The Rod and the Staff

Church Discipline, Part 3 — What Is a Christian?

Before we can understand church discipline, we must understand what it means to be a Christian. Our view of Christian identity shapes how we think about obedience, accountability, spiritual growth, and life within the church. In this episode, Dr. Tony Myers examines the biblical definition of a Christian and highlights three foundational realities: Christians are given a new condition, brought into a new community, and called to a new calling. Through faith in Christ, believers become new creations, members of God's family, and people who are called to grow in holiness and reflect the character of Christ. This new identity provides the foundation for understanding why accountability and encouragement are necessary parts of the Christian life. Church discipline is not rooted in punishment but in helping one another live faithfully as the people God has called us to be. For more biblical resources and teaching from Dr. Tony Myers, visit RodStaff.org.     what is a Christian, Christian identity, discipleship, church discipline, new creation, child of God, sanctification, holiness, church membership, local church, biblical teaching

Church Discipline, Part 2 — What Is the Gospel?

A proper understanding of church discipline begins with a proper understanding of the gospel. If we misunderstand the gospel, we will inevitably misunderstand why God disciplines His people and why the church is called to practice loving correction. In this episode, Dr. Tony Myers examines a common modern view of the gospel and contrasts it with the biblical message found throughout Scripture. Drawing from Hebrews 12, he explains why God's discipline is not evidence of a lack of love, but one of the clearest demonstrations of His love for His children. Rather than leaving us as we are, God graciously rescues sinners, frees them from the power of sin, and calls them into holiness. Because He loves His children, He disciplines them for their good and for their growth in righteousness. Understanding this truth is essential for understanding church discipline and the role it plays in the life of a healthy church. For more biblical resources and teaching from Dr. Tony Myers, visit RodStaff.org.       church discipline, gospel, biblical gospel, Hebrews 12, discipleship, holiness, sanctification, church membership, local church, Christian growth, biblical teaching

Church Discipline - Series Introduction

Church discipline is one of the most misunderstood topics in the Christian life. Many associate it with harshness, legalism, or judgment, while others avoid the subject altogether. Yet Scripture presents church discipline as a vital part of discipleship and spiritual formation. In this opening episode of a new series, Dr. Tony Myers introduces a biblical framework for understanding church discipline. Rather than focusing on punishment, this discussion highlights God's purpose of restoring His people, strengthening the church, and forming believers into Christlikeness. This episode also provides a roadmap for the series, exploring foundational questions about the gospel, the Christian life, the local church, and church membership. Understanding these foundations is essential for understanding why church discipline exists and how it should be practiced. For more biblical resources and teaching from Dr. Tony Myers, visit RodStaff.org.     church discipline, discipleship, church membership, local church, biblical correction, restoration, reconciliation, church accountability, Christian growth, biblical teaching, church leadership

Psalm 23: Surely Goodness and Mercy

Psalm 23:6 brings the Psalm to a powerful conclusion: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” In this episode, Dr. Tony Myers explains the biblical meaning of hope—not something uncertain, but something guaranteed. God’s goodness and mercy are not distant ideas; they actively pursue His people every day, providing care, forgiveness, and love in every season. This teaching highlights two realities: a present hope that God’s goodness and mercy are continually at work in our lives, and a future hope that we will dwell in His presence forever. Even in the midst of hardship, these promises remain certain. Rather than viewing God as distant or reluctant, we are invited to see Him as a Shepherd who relentlessly pursues His people with grace and who prepares an eternal home for them. For more biblical resources and teaching from Dr. Tony Myers, visit RodStaff.org.     Psalm 23:6, goodness and mercy, Christian hope, eternal life, God’s promises, Good Shepherd, discipleship, spiritual growth, trusting God, biblical teaching

Psalm 23: A Table in the Presence of My Enemies

Psalm 23:5 presents one of the most surprising images in Scripture: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” In this episode, Dr. Tony Myers explores how God responds to the external threat of enemies—not by removing the conflict, but by meeting us in the middle of it. Instead of escape, God offers His presence. Instead of panic, He invites us to sit at His table. This teaching highlights how God anoints His people with strength and purpose in the midst of trials. What feels like weakness becomes the place where God’s power is most clearly revealed. What feels like emptiness becomes a place where God fills our lives to overflowing. Rather than avoiding hardship, we are invited to experience God’s provision, presence, and power right in the middle of it. For more biblical resources and teaching from Dr. Tony Myers, visit RodStaff.org.   Psalm 23:5, trials and faith, enemies, suffering, God’s provision, Good Shepherd, spiritual strength, discipleship, Christian teaching, God’s presence, strength in weakness