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The purpose of this document is to clarify how other folks may define this term, and then how scripture defines it. Hopefully, this allows us to speak the same language when using such terms as "prophetic" within the context of Christian teachings.

Webster says:

pro•phet•ic \pre-"fe-tik\ adjective
1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of a prophet or prophecy
2 : foretelling events : predictive

Simply put, if a minister has a message that is prophetic, they have the characteristic of a prophet. Normally we think of an Old Testament prophet that predicts the future. Thus, most Christians define prophetic as futuristic ministry. End time prophecy fits nicely into this package. Authors such as

• Tim LaHaye (Left Behind Series),

• Hal Lindsey (Late Great Planet Earth),

• and Jerry B. Jenkins (Soon)

focus on end-time prophecy, also called eschatology.

Some that teach end-time prophecy declare that they are not prophets. Unfortunately, if one unfolds to others the meaning of obscure scriptures relating to the last days—that person is acting as a prophet—they are prophetic, whether they admit it or not. If they happen to be wrong, God may considered them to be false prophets.

Movement Prophets

Prophets of the Bible include all prophets, New Testament and Old Testament. Many of these prophets did not prophesy about end-time prophetic events; though, they did foretell what God was about to do. Also note: some prophets, as John the Baptist, performed no miracles.

In modern times, we witness groups of Christians labeling themselves as "prophetic", or "prophets." These prophetic people often encamp together. For some, the term prophetic is defined when thinking of certain ministries from certain movements.

Faith movement prophets:

• Hilton Sutton (ABC's of Bible Prophecy)

• John Hagee (Day of Deception)

• Charles Capps (End Time Events)

Prophetic movement prophets:

• Rick Joyner (Prophetic Vision for the 21 Century)

• Mike Bickle (Growing in the Prophetic)

• Bill Hamon (Personal Prophecy Series)

Latter Rain / Sonship movement prophets:

• Bill Britton (Prophet on Wheels)

• William Branham (The Seven Seals)

• Kelley Varner (Corporate Anointing)

Take note: Some of these prophets now call themselves apostles, but they are still considered prophetic.

Sometimes, we hear of modern-day prophets that predict events that are suppose to occur soon. This is a list of ones that I know about:

• Kim Clement (Sound of His Voice)

• Paul Cain (The Word and the Spirit)

• Bob Jones: Not the university

And sites will spend a lot of effort promoting their prophets:

The Elijah List—Featuring: John Paul Jackson, Graham Cooke, Dutch Sheets, Rick Joyner, Bill Hamon, and many more. This site is indicative of the prophetic movement. If you want clarification of this network of prophetic ministers, this site features most of them.

Real Prophetic

So what does prophetic really mean?

It simply means: any ministry effort that can be compared to a biblical prophet. Note, however, it is not an "office of a prophet" as some call it, but a gift of a prophet. It is not a position one holds; it is an action one does.

For example, John the Baptist was given a message and mission to prepare Jesus' way. Today, you may be given a message and mission that God uses to prepare the world for the final coming of Jesus. The preparatory part of that message and mission can be called prophetic. It is futuristic in nature because God is telling you where and how to build, and as a builder you see God's plan as an architect. Are you a visionary?

As another example, Agabus the prophet bound Paul's hands and spoke a personal word to Paul, foretelling Paul's future. Though there are many counterfeit activities abroad, they are counterfeiting the true prophetic activity of foretelling. So, personal foretelling is scriptural regardless of other falseness that you may witness. However, not all prophets act as Agabus.

Just observe the Bible prophet example, and the term prophetic is defined. The worse thing you can do is pigeon-hole the term prophetic to mean your favorite Bible prophets, or the current prophets of the day.

Q. How do I define the prophetic for my ministry, Temple Builders, and my book, Temple Builders: The High Calling?

A. I perceive God is speaking a preparatory word to His people to prepare His bride. I am not interested in telling you about ways you can escape impending doom. I am not interested in explaining how all the events of Revelation will manifest themselves. Instead, I desire to speak a word that causes you to go to God's next level for your life—in maturity. This word is a word sounding a trumpet; it sounds an alarm to get ready, but also sounds the trumpet for God's future prophetic festivities.

Though I observe many ministries making loud soundings of prophetic utterance, I perceive God's true prophetic utterance is much quieter in the earth. This utterance is heard by those that desire Him, and Him alone. To find God's prophetic, you must desire to know Him more than anything that can overshadow His voice. It is then—God's thunderous voice is distinctly heard.

—John Robert Lucas

"Temple Builders: The High Calling" Prophetic Book