The Difference Between Being 'Prophetic' and Being a 'Prophet"

Julian Adams • August 21, 2020

One of the most common questions I get asked is "What's the difference between being 'prophetic' and being an actual 'prophet'". The Bible writes that all of us have the ability to prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:31), but that doesn't mean that all of us are "prophets" as described in Ephesians 4. I believe it comes down to three things. 

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  • Transcript

    - Hey guys. One of the big questions I often get asked is what's the difference between being prophetic and being a prophet. Now, there are a number of things that I think will help you discover whether or not you're a prophet. There's some few common things that I see with a number of people who have stepped up into the gift of being a prophet. Things like going through seasons, maybe of difficulty, but discovering God in a very real and tangible way, having a direct access by knowing things ahead of time, sensing things before they happen. These are all little indicators, being kind of otherworldly, being aware of another dimension, called God's dimension, and sometimes being caught up in that more than this physical dimension. And those are just some of the kind of key things that I find often indicate something of a brewing prophetic dynamic. But the reality is, all of us are prophetic, all of us get to prophesy. The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 14 that everyone can prophesy. So by nature, with that fact, everyone is prophetic, but there is a difference between those who are prophetic and a prophet. It's important for us to see that scripture tells us when Jesus went to heaven, He gave gifts of Himself in the expression of apostles, prophets, teachers, pastors, evangelists. And I wanna talk to you about what it means for us to receive the gift of Jesus as a prophet. and the first key to know whether or not you're a prophet, is have you had an encounter with Jesus, where He personally commissioned you to be a prophet? It seems to me that all the prophets in Old Testament had an awakening from God about their gift, and that's how they discovered they were prophets. And I would argue that every single aspect of the gifts of Jesus in the ministry of Jesus, I would argue, has to come as a result of God or a encounter with Jesus that empowers you to live and walk in that gift. I can tell you the day and the moment that Jesus came to me and said to me, "Son, you will be a prophet to the nations." It was clear, it was concise, and it was a commission that began the journey of being a prophet. The second aspect of understanding whether or not you're a prophet is that your prophetic gift will make room for you. And by that, I mean, it's not just that you're able to prophesy, but that there's been a consistent track record of prophecies being fulfilled. When we understand that, people will begin to say, "Hold on, there are numbers of prophetic words that are now coming to pass. This not just a one-hit wonder. This is someone who is consistently bringing a reward with the prophetic of fulfilled, prophetic promises." That's a clear sign that God is shaping you beyond just being someone who's prophetic, into being someone who is consistently bringing directional and prophetic words that are tested, and have come to pass. The last aspect that I would say has to do with understanding that when you know you're a prophet, God will give you platforms that will be recognized by other people. In other words, you will start to have greater spheres of influence, and you'll be able to prophesy into different contexts and into different spaces. Those three things, the simplicity of commission from Jesus, recognition that your words are coming to pass, and platform, because others are recognizing you and calling you a prophet, are key ways to know the difference between being prophetic and being a prophet. God bless and thanks for watching. Hey, if you enjoyed this video, and you're looking to grow more in your prophetic gift, check out my online prophetic course Vox Dei, and find out more in the description below.

Prophetic Perspectives for 2025

March 3, 2025
In this live session, Sean Smith and Julian Adams share their prophetic perspectives on 2025, offering honest reflections on what they sense God is doing across the earth. With hope and expectancy, they discuss the spiritual landscape ahead and how we can prepare for what’s to come.

