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
Tensions in Middle East Intensify As Iran Adds ‘Fully Smart’ 1000-Km Cruise Missiles to its Arsenal
Iranian State TV announced on Sunday that Iran's navy had enhanced its weaponry with the integration of advanced, locally manufactured Talaeieh and Nasir cruise missiles. These missiles, notably the Talaeieh, are described as "fully smart," with a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) and capable of changing targets during their flight.
U.S. Alleges China’s Theft of AI Technology Boosting Espionage Against American Citizens
The FBI and U.S. intelligence agencies warn about China's use of artificial intelligence, indicating potential risks beyond intellectual property theft. They are concerned that China could use AI for massive data collection on American citizens. The FBI has highlighted the importance of safeguarding artificial intelligence as a vital U.S. technology in response to China's aim for substantial AI advancements by 2025, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Pre-Emptive Strike Against Hezbollah Thwarted by Biden
President Biden reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cancel a preemptive strike against Hezbollah, citing concerns about the possibility of a broader regional conflict, according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
Israel Hits Hezbollah with ‘Wide-Scale’ Airstrikes As Rockets Fall From Lebanon
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that they executed 'wide-scale' strikes against Hezbollah targets on Sunday in response to a series of rocket attacks from Lebanon that targeted various communities in northern Israel.
War Prompts Cancelation Bethlehem Christmas
Most Christmas events were canceled in the Biblical birthplace of Jesus, with authorities saying the Israel-Hamas war gives no reason to celebrate the “Prince of Peace.”
Inside the United States
US Marks Anniversary of Repeal of Exclusion Act As Surge of Chinese Immigrants Come to America
Marking the 80th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act's repeal, the U.S. is witnessing a surge of Chinese immigrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border as they seek asylum from a repressive Communist regime in their home country.
School Boards Begin Voting On New Measure to Allow Chaplains to Volunteer in Schools
Texas school boards have already begun to vote on a new measure to allow or prohibit chaplains from volunteering to provide counseling and other services to students.
US Government Backs Anti-Israel Groups Through ‘Dark Money’ Scheme
An influential “dark money” liberal group reportedly funds anti-Israel and antisemitic activism across the United States backed by massive amounts in taxpayer-financed grants and contracts.
Christian News
Arrests And Security Around European Churches Amid Fears Of Christmas Attacks
Arrests were made, and security was stepped up around churches and Christmas markets in Europe, including in Germany and neighboring Austria, after intelligence information of possible attacks, officials said.
Tensions in Middle East Intensify As Iran Adds ‘Fully Smart’ 1000-Km Cruise Missiles to its Arsenal
Iranian State TV announced on Sunday that Iran's navy had enhanced its weaponry with the integration of advanced, locally manufactured Talaeieh and Nasir cruise missiles. These missiles, notably the Talaeieh, are described as "fully smart," with a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) and capable of changing targets during their flight.
U.S. Alleges China’s Theft of AI Technology Boosting Espionage Against American Citizens
The FBI and U.S. intelligence agencies warn about China's use of artificial intelligence, indicating potential risks beyond intellectual property theft. They are concerned that China could use AI for massive data collection on American citizens. The FBI has highlighted the importance of safeguarding artificial intelligence as a vital U.S. technology in response to China's aim for substantial AI advancements by 2025, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Pre-Emptive Strike Against Hezbollah Thwarted by Biden
President Biden reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cancel a preemptive strike against Hezbollah, citing concerns about the possibility of a broader regional conflict, according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
Israel Hits Hezbollah with ‘Wide-Scale’ Airstrikes As Rockets Fall From Lebanon
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that they executed 'wide-scale' strikes against Hezbollah targets on Sunday in response to a series of rocket attacks from Lebanon that targeted various communities in northern Israel.
War Prompts Cancelation Bethlehem Christmas
Most Christmas events were canceled in the Biblical birthplace of Jesus, with authorities saying the Israel-Hamas war gives no reason to celebrate the “Prince of Peace.”
