Comparing Gerald Flurry's Two Jeremiah Booklets

In 1993 Gerald Flurry wrote a booklet entitled Jeremiah: Prophet of Doom—or Hope? In 1999 this booklet was superseded by another, greatly expanded booklet by him entitled Jeremiah and the Greatest Vision in the Bible. It was later reprinted with at least some alterations in 2002, 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2013. That more recent booklet was discussed previously on this blog (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 and Part 5).

As I suspected the parts of the 1993 booklet is incorporated into the later booklet, Jeremiah and the Greatest Vision in the Bible. But the 1993 booklet is very different. There is no specific mention of one-man rule in the 1993 booklet. That is not to suggest that he was any more egalitarian. Flurry does insist that his PCG is the only true church. One chapter of the 1993 booklet is even entitled "Only One Work of God". But he never use the phrase "one-man rule" as he does numerous times in the later booklet.

Also there is no discussion of the idea (derived from British Israelism) that Christ will return to sit on the British throne. The 1993 booklet does refer to a reprint article entitled "Stone of Destiny" near the end on page 43. That article may have been incorporated into the second booklet first published in 1999 as it talks about the British Throne at some length.

I went through some of the quotes in my posts concerning Gerald Flurry's later booklet, Jeremiah and the Greatest Vision in the Bible, and compared them to his earlier booklet, Jeremiah: Prophet of Doom—or Hope?

The second Jeremiah booklet was first released in 1999, however since I read the 2002 version of that booklet I shall use that date when quoting the second booklet.

Highlights emphasize the differences made in the 2002 version of Jeremiah and the Greatest Vision in the Bible compared with the original 1993 booklet, Jeremiah: Prophet of Doom—or Hope?

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The book of Jeremiah was written to Israel over 100 years after they had gone into captivity. Think about that! Why would God cause Jeremiah to do such a thing? Because the book of Jeremiah is primarily for Israel in the end time! And that includes spiritual Israel, or God’s Church. (Introduction. 1993)

The book of Jeremiah was written to Israel over 100 years after they had gone into captivity. Think about that! Why would God cause Jeremiah to do such a thing? Because the book of Jeremiah is primarily for Israel in the end time! And there is an even greater emphasis on spiritual Israel, or God’s Church. You urgently need to understand why! (Introduction. 2002)

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Jeremiah means “the Lord founds.” Most people would probably label Jeremiah the gloomiest prophet in the Bible. The word “jeremiad” means “a prolonged lamentation or complaint” (see Webster’s Dictionary). This word originated from Jeremiah and his prophecies.

If only people would look deeply into what they believe. The meaning of the name Jeremiah is very positive—“the Lord founds.” Jeremiah does discuss some very gloomy prophecies. But why? Because the Lord didn’t “found” or establish the lives of those people. The modern nations of Israel have rebelled against God, so they leap from one disaster to another. The greatest disaster of all time is imminent. Jeremiah tells us how to avoid these disasters. But very few listen. (p. 1. 1993.)

MOST PEOPLE WOULD PROBABLY LABEL JEREMIAH THE gloomiest prophet in the Bible. The word “jeremiad” means “a prolonged lamentation or complaint” (see Webster’s Dictionary). This word originated from Jeremiah and his prophecies.

The word “Jeremiah,” however, means “the Lord founds.” People should look more deeply into what they believe. The meaning of the name Jeremiah is very positive—“the Lord founds.” Jeremiah does discuss some very gloomy prophecies. But why? Because the Lord didn’t “found” or establish the lives of those people. The modern nations of Israel have rebelled against God, so they leap from one disaster to another. The greatest disaster of all time is imminent. Jeremiah tells us how to avoid these disasters. But very few listen. (p. 1. 2002.)

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“Jacob’s trouble” means the trouble in the U.S. and British nations mainly. And notice—IT’S THE WORST TROUBLE ISRAEL HAS EVER EXPERIENCED! Far worse than WORLD WAR II AND THE CONCENTRATION CAMPS!

This coming nuclear holocaust is the culmination of man’s rule over man! Study your history books and you will see man’s rule is from crisis to crisis. But the crisis of crises is just ahead. (pp. 2-3. 1993.)

