In this episode of 'Holy Smokes, Bro,' hosts Matt and Randy Kutz explore the interplay between faith and intellect in church leadership and life. They discuss how intellect can either enhance or undermine one's credibility when understanding and living the principles of the Bible. Through their role as pastors and educators, they emphasize the importance of developing spiritual intelligence through listening, asking questions, and spending time with God. The conversation includes reflections on how Jesus demonstrated wisdom, not through formal education but through his relationship with the Father. Drawing from scripture and their own experiences, Matt and Randy highlight that real wisdom comes from spiritual connection rather than mere academic achievement.

Faith, Healing, and Perseverance: Pressing Through the Crowd.

In this episode of Holy Smokes, Matt and Randy, pastors at Foundation Stone Church in Northwood, Ohio, discuss the importance of faith and perseverance in seeking healing. Inspired by the Biblical story of the woman with the issue of blood, they unpack the need to engage actively and press into Jesus for healing. The conversation explores the differences between healing and miracles, the role of faith, and addresses the emotional and mental challenges faced by those waiting for their healing. They also tackle complex issues such as the sovereignty of God, mental health, and how to maintain faith even when healing is delayed. Through personal stories and scriptural insights, they encourage believers to keep pressing forward, never to quit, and to pray for the strength to sustain their faith.

In this episode of Holy Smokes, Bro! Matt and Randy talk team ministry and teamwork with their friend Bo Salisbury.

SPECIALUnderstanding Convergence: Insights from Apostolic Team Ministries International.

In this episode, we join Pastor Randy Kutz of Foundation Stone Christian Church in Northwood, Ohio, and his brother to discuss the concept of convergence. As executive directors of Apostolic Team Ministries International, they share insights on this theme, which is also the central focus of an upcoming conference on April 24th-26th at Foundation Stone Church. They aim to clarify what convergence means and how it will be addressed at the event.Convergence info and registration Link: Here

Episode 3: The Fey and Spiritual Realms

Welcome to Holy Smokes, Bro, the podcast where faith, leadership, and real talk collide—occasionally with a fine cigar or classic pipe in hand. In this thought-provoking episode, Matt and Randy dive deep into a conversation about spiritual realities, modern distractions, and the unseen battles Christians face in today's digital age.

They take inspiration from a powerful article by Matt's son, Jonathan, titled “Portals to the Twilight Zone,” published on his Substack page, The Abbey. What begins as a proud dad moment turns into an eye-opening discussion on how our smartphones, social media, and technological conveniences may act as “modern-day portals” to a realm that distracts, deceives, and even binds us spiritually.

With rich references to folklore (like Rumpelstiltskin), theology, and scripture, this episode challenges listeners to recognize the subtle contracts we make with our digital lives—and how to fight back with spiritual awareness and truth.

• The Fey Realm & Modern Portals: Drawing on folklore and Jonathan’s analogy, the guys explore how spiritual distractions have evolved—but haven’t disappeared.

• Spiritual Amnesia in the Age of Enlightenment: How the Enlightenment, Nietzsche, and Darwin contributed to our cultural rejection of spiritual dimensions.

• Implied Contracts with Technology: A law school insight from Jonathan on how we can spiritually bind ourselves through “implied consent” with our devices.

• Gummed-Up Senses: Are our spiritual ears and eyes blocked? Has technology “dammed up” the flow from the Holy Spirit to our souls?

• False vs. True Spirituality: How we must intentionally choose authentic, Christ-centered spirituality over counterfeit experiences offered by culture.

• • The Weaponry of Faith: What it means to fight the spiritual battle with non-carnal weapons, pulling down strongholds through repentance, truth, and the Holy Spirit.

  Matt's website: www.matthewkutz.com

  Jonathan's Substack: The Abbey

“Love, Leadership, and Spiritual Gifts”

In this episode, brothers Matt and Randy Kutz explore how biblical love shapes both leadership and the use of spiritual gifts. Drawing on 1 Corinthians 13–14, Psalm 139, and insights from David’s life, they discuss why emotional health and self-awareness are crucial for any believer who desires to lead and serve effectively. They emphasize that true power in spiritual gifts is only fully realized when it is anchored in the love of God—and that growing in grace means learning to manage our feelings, prefer others, and stay grounded in God’s character.

1. Love as the Starting Point

   • Scripture Basis: 1 Corinthians 13–14
   • Before pursuing or practicing spiritual gifts, believers must be “transformed by love,” ensuring they operate with Christ’s heart for people rather than out of self-interest.

2. Desire Versus Ambition

   • Scripture Basis: 1 Timothy 3:1
   • It’s good to desire leadership (Paul encouraged Timothy to aspire to it), but there is a fine line between healthy initiative and self-serving ambition.

3. Emotional Health & Self-Awareness

   • Scripture Basis: Psalm 139:13–14; David’s prayers in the Psalms
   • Healthy leadership—and effective gift use—requires understanding your own “inmost being.” Emotions are indicators, not dictators. We must train our souls to align with God’s truth.

4. Managing the “Disquieted Soul”

   • Scripture Basis: David’s question: “Why are you downcast, O my soul?” (Psalm 42:5, 11; 43:5)
   • David models healthy self-talk: he recognizes negative emotions yet commands his soul to place hope in God. This template helps us direct our feelings, rather than let them direct us.

5. Grace as Empowerment

   • Scripture Basis: Romans 12:6
   • Grace is not merely forgiveness but an active power that enables believers to exercise their unique blend of gifts. When combined with love, grace supercharges our effectiveness.

6. Leadership Is a Lifelong Journey

   • Spiritual and personal growth never stop. God’s “fine-tuning” process continues through every season of life, shaping both our character and our capacity to lead.

• “If you don’t have love first, then your spiritual gifts can actually become harmful.”
• “Love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a person—God—and we need His heart if we want to operate in our gifts effectively.”
• “Desire leadership, but don’t let it turn into ambition that puts yourself above others.”
• “David looked at his own soul and said, ‘Why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God!’—that’s a powerful example for how we manage our emotions.”

1. Check Your Motivation

   • Before stepping out in a spiritual gift—teaching, prophecy, healing—ask, “Am I doing this out of genuine love for others?”

2. Practice Self-Reflection

   • Like David, pause regularly to assess the state of your soul. Journal, pray, or talk with a mentor to process emotional ups and downs.

3. Pursue Ongoing Growth

   • Read Scripture on love (1 Corinthians 13) and on emotional health (the Psalms). Consider personality or temperament assessments to understand how God “fine-tuned” you.

4. Serve in Community

   • God designed us to learn and grow in relationships. Find fellow believers who will both encourage and challenge you to use your gifts in love.

Thanks for Listening!
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In this episode Matt and Randy Talk about being soldiers in God's army.