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In this episode of our Open Bible, Open Life podcast, Women’s Director Katy Kabrich sits down with author and Bible teacher Jen Oshman for a deep dive into her journey of faith, missions, and the unique challenges facing women today. From her unlikely conversion in Colorado to 15 years on the mission field in Japan and the Czech Republic, Jen shares how the Lord’s providence has shaped her life and ministry. They discuss the weight of cultural expectations and how to ground identity in the unchanging truth of Scripture.

Sin doesn’t just influence your life. It tries to rule it. It promises freedom, but it actually takes control, using you and leading you somewhere you never meant to go. That’s why you can’t just “will” your way out of it. The truth is: you’re not as free as you think. We're all serving something. In this message, Pastor Kyle walks through Romans 6:14-23 and unpacks a life-changing statement: In Christ, you are not under law, but under grace. And that changes everything. The grace of Jesus can break sin’s rule, remove your shame, and give you a new way to live. In this message, we explore: - How everyone is serving something (even if they don’t realize it) - The difference between living under law vs. under grace - Why true freedom isn’t autonomy, but having the right master - How grace gives you power, not just permission

In this second part of our series on the role of women, Pastor Kyle and Katy Kabrich (Women’s Director at Two Cities Church) continue their conversation on the role and identity of women in today's world. Watch Part 1 titled: Feminism, Complementarianism, and the Role of Women in the Church | Part One - (S5E14) They tackle the cultural pendulum swing, from the "boss-babe" to the rise of the "trad-wife" on social media, and discuss why more options in life haven't necessarily led to more happiness. Key Concepts: - The Paradox of Choice: How an abundance of options can lead to decision fatigue and increased anxiety. - Biblical Anchors: Examining pillar texts like Psalm 128, Proverbs 31, and Titus 2 to ground identity in Christ rather than cultural trends. - The "Second Shift": Addressing the unique exhaustion of balancing workplace success with domestic responsibilities. - Modern Temptations: A raw look at how comparison, dating apps, and the pressure to "be enough" impact mental health and spiritual growth. - A Vision for Flourishing: How falling in love with theology can transform a woman’s life and community.

Sin isn’t just something you do. It’s a power that tries to rule you. In fact, it’s not just something you do. It’s trying to do something to you. That’s why real change feels so hard. In this message, Pastor Kyle Mercer walks through Romans 6:1-14 and shows that Jesus didn’t just come to forgive your sin. He came to break its power. If you’re in Christ, you are no longer under the reign of sin. Your old self wasn’t improved. It was crucified. The old you didn’t get better. It got buried. And now, through union with Christ, His story becomes your story. This isn’t behavior management. This is transformation. Grace isn’t permission to keep sinning. It’s the power to live a new life. And because of Jesus, sin will not be your master. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the same patterns, wondering if real change is possible, this message is for you.

Can a woman lead and flourish in a complementarian church? In this episode of Open Bible, Open Life, Pastor Kyle sits down with Katy Kabrich (Women’s Director at Two Cities Church) to discuss more than just her personal journey—they dive into the tension between modern feminism and biblical womanhood. From navigating a serious battle with cancer to shifting her focus from secular career ambitions toward a deep calling in ministry, Katy shares how the Gospel redefined her identity. We tackle the tough questions: - Biblical Design: What does complementarianism actually look like in a healthy church? - Cultural Extremes: How do we navigate the tension between modern secular feminism and the "TradWife" movement? - Leading with Purpose: Where is the place for strong, gifted women to lead and flourish within the local church? Whether you are wrestling with your own convictions about gender roles or looking for hope in the midst of a personal struggle, this conversation offers a refreshing, grace-filled perspective on God’s design for women.

