for people both inside and outside the LGBTQ community, CBN News reports. Having been in ministry in recent years, Ms Collins began getting an increased number of calls from people needing spiritual help during the COVID-19 crisis.
Germany: ‘Russian Dissident Navalny Likely Poisoned’
A prominent German hospital treating Russian dissident and fierce Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny says tests indicate that he was poisoned.
Erdogan Converts Another Historic Church into a Mosque
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reconverted another historic Byzantine church into a mosque on Friday just weeks after opening the iconic Hagia Sophia to Muslim worship.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu and Putin discuss UAE deal, Israeli air strikes in Syria
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, with the two discussing cooperation on combating the coronavirus pandemic and regional issues, a statement from the Kremlin said.
Pompeo: We’ll honor Israel’s military edge, but are reviewing arms sales to UAE
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized on Monday that America was committed to maintaining Israel’s military superiority in the region while appearing to hint at an impending deal by which the Trump administration would provide the United Arab Emirates with advanced fighter jets.
3,200-year-old fort, site of epic battles in biblical era, found in south Israel
A 3,200-year-old Canaanite citadel where epic battles were fought during biblical times has been unearthed near the southern Israeli city of Kiryat Gat, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced Sunday.
Inside the United States
Renominated Trump Defends God In Pledge of Allegiance
U.S. President Donald Trump pledged Monday that God remains in the Pledge of Allegiance after the Republican Party nominated him for a second term in the White House.
Jesus 2020 Campaign
As the Republicans and Democrats gear up for November’s presidential election, thousands of Americans are opting out of the partisan mud-sling and are putting up “Jesus 2020” signs in their yards, Fox News reports.
2 of Californias largest wildfires ever continue burning simultaneously as death toll climbs
"California is battling two of the largest fires in our history and has seen nearly 600 new fires in the last week caused by dry lightning strikes. These are unprecedented times and conditions, but California is strong -- we will get through this,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a weekend press release.
Wisconsin Governor Deploys National Guard after Police Shooting of Black Man
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers is deploying the National Guard to the city of Kenosha to prevent violence after the police shooting of a Black man.
Trump’s second-term plan includes stopping ‘endless’ wars, boosting military support
President Donald Trump released a 50-point second-term agenda on Sunday which vows to maintain American military might and “wipe out” terrorist groups overseas but also to stop the country’s involvement in “endless wars.”
Franklin Graham to Pray at RNC, Draws Attention to 'Absence of God' During Democrats' Convention
Evangelist Franklin Graham, the president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and Samaritan's Purse, a Christian relief organization, is scheduled to pray at the Republican National Convention (RNC) on Thursday.
Democratic Platform: ‘We Will…Guarantee Transgender Students’ Access to Facilities Based on Their Gender Identity’
The platform approved by the Democratic National Convention last week says that the party will seek to “guarantee transgender students’ access to facilities based on their gender identity.”
Christian News
“Nigeria: A Killing Field of Defenseless Christians” – a further 11 people were slaughtered last week
The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law has published a report called “Nigeria: A Killing Field of Defenseless Christians,” in which it estimates that some 11,500 Christians have been murdered in Nigeria since 2015 by Fulani herdsmen, Boko Haram and highway bandits. Muslim Fulani herdsmen killed a further 11 Christians in the state of Kaduna last week, CBN News reports.
Frightened people contact former transgender drug dealer asking for prayer during COVID-19 crisis
Nichol Collins had been a drug dealer and was living a transgender lifestyle for 20 years when she had a transformative encounter with Jesus Christ, became a Christian, and began praying for people both inside and outside the LGBTQ community, CBN News reports. Having been in ministry in recent years, Ms Collins began getting an increased number of calls from people needing spiritual help during the COVID-19 crisis.
Around the World
Iran official says sabotage caused fire at Iran's Natanz nuclear site
A fire at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility last month was the result of sabotage, the spokesman for Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation told state TV channel al-Alam on Sunday.
Iran unveils two new missiles as UN fails to extend expiring arms embargo
Iran announced Thursday that is has unveiled two new missiles, each of which has been named after a senior military official killed in US drone strikes this year, Fox News reports. The announcement follows a United Nations Security Council vote in which only the Dominican Republican backed a US request to extend an arms embargo on Iran which expires in October; the embargo will therefore not be extended.
NATO Denies Assembling Troops At Belarus Border
Member states of the NATO military alliance are denying allegations by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko that their troops are preparing to invade Belarus. The wrangling came ahead of Sunday's expected massive protests against the authoritarian head-of-state.
Belarus Detains Key Opposition Leaders As Unrest Spreads
Authorities in Belarus have detained the leader of striking factory workers and several opposition figures for rallying against the country’s autocratic President Alexander Lukashenko.
Poisoned' Russian Opposition Leader Navalny Rushed To Berlin Hospital
Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny has been airlifted from Russia to a hospital in Berlin for suspected poisoning.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Likud, Blue and White back compromise to avoid elections
The political crisis that could lead to a fourth election in 19 months being initiated Monday night appeared on its way to being resolved on Saturday night, when both Likud and Blue and White accepted a compromise.
Israeli laser system shoots down 32 explosive balloons from Gaza
Using the Lahav Or (‘Light Blade’) combat laser, Israel intercepted 32 explosive and incendiary balloons fired by terrorists from the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, as seen in this video released by Israel’s Border Police.
Inside the United States
Marco, Laura approaching Gulf Cost as rare double tropical threat
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is off to a record-setting pace, and the two systems tracking across the basin could set another first in hurricane records dating back into the 1800s.
California Wildfires Burn Million Acres; Trump OKs Disaster Aid
Some of the largest wildfires ever in the Western U.S. state of California continued to rage Saturday, charring 1 million acres (4,046 square kilometers) in one week.