“Jacob’s trouble” means the trouble in the U.S. and British nations mainly. And notice—IT’S THE WORST TROUBLE THEY HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED! Far worse than WORLD WAR II AND THE CONCENTRATION CAMPS! This has not happened yet. But it’s about to begin. It is prophecy unfolding this very minute.

This coming nuclear holocaust is the culmination of man’s rule over man. Study your history books and you will see man’s rule is from crisis to crisis. But THE CRISIS OF CRISES IS JUST AHEAD! (p. 2. 2002.)

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However, end-time national Israel was NEVER GOD’S FLOCK! They were never unified as God’s people IN THESE LATTER DAYS. This is referring to God’s spiritual flock.

Wickedness is found in God’s own Church today! What is it? Write for free copies of Malachi's Message and the Doctrinal Changes booklet and you will see. God is concerned about evil in all Israel, but far more in spiritual Israel or the Church. That is where the worst crimes of all are being committed. (p. 29. 1993.)

However, end-time national Israel was NEVER GOD’S FLOCK! They were never unified as God’s people in these latter days. This is referring to God’s spiritual flock.

Wickedness is found in God’s own Church today! What is it? God is concerned about evil in all Israel, but far more in spiritual Israel, the Church. That is where the worst crimes of all are being committed! (p. 3. 2002.)

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We must blow the trumpet because NUCLEAR WAR is coming on the nations of Israel unless they repent! ... If you want to escape the terrible trouble ahead, find the Zion or Church that God leads. Only then will you have a place of safety from the terrifying evil to come on Israel! This is not a message to be taken lightly. (pp. 7-8. 1993.)


We must blow the trumpet because NUCLEAR WAR is coming on the nations of Israel unless they repent! ... If you want to escape the terrible trouble ahead, find the Zion, the Church that is led by God. Only then will you have a place of safety from the terrifying evil which is to come on Israel! This is not a message to be taken lightly. (p. 34. 2002.)

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“My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war” (v. 19). The sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war! Our magazine is called the Philadelphia Trumpet—because we are commissioned by God to deliver Jeremiah’s warning message today! What is coming upon Israel was acutely painful to Jeremiah, and it’s even more painful for God’s Church today, to think of their own people being enslaved and killed unless they wake up! (p. 8. 1993.)

“My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the SOUND OF THE TRUMPET, THE ALARM OF WAR” (v. 19). Our monthly magazine is called the Trumpet—because we are commissioned by God to deliver Jeremiah’s warning message today! What is coming upon Israel was acutely painful to Jeremiah; and it’s even more painful for God’s true Church today, to think of their own people being enslaved and killed unless they wake up! (pp. 33-34. 2002.)

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What a fabulous future the people of America and Britain have! Imagine, they are not going to sorrow any more at all! What a utopian future! What a magnificent message we have for Israel and the world! What a Godly HOPE we have for the whole world! (p. 43. 1993.)

What a fabulous future the people of America and Britain have. Imagine, they won’t sorrow any more at all. What a utopian future! What a magnificent message we have for Israel and the world! What a godly HOPE we have for the whole world! (p. 46. 2002.)

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Even Jeremiah’s temporary “doom” contains great hope. He was not a prophet of doom. He was a prophet of incredible hope. If only the world could understand his wonderful message now, so much suffering could be prevented. Jeremiah talked about bad news only because of this world’s rebellion against God. But his overall message was filled with hope! (p. 45. 1993)

Even Jeremiah’s temporary “doom” contains great hope. He was not a prophet of doom. He was a prophet of incredible hope. If only the world could understand his wonderful message now, so much suffering could be prevented. Jeremiah talked about bad news only because of this world’s rebellion against God. But his overall message was filled with hope! (p. 51. 2002.)

[Note: This happens to be the last paragraph of the 1993 booklet. In the later booklet it is placed near the end of Chapter 4 followed by two further paragraphs. While reading Gerald Flurry's later booklet I wrote, "This paragraph probably comes from the original booklet, Jeremiah: Prophet of Doom -- or Hope? But in 1999 it appears PCG greatly revised that booklet to produce the current booklet being studied now."]

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Now God gives another warning. “Thus saith the Lord, Behold, a people cometh from the north country, and a great nation shall be raised from the sides of the earth. They shall lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roareth like the sea; and they ride upon horses, set in array as men for war against thee, O daughter of Zion” (vv. 22-23). Here is a great nation north of Jerusalem. They have a HISTORY OF CRUELTY IN WARFARE. THEY SHOW NO MERCY IN WARFARE. They are men of war. A very good description of Germany! (p. 12. 1993.) 