Inside the United States
US Marks Anniversary of Repeal of Exclusion Act As Surge of Chinese Immigrants Come to America
Marking the 80th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act's repeal, the U.S. is witnessing a surge of Chinese immigrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border as they seek asylum from a repressive Communist regime in their home country.
School Boards Begin Voting On New Measure to Allow Chaplains to Volunteer in Schools
Texas school boards have already begun to vote on a new measure to allow or prohibit chaplains from volunteering to provide counseling and other services to students.
US Government Backs Anti-Israel Groups Through ‘Dark Money’ Scheme
An influential “dark money” liberal group reportedly funds anti-Israel and antisemitic activism across the United States backed by massive amounts in taxpayer-financed grants and contracts.
Christian News
Arrests And Security Around European Churches Amid Fears Of Christmas Attacks
Arrests were made, and security was stepped up around churches and Christmas markets in Europe, including in Germany and neighboring Austria, after intelligence information of possible attacks, officials said.
Around the World
Ukraine Christmas Overshadowed By Russian Attacks (Worthy News Radio)
Pope Francis has expressed his closeness to what he said are "our brothers and sisters suffering due to war," including the people of Ukraine which faced a turbulent Christmas, with Russian shelling and drone attacks reportedly claiming the lives of at least four people. The leader of more than a billion Catholics, who has been involved in peace diplomacy with both nations, but there was no evidence Sunday his efforts had been successful.
Iran Denies Planning Houthi Attacks
Iran has denied U.S. allegations that it is involved in planning attacks by Yemen's Tehran-aligned Houthi movement on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
Czech Republic Unites In Grief Over University Massacre (Worthy News Radio)
The Czech Republic plunged into a day of national mourning Saturday after a student killed 14 people and wounded 25 others at his Prague university in the worst mass shooting in the country’s, and Europe’s, recent history.
China Battles West Over Control Over World Minerals
China’s battle with the West over control of the world’s critical minerals rapidly escalated Friday after the Communist nation banned the export of production technology for rare earth metals.
UK: High Court Rules It Is Lawful to Bar Silent Prayer Vigils Inside Exclusion Zone Around Abortion Center
Britain’s High Court of Justice has ruled it is lawful to criminalize pro-life activity, including silent prayer vigils, inside a designated exclusion zone around an abortion clinic, the UK Christian Concern organization said in a press release.The ruling was handed down by Lord Justice Warby and Justice Thornton on Dec. 15, 2023.
Houthis Threaten To Strike More US Warships
American warships faced possible attacks Friday after Yemen's Houthis warned they would strike U.S. warships if Washington targeted the Iranian-backed militia.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
UN Security Council Passes Resolution to Increase Humanitarian Aid to Gaza; U.S. Abstains and Expresses Criticism of UN
Following a week of vote delays and intense negotiations to circumvent a United States veto, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) approved a resolution that called for the boosting of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and called for urgent steps "to create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities."
Inside the United States
Michigan’s Capitol Faces ‘Satanic’ Christmas
The heart of government in the Midwestern U.S. state of Michigan was preparing for Christmas with a satanic display of The Satanic Temple (TST) group after a Christian beheaded its other satanic monument at the Iowa State Capitol.
Biden Approves $886 Billion Defense Bill and FISA Extension on Friday, Right Before Christmas
On Friday, President Biden approved the $886 billion defense bill, providing the military with its most substantial pay raise in years. The bill, however, also prolongs the government's authority to monitor phone and internet activities of non-U.S. residents abroad, a measure that has raised concerns among critics about potential implications for Americans.
SCOTUS Rejects Special Counsel’s Request to Decide Trump’s Immunity Claim, Handing Trump a Win
On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) declined the request from special counsel Jack Smith for an expedited review concerning a defense strategy in one of the two cases he is handling against Former President Donald Trump.