What team are you really on? You didn’t choose it—but you’re already on one. The Bible says there are two “teams” that every person belongs to: one in Adam that leads to sin and death, and one in Jesus that leads to grace and life. There’s no middle ground. No neutrality. Whether you realize it or not, you’re already on a side. This Easter message from Romans 5 shows how one man’s decision brought sin and death into the world—and how another man, Jesus, dismantled death's reign through His death and resurrection. What Adam broke, Jesus restored. But this isn’t just theology—it’s personal. You have: A problem you didn’t choose A King you didn’t elect A second chance you didn’t deserve And a decision you need to make The question is: will you stay where you are, or will you switch teams? This message will help you: Understand why the world is broken (and why we are too) See how Jesus offers more than forgiveness—He offers new life Discover why grace is greater than your worst sin Recognize that neutrality with Jesus isn’t actually neutral Respond personally to the invitation of the gospel

Easter isn’t just a holiday—it’s the most important event in history. In this episode of Open Bible, Open Life, Pastor Kyle Mercer and Pastor Spencer unpack why the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith—and why everything rises or falls on whether it’s true. They explore the real history behind Easter, clear up common misconceptions, and explain how it connects to Passover and the idea of Jesus as our “Passover Lamb.” You’ll also hear why Easter is a unique moment when skeptics and nominal Christians are more open than ever—and how to invite someone in a way that feels natural, relational, and not awkward.

What do you do when suffering catches you off guard? We all want peace, stability, and comfort. But eventually, hardship comes, disappointment, loss, unanswered prayers, seasons that stretch longer than we expected. And when it does, we can be left wondering: Is this pointless? Is God distant? Is any of this doing something? But what if your suffering is actually shaping you? In Romans 5:1-11, Paul shifts from explaining salvation to celebrating its benefits. He tells us that because we have been justified by faith, we now have peace with God through Jesus Christ. Not a fragile feeling, but a settled reality. And that peace leads to access. Through Christ, we don’t just get forgiveness, we get ongoing access to God. We stand in grace. We can approach Him honestly and confidently. He is not annoyed by us, and he is not distant. But Paul doesn’t stop there. He says something unexpected: we rejoice in our sufferings. Why? Because suffering produces endurance. Endurance produces character. Character produces hope. And hope does not put us to shame. This message will help you: - See how suffering can shape endurance, character, and hope - Understand the difference between peace with God and the peace of God - Recognize that comfort can quietly become a cage - Embrace the ministry of reconciliation God has entrusted to you

We are more "connected" than ever through social media and technology, yet we feel more disconnected than any generation before us. Why is modern life so lonely, and how can we build relationships that actually matter? In this episode of Open Bible, Open Life, Pastor Kyle, Nathan, and Pastor Jordan dive into the "loneliness epidemic" and discuss practical, biblical ways to move past surface-level interactions. Whether you’re struggling to find community or looking to deepen the friendships you already have, this conversation offers a roadmap for cultivating meaningful connection in a world designed to keep us apart. KEY TAKEAWAYS: - Identifying the barriers to deep connection in a digital age. - The difference between digital "access" and true intimacy. - Biblical principles for fostering authentic community. - Practical steps to move from isolation to belonging.

What do you do when life feels stuck? We all go through seasons of waiting—waiting for clarity, healing, a breakthrough, or an answered prayer. And in a world built on instant results, waiting can feel frustrating, confusing, and even hopeless. But what if waiting is actually where faith grows? In Romans 4:13-25, the Apostle Paul points to Abraham as an example of what real faith looks like—not just in receiving God’s promises, but in enduring while those promises seem delayed. God’s promises aren’t based on our performance, but on His grace. Even when circumstances looked impossible, Abraham trusted that God could bring life out of what felt dead. This message will help you: - Understand why waiting is a normal part of faith - Stop striving and start trusting God - Find hope when life feels delayed, stuck, or uncertain - See how God works in seasons that feel like nothing is happening Whether you're exploring faith, coming back to church, or have followed Jesus for years, this message is for you. Because faith doesn’t ignore reality—it trusts God in the middle of it. And what God has promised, He will fulfill.