Now God gives another warning. “Thus saith the Lord, Behold, a people cometh from the north country, and a great nation shall be raised from the sides of the earth. They shall lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roareth like the sea; and they ride upon horses, set in array as men for war against thee, O daughter of Zion” (Jer. 6:22-23). Here is a great nation north of Jerusalem. They have a history of CRUELTY in warfare. THEY SHOW NO MERCY IN WARFARE. They are men of war. A very good description of Germany! (p. 53. 2002.)

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God’s Church is a fortress that God will protect—if the members obey His law. We have nothing to fear if we obey God. But if we in Israel fail to obey God, then we are entering into a time when FEAR will be, BY FAR, THE MOST DOMINANT THEME OF OUR LIVES! (p. 13. 1993.)

God’s Church is a fortress that God will protect—if the members obey His law. We have nothing to fear if we obey God. But if we fail to obey God, then we are entering into a time when fear will be, by far, THE MOST DOMINANT THEME OF OUR LIVES! (p. 54. 2002.)

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We all have read about how Satan comes as an “angel of light” (II Cor. 11:14). We often see a leader hugging kids and talking endlessly of “love, love, love,” and we find it so hard to envision this person as being motivated by Satan. But that is how Satan comes! He appears as an “angel of light.” We must understand this or be deceived! (p. 17. 1993.)

We all have read about how Satan comes as an “angel of light” (II Cor. 11:14). We often see a leader hugging kids and talking endlessly of love, love, love, and we find it so hard to envision this person as being motivated by Satan. But that is how Satan comes! He appears as an “angel of light.” We must understand this or be deceived! (p. 57. 2002.)

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So when the Babylonians conquered Judah, they killed both of Zedekiah’s sons before his eyes! Then they blinded Zedekiah and took him home to Babylon. ...God has given His end-time people this revelation through Jeremiah. It’s mainly for us today. If we refuse to submit to God’s inspired word, then our future will be like Zedekiah’s fate! (p. 18. 1993.)

So when the Babylonians conquered Judah, they killed both of Zedekiah’s sons before his eyes! Then they blinded Zedekiah and took him to Babylon. ...God has given His end-time people this revelation through Jeremiah. It’s mainly for us today. If we refuse to submit to God’s inspired word, then our future will be like Zedekiah’s fate! (p. 58. 2002.)

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In Jeremiah 26:2, God says we are not to omit one word. That means you never compromise with what God says. Herbert Armstrong often said if there was any reason that he could see why God would use him, it was because he would not compromise one iota with God’s word. (p. 20. 1993.)

In Jeremiah 26:2, God says we are not to omit one word. That means you never compromise with what God says. Herbert Armstrong often said if there was any reason that he could see why God would use him, it was because he would not compromise one iota with God’s word. (p. 58. 2002.)

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This message is mainly for today. Jeremiah is discussing a NUCLEAR DISASTER where cities are left “WITHOUT AN INHABITANT”! In Jeremiah’s time, Jerusalem was not left without an inhabitant. But many American and British cities will experience this nuclear disaster in the near future if they fail to repent! (p. 21-22. 1993.)

This message is mainly for today. Jeremiah is discussing a NUCLEAR DISASTER where cities are left “WITHOUT AN INHABITANT”! In Jeremiah’s time, Jerusalem was not left without an inhabitant. But many American and British cities will experience this nuclear disaster in the near future, if they fail to repent! (p. 60. 2002.)

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Some Laodicean leaders today proclaim many of Herbert Armstrong’s teachings, but reject the Philadelphia Church which God raised up to succeed him! What will happen to them? They don’t have God behind them, so they will panic when real persecution comes. Like Urijah, they don't stay with God and Jeremiah, they run—and it may get them killed!

They lack faith in the living God BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT SUPPORTING HIS WORK. God said He would raise up a Work in our day which many wouldn’t believe even when told (Hab. 1:5). If we can’t even recognize where God’s Work is, THEN SOMETHING IS TRAGICALLY LACKING IN OUR SPIRITUAL LIVES! (pp. 24-25. 1993.)