New Jersey: Pro-life Pregnancy Centers File Lawsuit to Block “Oppressive, Unjustified” Subpoena Issued by Democratic AG
An umbrella group of pro-life pregnancy centers has filed suit against New Jersey to block what it describes as a politically motivated “oppressive, unjustified” subpoena issued by the state’s Democratic Attorney General to produce detailed information on their business practices, the Washington Times reports. First Choice Women’s Resource Centers filed the suit in the District Court in response to a subpoena received from New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin.
Christian News
Vietnamese Christian Refugees Facing Arrest and Harassment in Thailand
Worryingly, Christian refugees from the Vietnamese Hmong and Montagnard minority groups are now facing arrests and harassment from officials in Thailand, where they have come seeking refuge from persecution in Vietnam, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Christian Colleges Have Increased Their Support for Abortion/Planned Parenthood Since 2021, Study Shows
A new study shows that Christian colleges in the United States have increased their support for abortion and for the major abortion provider Planned Parenthood by 10% since 2021, the Christian Post reports.
Ukraine Christmas Overshadowed By Russian Attacks (Worthy News Radio)
Pope Francis has expressed his closeness to what he said are "our brothers and sisters suffering due to war," including the people of Ukraine which faced a turbulent Christmas, with Russian shelling and drone attacks reportedly claiming the lives of at least four people. The leader of more than a billion Catholics, who has been involved in peace diplomacy with both nations, but there was no evidence Sunday his efforts had been successful.
Iran Denies Planning Houthi Attacks
Iran has denied U.S. allegations that it is involved in planning attacks by Yemen's Tehran-aligned Houthi movement on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
Czech Republic Unites In Grief Over University Massacre (Worthy News Radio)
The Czech Republic plunged into a day of national mourning Saturday after a student killed 14 people and wounded 25 others at his Prague university in the worst mass shooting in the country’s, and Europe’s, recent history.
China Battles West Over Control Over World Minerals
China’s battle with the West over control of the world’s critical minerals rapidly escalated Friday after the Communist nation banned the export of production technology for rare earth metals.
UK: High Court Rules It Is Lawful to Bar Silent Prayer Vigils Inside Exclusion Zone Around Abortion Center
Britain’s High Court of Justice has ruled it is lawful to criminalize pro-life activity, including silent prayer vigils, inside a designated exclusion zone around an abortion clinic, the UK Christian Concern organization said in a press release.The ruling was handed down by Lord Justice Warby and Justice Thornton on Dec. 15, 2023.
Houthis Threaten To Strike More US Warships
American warships faced possible attacks Friday after Yemen's Houthis warned they would strike U.S. warships if Washington targeted the Iranian-backed militia.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
UN Security Council Passes Resolution to Increase Humanitarian Aid to Gaza; U.S. Abstains and Expresses Criticism of UN
Following a week of vote delays and intense negotiations to circumvent a United States veto, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) approved a resolution that called for the boosting of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and called for urgent steps "to create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities."
Inside the United States
Michigan’s Capitol Faces ‘Satanic’ Christmas
The heart of government in the Midwestern U.S. state of Michigan was preparing for Christmas with a satanic display of The Satanic Temple (TST) group after a Christian beheaded its other satanic monument at the Iowa State Capitol.
Biden Approves $886 Billion Defense Bill and FISA Extension on Friday, Right Before Christmas
On Friday, President Biden approved the $886 billion defense bill, providing the military with its most substantial pay raise in years. The bill, however, also prolongs the government's authority to monitor phone and internet activities of non-U.S. residents abroad, a measure that has raised concerns among critics about potential implications for Americans.
SCOTUS Rejects Special Counsel’s Request to Decide Trump’s Immunity Claim, Handing Trump a Win
On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) declined the request from special counsel Jack Smith for an expedited review concerning a defense strategy in one of the two cases he is handling against Former President Donald Trump.
