By Gordon Miller
Moderator, 34th EPC General Assembly
“Meanderings” definition: Rambling or passing from one topic to another.
I hope you find the following collection of articles, quotes, quips, and Scripture to be informative, edifying, and thought-provoking. This information is not as thorough or detailed as the other articles in the Plumb Line. But I hope to stimulate honest and open debate on a variety of topics and challenges facing the church — especially the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. With cultural changes coming at ever-increasing speed, all of us on the Plumb Line Editorial Board desire that believers will stand firm, rooted in Scripture. I pray that you read this content in the spirit intended: love for Christ and for each other.
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
In the last edition, we looked at two books you could spend years studying, reflecting on, and rereading (Temptation and Sin: Works of John Owen and Van Til’s Apologetic: Readings and Analysis.) It’s time to lighten the load with two easy reads. More pamphlet than book, they are easy reads with important messages. Perfect “books” to buy in bulk and share with your Session, church members, or friends.
The Five Solas, Essential Truths for a Modern Reformation
by Michael Horton, Eric Landry, Brannon Ellis, Justin Holcomb, Bob Hiller, and Adriel Sanchez, Sola Media, 2025.
I recently received this book through a free offer from Sola (Sola seems to be the rebranding of or new location for one of my favorites, Modern Reformation. Find at solamedia.org.). As one might expect from the title, the authors address the Five Solas of the Reformation. Nothing new here, but it is written in a way that will aid new members of the Reformed faith in getting the basics right. More seasoned members can benefit from this short review of why we are Reformed. Inexpensive gift Teaching Elders could provide for new, or old Ruling Elders.
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness: The Path to True Christian Joy
by Timothy Keller, 10 Publishing, last reprint 2019.
If you’re saddened by the shallowness of much of the church in America, read this book. Keller addresses factors that negatively impact a believer’s walk. He suggests ways a Christian can escape self-centeredness that so plagues the church. If you want members who are focused on Jesus Christ, read this book. It opens the door for truly gospel-humble people to find true joy in our Lord. Change their lives, change the church! I’ve given away more than one hundred copies of this book. You could do the same!
Articles of Interest
I Don’t Have an LGBTQ Neighbor and Neither Do You
by Rosaria Butterfield
“Reformation 21” February 12, 2026
If you’re a Rosaria Butterfield fan, check out the February 12, 2026, reformation21 website. As we have come to expect, Butterfield writes with the clarity that comes from being both a student of Scripture and our current culture. If you want subtlety, you will have come to the wrong place. Recognizing the church is (or should be) at war with a culture which seems intent on opening wide the gates of hell, she cuts through the culture’s misuse of “orientation” to bring us back to Scripture’s creation account. We must choose. Does God define our identity or do we?
The Gospel and Identity in Christ
by David B. Garner
“Westminster Magazine” December 1, 2025
Professor Garner writes from the perspective of someone familiar with the struggles of the Presbyterian Church in America to deal with the issue of same sex attraction and homosexuality. Garner reminds readers this is a theological debate where Scripture is the final determinator and not modern social constructs. Therefore, we must put the gospel first! He totally rejects the efforts of those to paint opposition to the various social theory proponents as unloving bigots. Speaking the truth in love does not depend on how the hearer feels upon hearing the truth. His short article contains quotable material that drives his points home. Examples:
“If you listen long and hard to those making the case for a Christian version of SSA self-identity, you will wait in vain for a cogent biblical and theological defense.”
“The hellish hegemony of the almighty self has poisoned the air we breathe, and sadly, the theological framework we now inhale and exhale.”
Garner uses Scripture to show how identity is God-made and not man-made, and how important it is to understand creation and “to be in Christ” as a new creation. Our identity is a theological fact not a product of a culture that has lost its way. “Scripture and Scripture’s Christ deliver cosmically-critical, sin-forgiving, freedom-rendering, past-crushing, and utterly-transforming new life and new identity in Christ.” Wow! He ends with a call to the church to stand firm, resting in the life transforming power of Christ.
Quotes
“Be killing sin or sin will be killing you.”
—John Owen
“It takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance.”
—Thomas Sowell.
“Fools have answers. The wise have questions.”
—Unknown.
Humor
“People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.” (Isaac Asimov)
“A day without sunshine is like, you know, night.” (Steve Martin)
“Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before.” (Mae West)
“We are all here on earth to help others; what on earth the others are here for I don’t know.” (W. H. Auden)
Personal Observations
- I have had the privilege to associate with people who are smarter than me. Not only within the legal profession, but also within the EPC. If you’re in a similar position, it may be helpful to remember the person you find yourself in disagreement with might be smarter than you. Humility is a virtue.
- I have had the privilege to associate with people within the EPC who have done more for the Kingdom than I could ever dream of doing.
- When I find myself in discussion with a person who is smarter than I am, who has done more for the kingdom than I have, and we agree on three or more important points surrounding our discussion what should I conclude? What if the relationship has hit a few bumps in the road recently? First, I should remember points 1 and 2. Second, I should give great weight to what this person has shared. Third, I should have a degree of confidence in what we have shared. Finally, no matter the bumps, I will recognize that while we might not agree on everything, their love for the EPC may be stronger than mine. As followers of Christ, rare is the occasion we should vilify those we disagree with.
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