Your Story Matters: Here's Why

By Julian Adams • January 3, 2025
We are living in a world of dramatic change. The relentless pace of development often leaves us breathless and exhausted. The demand for innovative ways of communicating, inventing, and staying ahead of cultural trends can feel daunting and demoralizing. It can push us into a space where we find ourselves trying to copy rather than be authentic, to imitate rather than create. This pressure can lead us to believe that we need to be more creative, and that our individual stories do not matter. But nothing could be further from the truth. Your story, no matter how small, matters and is powerful. One of the remarkable aspects of ancient manuscripts, like the Bible, is that they tell the stories of individuals whose lives may seem small and insignificant. Yet, God chose to make their lives a memorial of what He could do with a life that the world deems insignificant. The incredible power of the gospel is that it changes lives one at a time. God is as interested in the individual story as He is in redeeming the cosmos. The aim of the gospel is not just dealing with personal sin; it is about restoring individuals to a relationship with a kind Father. In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis beautifully said, "The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God." Justification addresses our standing before God, but our adoption invites us into a relationship with the Father. It allows us to partake of who He is and to live in a place of deep joy from who He is. Romans 3:23 reminds us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Many of us forget that the work of salvation has turned this verse around. Through Jesus, we have been restored to the glory of God. One description of the word "glory" refers to the divine quality, the unspoken manifestation of God, and splendor. It is the revelation of God's intrinsic worth and beauty. Do you see that? We have been restored to His divine quality, splendor, and beauty. In a world where it can be easy to feel like just another face in the crowd, remember that your story is significant. Your experiences, your journey, and your voice matter. Embrace the unique narrative God has given you and let it shine. You are not just a spectator; you are a vital participant in God's grand story. Your authenticity, creativity, and individuality are valuable. As you navigate the rapid changes of our world, hold on to the truth that your story has power and purpose. God sees you, knows you, and has a plan for your life that is uniquely yours. Let us celebrate the beauty and significance of each individual story, knowing that together, we contribute to a tapestry of divine splendor and glory.

Pursuing Wholeness: My Journey from Rejection to Healing

By Julian Adams • July 17, 2024
Rejection is a powerful force that can shape the trajectory of our lives, often in ways we don't fully realize until much later. For me, this journey began in childhood. I was born with a cleft palate, which affected my ability to speak, and coupled with my passionate devotion to Jesus, I faced daily ridicule and rejection throughout my school years. My speech and my fervent faith made me a target, and I found myself isolated and misunderstood. Despite the rejection, something beautiful began to grow within me: a deep and abiding friendship with Jesus. Through profound encounters with the Lord, I began to walk in the prophetic. This newfound gift led me to public ministry, where I started releasing prophetic words. However, beneath the surface, I was carrying an immense amount of pain that I hadn't dealt with. This pain manifested as a lifestyle of performance, driven by the need for acceptance and validation. Though I was a new creation in Christ, I was living as if I were still bound by my old wounds. In Matthew 23:27-28 (MSG), Jesus describes the Pharisees as "manicured grave plots, grass clipped and the flowers bright, but six feet down it's all rotting bones and worm-eaten flesh. People look at you and think you're saints, but beneath the skin, you're total frauds." These words struck a chord with me because I realized I was living like a professional Pharisee. Outwardly, I appeared to have it all together, but inside, I was disconnected from the healing process that God wanted to take me through. This disconnect had a significant impact on my prophetic ministry. My words, especially those concerning sin, were often harsh and unkind, reflecting my damaged perspective of myself and the world. It wasn't until I began to address my heart issues that my approach to the prophetic truly changed. God started speaking to me about the connection between my gift, my performance, and my worth. Through this process, He took me back to moments of pain and difficulty from my childhood and even into my adult life. In one profound moment, God said to me, "Son, I want you to grow up and be a child." This statement might seem paradoxical, but it revealed a crucial truth: the posture of the kingdom is one of childlike fascination and trust. My journey into sonship transformed how I viewed the prophetic and how I ministered to others. No longer driven by judgment and legalism, I began to approach people with love, kindness, and the heart of the Father. Understanding my identity as a beloved child of God allowed me to see others through His eyes. This shift not only brought healing to my heart but also enabled me to minister more effectively and compassionately. Rejection and pain had shaped my early years, but God's love and healing power brought me to a place of wholeness. This journey has taught me that dealing with our heart issues is essential for authentic and impactful ministry. As we pursue wholeness, we open ourselves to deeper intimacy with God and greater effectiveness in serving His people. If you find yourself struggling with similar issues of rejection, pain, or performance, I encourage you to invite God into those wounded places. Allow Him to heal and transform you, just as He did for me. Embrace the posture of childlike wonder and trust, knowing that you are deeply loved and valued by your Heavenly Father. In this place of wholeness, you will find the freedom to live and minister authentically, reflecting the heart of God to a world in need.
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