New Jersey: Pro-life Pregnancy Centers File Lawsuit to Block “Oppressive, Unjustified” Subpoena Issued by Democratic AG
An umbrella group of pro-life pregnancy centers has filed suit against New Jersey to block what it describes as a politically motivated “oppressive, unjustified” subpoena issued by the state’s Democratic Attorney General to produce detailed information on their business practices, the Washington Times reports. First Choice Women’s Resource Centers filed the suit in the District Court in response to a subpoena received from New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin.
Christian News
Vietnamese Christian Refugees Facing Arrest and Harassment in Thailand
Worryingly, Christian refugees from the Vietnamese Hmong and Montagnard minority groups are now facing arrests and harassment from officials in Thailand, where they have come seeking refuge from persecution in Vietnam, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Christian Colleges Have Increased Their Support for Abortion/Planned Parenthood Since 2021, Study Shows
A new study shows that Christian colleges in the United States have increased their support for abortion and for the major abortion provider Planned Parenthood by 10% since 2021, the Christian Post reports.
Around the World
Beleaguered Ukrainian President Faces Losses
A year after he received standing ovations in Western capitals from Washington to London, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy looked beleaguered.
Ukraine Has Received Final $1.65 Billion Tranche of Aid From EU
Ukraine continues to require international support to fight Russia’s invasion and has now received the last 1.5 billion euro ($1.65 billion) tranche from the 18 billion package from the European Union for 2023, Reuters reports. Receipt of the final EU tranche was announced Thursday Dec. 21 by Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
16 Dead In Shooting In Prague University
At least 15 people were killed and about 30 others injured in a shooting on Thursday at Charles University in central Prague, Czech police and other sources said.
24th Victim Of Indonesia Volcanic Eruption Dies After Struggle
The death toll from the volcanic eruption on Indonesia's Mount Marapi that caught dozens of climbers by surprise this month has risen to 24 after a teenage girl, who became a symbol of determination and hope, lost her life.
Turkey President Accuses Israel Of “Massacre” At Trip In Hungary
Turkey’s president wrapped up his visit to Hungary with a warning to Israel to end its “ongoing massacre” in Gaza, while not mentioning the Hamas atrocities in the Jewish nation that killed 1,200 people.
China Rolling Out Thought Control Weapons In ‘Brain Warfare’
Communist-run China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is rolling out brain-influencing weapons and advanced psychological warfare in “a major shift in military strategy,” according to a new report obtained by Worthy News.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel Claims 2,000 Hamas Terrorists Killed in December, 8,000 Overall; Lebanon Border Heats Up
As the war continues into its 3rd month in Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claims that it has eliminated 8,000 Hamas terrorists and 2,000 since the beginning of October, IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said.
US: Over 50% of Young Adults Believe Israel Should Be Erased, Poll Finds
A new Harvard CAPS/Harris poll shows that, since the Oct. 7 genocidal attack on Israel by Hamas, over 50% of American young adults believe Israel should be erased and the land it is on given to Hamas and the Palestinians, Israel365 News report.
Inside the United States
Federal Judge Halts California’s Ban on Permitted Concealed Carry in Public
A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against California’s wide-ranging ban on concealed carry users bringing their weapons to a number of public and private places ranging from public transit to parks, stadiums and banks.
Border Patrol chiefs confirm ‘illegal aliens spread the word the border is open’
As part of the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security's investigation into the "dereliction of duty" of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, it and members of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability conducted interviews with eight U.S. Border Patrol chief patrol agents and one deputy chief patrol agent.
Christian News
Nigeria: Slaughter of Christians Continues, 8 Murdered in Plateau State
Fulani Islamic terrorists killed eight more Christians in Nigeria’s Plateau state last month, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. Nigeria leads the world for the number of Christians murdered on account of their faith: well over 50,000 have been slaughtered since the Boko Haram Islamist insurgency in 2009.
More Than 80% of US Christians Favor a Two-State Solution to Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Poll Shows
A new poll by Lifeway Research shows that four out of five US Christians support a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in which a new state of Palestine is created alongside Israel, the Jerusalem Post reports.
