Why are Prophets So Often Misunderstood?

Julian Adams • January 24, 2020
The prophetic is often misunderstood due to inaccurate representations. Viewing prophecy through a Biblical lens allows us to trust God in the process. This relieves the pressure to perform and allows prophecy to be delivered with a healthy balance of justice and mercy.



  • Transcript

    - Hi my name's Julian Adams. You know, as a kid growing up in church, I used to be super scared when I heard that a prophet was coming through town. I remember thinking to myself, "I better make sure that I'm super holy "'cause I wanna get rid of all my sin" 'cause all of the models that I saw in the prophetic in those days were angry, frustrated people who wanted to expose all of the bad things in people. I'm not quite sure how much sin I really had as a 10 year old kid. But, go figure, I was repenting and fasting to make sure that I was super holy just in case my sin would be exposed. I've noticed in the church today, there's this sense of misunderstanding around the prophetic and around prophets who are seemingly angry and who want to expose sin, and who cover it all under the guise of "discernment." And I want to encourage you that that's not what biblical prophesy looks like. You see, I've discovered that often people in the prophetic prophesy through an Old Testament lens. They prophesy through a view of scripture that actually, the Bible says, speaks of Jesus, points to Jesus, and Jesus is now our new model. He is the perfect prophet. And that's how we're to live. That's how we're to prophesy and it seems to me that Jesus felt comfortable with sinners. He felt with those who were not regarded by society as clean, yet He was able to speak into their lives, and to call out the best out of them, and that's what New Testament prophets should look like. That's how we should minister. One of the things that I see very often is a frustration that builds in prophetic ministry, and in prophets particularly in local churches because they often have seen, prophets often have seen, what God wants to do tomorrow. They're living in that today, but the rest of the church is still trying to catch up with yesterday and it produces this kind of tension. It produces this kind of an elastic bag of stress, as it were. And the prophets are like, "Come on! You've gotta move faster. "You're not doing enough!" And it produces a frustration in them. I've discovered that when you live in the place of healthy understanding, that God is in charge of everything, and He's moving circumstances, people, and hearts behind the scenes so that everything would work according to His purposes, it lifts the pressure off of trying to manufacture something. It lifts the pressure off of living in frustration, my responsibility is to bring the prophetic in a healthy way that looks like Jesus. That looks like His characteristics. That looks like His heart. And when I do that, it breaks open an opportunity for people to partner with heaven in the prophetic. Prophets aren't meant to be angry. They're meant to carry the sense of God's life. They're meant to carry the sense of God's mercy. In the Bible, justice and mercy goes together. And prophets who carry a strong sense of justice also have to carry a strong sense of mercy, because at the cross the victim and the perpetrator go free. That's what extravagant, scandalous grace looks like. And so I want to invite you into living in a prophetic way that reveals the heart of mercy and justice, that's not filled with frustration or anger, but lives happily in the tension of tomorrow knowing that God is working everything out in such way as to bring people into the fullness of His purpose. Hey we've got a free PDF on how to give words of knowledge, click on the link below. I know it's gonna encourage you. Also, if you're loving what we're producing, won't you like our YouTube and share it on all of your social media platforms.

It all Starts with What You See

By Julian Adams • June 19, 2025
If you want to grow in the prophetic, it doesn’t begin with what you say. It begins with what you see. The prophetic is rooted in perception. Not just natural insight, but spiritual awareness—what Scripture calls “the eyes of your heart.” Paul prayed that the church in Ephesus would have their hearts enlightened so they could truly see what God was doing. “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you…” (Ephesians 1:18) God isn’t distant or withholding. But if we’re going to hear Him clearly, we have to see differently. We need Heaven’s perspective. And that means learning to quiet the noise, tune into His voice, and let Him train our inner vision. You don’t need to wait for a dramatic vision or audible voice. Often, God speaks through a nudge. A mental picture. A scripture that lingers. A sense of burden or joy that feels holy. These are the first signs that your spiritual eyesight is awakening. But it takes time. It takes attention. It takes trust. Just like physical muscles grow with use, your spiritual senses grow as you spend time with Him—not just talking, but listening. Not just asking for answers, but asking for His perspective. You were never meant to live according to what the world says is true. You were meant to live by every word that flows from the mouth of God. A Prayer for This Week: “Lord, open the eyes of my heart. Teach me to see what You see—not just in others, but in myself, in my circumstances, in the world around me. Give me clarity and confidence to trust Your perspective more than my own. Amen.” This week, pay attention to what you notice. The way you see is often the way He speaks.

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.
More Posts