Pastor Kyle sits down with Pastor Donovan and Pastor Jordan to talk about what it means for Two Cities Church to build a "response culture" — a church where people don’t just hear God’s Word, but actually respond to it. In this conversation, they discuss why church gatherings should create space for people to respond to God instead of simply consuming content. From prayer teams and altar space to kneelers and intentional margin in services, they explore practical ways churches can help people pray, repent, and take real steps of faith. They also talk about how worship, generosity, prayer, and obedience are all forms of response — and why the goal isn’t just powerful Sunday moments, but lives that respond to God throughout the week. Since 2026 is about being centered on God's Word and sent into God's world, this episode explains why response is such a key part of that vision.

Many of us live with a quiet pressure to prove ourselves. Whether through success, reputation, or even spiritual discipline, it’s easy to believe our acceptance comes from how well we perform. But what if that entire way of thinking is a trap? In Romans 4:1-12, the Apostle Paul shows that even Abraham—the great example of faith—was not made right with God by his works. Instead, Abraham was counted righteous because he believed God. Paul also points to David, a man who experienced deep failure yet discovered the reality of God’s forgiveness and grace. Together they reveal a powerful truth: we cannot earn what God freely gives. Whether you feel like an achiever exhausted by the performance treadmill, or broken and wondering if you're beyond grace, the gospel speaks directly to you. In Christ, righteousness is credited as a gift, sins are forgiven and covered, and anyone who believes can belong. This passage reminds us that the gospel frees us from striving to prove ourselves and invites us to rest in the grace of God.

In this episode of Open Bible, Open Life, Pastor Kyle sits down with Pastor Zack Trantham to talk about what’s really happening in the lives of middle and high school students today. From identity struggles and anxiety to gaming, social media, and dating, they unpack the unique pressures teenagers face in a screen-saturated world. They explore how technology, algorithms, and online relationships are shaping everything from friendships to body image, while also discussing the rise in anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation among students. The conversation highlights how easily teens can become overstimulated, isolated, or influenced by voices online that parents may never see. At the same time, the episode offers hope. They emphasize the importance of belonging before believing, creating safe places for dangerous conversations, and helping students understand who they are and whose they are in Christ. Through relational disciplehip, parent partnership, and a strong local church community, the goal is to raise students who can own and defend their faith as they step into adulthood.

We all tend to measure ourselves by what we have, who we belong to, or what we accomplish. From humble brags to competing for recognition, our hearts constantly look for reasons to boast. But in Romans 3:27-31, the Apostle Paul dismantles every reason for pride by reminding us that salvation is not earned, but received. Because we are justified by faith apart from works, there is no room for pride. The gospel humbles us, levels us, and redirects our boasting away from ourselves and toward Jesus. In this passage, Paul shows that saving faith is also changing faith. The same grace that saves our souls reshapes how we see ourselves, how we see others, and how we live before God. In this message you’ll learn: - Why the gospel completely eliminates pride and boasting - How faith reorients our identity away from performance - Why the gospel unites all people under one God and one way of salvation - How faith helps us see others as image bearers of God who need a Savior - Why justification by faith doesn’t abolish the law but fulfills its purpose

In this episode of Open Bible, Open Life, Pastor Kyle sits down with Adam Griffin for an honest and freeing conversation about parenting in an age where many moms and dads feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or quietly ashamed. From practical rhythms like family devotions and meaningful milestones to capturing everyday “moments” for gospel conversations, they unpack a framework for intentional family discipleship. Adam shares how modeling genuine faith, creating consistent time in the Word, and marking significant spiritual moments can shape a child’s heart over time — not through perfection, but through presence and purpose. They also address the deeper emotional realities of parenting. What do you do when you feel like you’re failing? What if you’re struggling to even like your own child? How do you respond to a prodigal son or daughter? Grounded in the fruit of the Spirit, the conversation reminds parents that bitterness, fear, and despair are not from God, but joy, peace, patience, and compassion are the overflow of walking closely with Christ. Ultimately, this episode offers both strategy and soul care. It’s not just about raising better kids, it’s about becoming freer, more faithful parents who trust God to do what only He can do in the hearts of the next generation.