Israel and West Bank Christmas Celebrations Canceled Amid Gaza War
As the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza continues unabated, Church leaders and city councils in Israel and the West Bank have decided to call off large-scale public Christmas celebrations and not to decorate public spaces with Christmas trees, the Jerusalem Post reports. The decision affects Bethlehem, Jesus’ birthplace (now controlled by the West Bank Palestinian Authority), Nazareth in northern Israel, where Jesus grew up, and Jerusalem, where He was crucified and rose again.
Beleaguered Ukrainian President Faces Losses
A year after he received standing ovations in Western capitals from Washington to London, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy looked beleaguered.
Ukraine Has Received Final $1.65 Billion Tranche of Aid From EU
Ukraine continues to require international support to fight Russia’s invasion and has now received the last 1.5 billion euro ($1.65 billion) tranche from the 18 billion package from the European Union for 2023, Reuters reports. Receipt of the final EU tranche was announced Thursday Dec. 21 by Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
16 Dead In Shooting In Prague University
At least 15 people were killed and about 30 others injured in a shooting on Thursday at Charles University in central Prague, Czech police and other sources said.
24th Victim Of Indonesia Volcanic Eruption Dies After Struggle
The death toll from the volcanic eruption on Indonesia's Mount Marapi that caught dozens of climbers by surprise this month has risen to 24 after a teenage girl, who became a symbol of determination and hope, lost her life.
Turkey President Accuses Israel Of “Massacre” At Trip In Hungary
Turkey’s president wrapped up his visit to Hungary with a warning to Israel to end its “ongoing massacre” in Gaza, while not mentioning the Hamas atrocities in the Jewish nation that killed 1,200 people.
China Rolling Out Thought Control Weapons In ‘Brain Warfare’
Communist-run China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is rolling out brain-influencing weapons and advanced psychological warfare in “a major shift in military strategy,” according to a new report obtained by Worthy News.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel Claims 2,000 Hamas Terrorists Killed in December, 8,000 Overall; Lebanon Border Heats Up
As the war continues into its 3rd month in Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claims that it has eliminated 8,000 Hamas terrorists and 2,000 since the beginning of October, IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said.
US: Over 50% of Young Adults Believe Israel Should Be Erased, Poll Finds
A new Harvard CAPS/Harris poll shows that, since the Oct. 7 genocidal attack on Israel by Hamas, over 50% of American young adults believe Israel should be erased and the land it is on given to Hamas and the Palestinians, Israel365 News report.
Inside the United States
Federal Judge Halts California’s Ban on Permitted Concealed Carry in Public
A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against California’s wide-ranging ban on concealed carry users bringing their weapons to a number of public and private places ranging from public transit to parks, stadiums and banks.
Border Patrol chiefs confirm ‘illegal aliens spread the word the border is open’
As part of the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security's investigation into the "dereliction of duty" of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, it and members of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability conducted interviews with eight U.S. Border Patrol chief patrol agents and one deputy chief patrol agent.
Christian News
Nigeria: Slaughter of Christians Continues, 8 Murdered in Plateau State
Fulani Islamic terrorists killed eight more Christians in Nigeria’s Plateau state last month, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. Nigeria leads the world for the number of Christians murdered on account of their faith: well over 50,000 have been slaughtered since the Boko Haram Islamist insurgency in 2009.
More Than 80% of US Christians Favor a Two-State Solution to Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Poll Shows
A new poll by Lifeway Research shows that four out of five US Christians support a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in which a new state of Palestine is created alongside Israel, the Jerusalem Post reports.
Israel and West Bank Christmas Celebrations Canceled Amid Gaza War
As the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza continues unabated, Church leaders and city councils in Israel and the West Bank have decided to call off large-scale public Christmas celebrations and not to decorate public spaces with Christmas trees, the Jerusalem Post reports. The decision affects Bethlehem, Jesus’ birthplace (now controlled by the West Bank Palestinian Authority), Nazareth in northern Israel, where Jesus grew up, and Jerusalem, where He was crucified and rose again.