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Some Laodicean leaders today proclaim many of Herbert Armstrong’s teachings, but reject the Philadelphia Church which God raised up to succeed him! What will happen to them? They don’t have God behind them, so they will panic when real persecution comes. Like Urijah, rather than staying with God and Jeremiah, they run—and it may get them killed!

They lack faith in the living God BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT SUPPORTING HIS WORK. God said He would raise up a Work in our day which many wouldn’t believe even when told (Hab. 1:5). If we can’t even recognize where God’s Work is, then something is TRAGICALLY LACKING in our spiritual lives! (p. 63. 2002.)

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God is going to punish the U.S. and Britain as no nations have ever been punished, if they don’t wake up! (p. 28. 1993.)

God will punish the U.S. and Britain as no nations have ever been punished, if they don’t wake up! (p. 65. 2002.)

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God has perfect vision. He has already seen the wailing pain of His own Church in captivity. It hasn’t happened yet, but you can be sure it will happen just as God says. (p. 28. 1993.) 

God has perfect vision. He has already seen the wailing pain of His own Church in captivity. It hasn’t happened yet, but you can be sure that it will happen just as God says. (p. 66. 2002.)

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Do you and I know deeply that we can’t direct our own steps? God says if you really know this, you will continually ask God to correct you! Do you frequently ask God for correction because you know that no man can direct his own steps? You can’t even direct one of your steps. (pp. 28-29. 1993.) 

Do you and I know deeply that we can’t direct our own steps? God says if you really know this, you will continually ask God to correct you. Do you frequently ask God for correction because you know that no man can direct his own steps? You can’t even direct one of your steps. (p. 66. 2002.)

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Nuclear proliferation is a mind-numbing reality, and God’s own ministers won’t prophesy what God says about it! Write for our free booklet The Lion Has Roared. It will explain exactly what the future holds for Israel. IT WILL MAKE "YOUR BONES SHAKE" AS JEREMIAH’S DID! (p. 31. 1993.)

Nuclear proliferation is a mind-numbing reality, and God’s own ministers won’t prophesy what God says about it! Write for our free booklet The Lion Has Roared. It will explain exactly what the future holds for Israel. IT WILL MAKE YOUR BONES SHAKE AS JEREMIAH’S DID! (p. 69. 2002.)

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The prophet that "has" God’s word is commanded to speak it faithfully. God is talking to ministers who had His precious truth and failed to teach it. Only the Laodicean era of God’s Church had the truth in this end time and TURNED AWAY FROM IT. (p. 35. 1993.)

The prophet that has God’s word is commanded to speak it faithfully. God is talking to ministers who had His precious truth and failed to teach it. Only the Laodicean era of God’s Church had the truth in this end time and TURNED AWAY FROM IT. (p. 73. 2002.)

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God is saying, they think His word is a burden. That is why God's end-time Laodicean Church is changing many major doctrines.  ...

These Laodiceans ministers have a faithless view of prophecy. They don’t see the positive side of prophecy—only the negative side. Prophecy is a great burden to them.

So God answers to warn them of His justice. He says that since you think "prophecy only means calamity and disaster," I will bring these prophetic calamities and disasters down on your head! They, like Job, have the prophecies they fear most come upon them. (pp. 36-37. 1993)

God is stating that the Laodicean Church thinks His word is a burden. That is why they are changing many major doctrines. ...

These Laodiceans ministers have a faithless view of prophecy. They don’t see the positive side of prophecy—only the negative side. Prophecy is a great burden to them.

So God answers to warn them of His justice. He says, Since you think prophecy only means calamity and disaster, I will bring these prophetic calamities and disasters down on your head! They will see the prophecies they fear most come crashing down UPON THEM. (pp. 74-75. 2002.)

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Even the Laodiceans who repent in the Tribulation will have a certain eternal shame because they lost such a large share of their magnificent reward.

Everybody will always know why they are not in God’s headquarters temple forever (Rev. 3:12). (p. 37. 1993.)

Even the Laodiceans who repent in the Tribulation will have a certain eternal shame because they lost such a large share of their magnificent reward. Everybody will always know why they are not in God’s headquarters temple forever (Rev. 3:12). (p. 75. 2002.)

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And so this list of quotes come to an end. I hope to discuss the 1993 booklet in a future post.