By Gordon Miller
Moderator, 34th EPC General Assembly
“Meanderings” definition: Rambling or passing from one topic to another.
Note: The views and opinions expressed here are mine alone, and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the full Editorial Board of the Plumb Line.
Books You Might Enjoy
(or should read anyway)
On Guard for Students: A Thinker’s Guide to the Christian Faith
by William Lane Craig
David C. Cook, 2015.
Even if you’re a fan of Van Til, a small dose of R.C. Sproul or William Lane Craig’s evidentialism can make for interesting reading. While Sproul may be more palatable to most of us good Presbyterians, I have found Craig helpful, especially when talking to people whose understanding of apologetics is based more on bias or prejudice instead of clear thinking. No doubt many of us have had the experience of talking to such persons wishing we had a better response to their assertion that we are the ignorant ones. Craig tackles the hard questions about existence, God, suffering, etc. Not always an easy read, but then neither is Van Til.
Killing Jesus: A History
by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard
St. Martin’s Press, 2017 ed.
Having money left over on a Barnes and Noble gift card, I picked up this book on a lark. To my surprise it was a fun read, thoroughly enjoyable. Would it ever be an assigned reading in Dr. Fortson’s history class at Reformed Theological Seminary? Not likely. It was nice to read a book where I did not feel the need to make notes, underline what I thought were important sections, or pay close attention as I read. After slogging through Craig, take a break and breeze through Killing Jesus.
Articles of Interest
“To the Presbyters and Members of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church: A Letter from a Member in the Presbyterian Church in America”
by Tom Hervey
The Aquila Report — July 30, 2026
Hervey pulls no punches in his criticism of Greg Johnson. From what Hervey believes to be Johnson’s disturbing the peace of the PCA and the EPC, to Johnson’s writings, and inappropriate use of church property, Hervey issues a stern warning to those who would choose to invite him in amongst the sheep.
“Uncivil Liberties”
by Alexander Riley
Touchstone: A Journal of Mere Christianity — July/August 2026
(The full article is unavailable online without a Touchstone subscription. Consider subscribing to Touchstone. You will not regret it.)
Ever wonder how we came to a place where a Supreme Court Justice cannot give us a definition of a woman, or how individual expression has supplanted agreed-upon morality and ethics as the foundation of our society? Beginning with the Puritans and a Calvinistic understanding of individualism rooted in a moral framework ruled by a theological understanding of what God requires of man, Riley brings us to the 21st century where “expressive individualism” now rules the day. Sexual, physical, and emotional experience untethered by earlier constraints allows people to be the architect and judge of everything about themselves, free from criticism from others according to Riley. He warns that absent revival it will only get worse. LGBTQ is not done adding letters. Artificial intelligence will offer new ways to self-identify, to create whatever experience one values. He concludes with the observation that the freedom to live apart from man’s moral nature “is not the answer to their heart’s true desire but rather the engine of its destruction.” Sounds Biblical, doesn’t it? (Subscribe to Touchstone, you’ll thank me.)
Quotes
“You encourage what you tolerate”
—Tom Landry.
“Love people and use things, because the opposite never works.”
—The Minimalists.
“It’s a good thing for an uneducated man to read books of quotations.”
—Winston Churchill.
Humor
The prospective father-in-law asked, “Young man, can you support a family?” The groom-to-be replied, “Well, no. I was just planning to support your daughter. The rest of you will have to fend for yourselves.”
We childproofed our home, but they are still getting in.
If you answer the phone with “Hello, you’re on the air!” most telemarketers will hang up.
Should I Stay or Should I Go
With apologies to The Clash, I know many of you may be deciding if you will stay in or leave the EPC. The Editors of the Plumb Line do not believe it is our job to urge you to leave or stay. Some have decided it is best to leave and have begun the process under our Book of Government. Others believe there is no reason to leave, the General Assembly having adequately addressed the SSA issue. Some may wish to see what happens in the next year or so before deciding. Others wish to stay for the purpose of defeating the actions of the GA in their respective Presbyteries.
Whichever group you or your church falls in, the Plumb Line wants to hear from you. If you are leaving, we want to answer questions you may have about the process, and put you in touch with other individuals or churches that are leaving. If you are satisfied with the actions taken at GA, we welcome your comments or suggestions. While we may have disagreed with the outcome at GA, we recognize you are in many instances good friends and colleagues, and in all instances brothers and sisters in Christ.
If you are in a holding pattern waiting to see how this all plays out, we hope to continue to provide you informative articles about the issues facing the EPC and news of important developments to God’s people. If you believe it is best to stay and continue the fight over the changes approved by the GA, we wish to be a resource to aid you in your efforts and to be able to put you in touch with others doing the same. In all cases we wish to represent what is best about being Presbyterian and Reformed, remembering that whatever place were in, God reigns supreme and we all strive to be His humble servants.
Our prayer is that we all speak truth in love, in humility recognize we all fall short, and in all we do it be for the glory of God. We welcome your comments and urge you to contact us through our website or each edition of the Plumb Line so we can assist you or address your concerns.
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