Trump: FDA approves 'powerful' new treatment for COVID-19
President Donald Trump announced Sunday a new therapeutic that helps treat many individuals who have contracted COVID-19.
House passes $25 billion Postal Service bailout that would block reforms
The House passed a $25 billion bailout of the financially troubled United States Postal Service that would block reforms or changes to service.
U.S. home sales spike 24.7% in July, another record
U.S. home sales rose an unprecedented 24.7% in July, extending a rebound in June after the coronavirus pandemic all but froze the housing market this spring.
'Not a protest': Armed 'anarchists' descended on Denver Police Headquarters
Dozens of armed “anarchists” descended on the Denver Police Headquarters late Saturday and damaged buildings, set fires and injured an officer, city officials said Sunday. A dozen people were arrested.
Disney introduces its first leading LGBTQ character who also dabbles in witchcraft
Disney has introduced a leading animated LGBTQ character, who also dabbles in witchcraft, CBN News reports. The new leading character is Luz Noceda, who appears in Disney Channel’s “The Owl House” series. Disney has presented LGBTQ characters before, but they previously had relatively minor roles.
Federal judge temporarily blocks Idaho law banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports
An Idaho law that prohibits transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports has been temporarily blocked by a federal court, CBN News reports. US District Judge David Nye said Idaho’s Fairness in Women's Sports Act "stands in stark contrast to the policies of elite athletic bodies that regulate sports both nationally and globally.”
Christian News
Los Angeles County requests John MacArthur’s Grace Community Church to be fined and held in contempt of court
Los Angeles County filed a request Wednesday for John MacArthur’s Grace Community Church to be held in contempt of court and to be fined $20,000, CBN News reports. The complaint comes after the church held three indoor services on Sunday, in defiance of COVID-19 restrictions.
Iran official says sabotage caused fire at Iran's Natanz nuclear site
A fire at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility last month was the result of sabotage, the spokesman for Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation told state TV channel al-Alam on Sunday.
Iran unveils two new missiles as UN fails to extend expiring arms embargo
Iran announced Thursday that is has unveiled two new missiles, each of which has been named after a senior military official killed in US drone strikes this year, Fox News reports. The announcement follows a United Nations Security Council vote in which only the Dominican Republican backed a US request to extend an arms embargo on Iran which expires in October; the embargo will therefore not be extended.
NATO Denies Assembling Troops At Belarus Border
Member states of the NATO military alliance are denying allegations by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko that their troops are preparing to invade Belarus. The wrangling came ahead of Sunday's expected massive protests against the authoritarian head-of-state.
Belarus Detains Key Opposition Leaders As Unrest Spreads
Authorities in Belarus have detained the leader of striking factory workers and several opposition figures for rallying against the country’s autocratic President Alexander Lukashenko.
Poisoned' Russian Opposition Leader Navalny Rushed To Berlin Hospital
Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny has been airlifted from Russia to a hospital in Berlin for suspected poisoning.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Likud, Blue and White back compromise to avoid elections
The political crisis that could lead to a fourth election in 19 months being initiated Monday night appeared on its way to being resolved on Saturday night, when both Likud and Blue and White accepted a compromise.
Israeli laser system shoots down 32 explosive balloons from Gaza
Using the Lahav Or (‘Light Blade’) combat laser, Israel intercepted 32 explosive and incendiary balloons fired by terrorists from the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, as seen in this video released by Israel’s Border Police.
Inside the United States
Marco, Laura approaching Gulf Cost as rare double tropical threat
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is off to a record-setting pace, and the two systems tracking across the basin could set another first in hurricane records dating back into the 1800s.
California Wildfires Burn Million Acres; Trump OKs Disaster Aid
Some of the largest wildfires ever in the Western U.S. state of California continued to rage Saturday, charring 1 million acres (4,046 square kilometers) in one week.
Trump: FDA approves 'powerful' new treatment for COVID-19
President Donald Trump announced Sunday a new therapeutic that helps treat many individuals who have contracted COVID-19.
House passes $25 billion Postal Service bailout that would block reforms
The House passed a $25 billion bailout of the financially troubled United States Postal Service that would block reforms or changes to service.
U.S. home sales spike 24.7% in July, another record
U.S. home sales rose an unprecedented 24.7% in July, extending a rebound in June after the coronavirus pandemic all but froze the housing market this spring.
'Not a protest': Armed 'anarchists' descended on Denver Police Headquarters
Dozens of armed “anarchists” descended on the Denver Police Headquarters late Saturday and damaged buildings, set fires and injured an officer, city officials said Sunday. A dozen people were arrested.
Disney introduces its first leading LGBTQ character who also dabbles in witchcraft
Disney has introduced a leading animated LGBTQ character, who also dabbles in witchcraft, CBN News reports. The new leading character is Luz Noceda, who appears in Disney Channel’s “The Owl House” series. Disney has presented LGBTQ characters before, but they previously had relatively minor roles.
Federal judge temporarily blocks Idaho law banning transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports
An Idaho law that prohibits transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports has been temporarily blocked by a federal court, CBN News reports. US District Judge David Nye said Idaho’s Fairness in Women's Sports Act "stands in stark contrast to the policies of elite athletic bodies that regulate sports both nationally and globally.”
Christian News
Los Angeles County requests John MacArthur’s Grace Community Church to be fined and held in contempt of court
Los Angeles County filed a request Wednesday for John MacArthur’s Grace Community Church to be held in contempt of court and to be fined $20,000, CBN News reports. The complaint comes after the church held three indoor services on Sunday, in defiance of COVID-19 restrictions.