Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Clearly with Jimmy & Kelly Needham

Check out our James onepager!

Conflict rarely starts where we think it does.

As we continue walking through James 3, we begin to see James move from the power of our words to the deeper issue underneath so many of our conflicts: the kind of wisdom we’re actually living by. And James draws a stark contrast between two very different kinds of wisdom.

One kind looks impressive on the surface but is driven by bitter envy and selfish ambition. James doesn’t soften the language—he calls that kind of wisdom earthly, unspiritual, and even demonic. It’s the kind of thinking that justifies our anger, defends our pride, and convinces us we’re right in the middle of our conflicts.

But James shows us a very different picture of what real wisdom looks like.

Together we explore how Scripture redefines wisdom—not as clever words, sharp arguments, or intellectual strength, but as a life marked by purity, gentleness, humility, mercy, and a willingness to yield. True wisdom shows up in our character and our relationships, not just in what we say.

We also wrestle with how easy it is to feel justified in our frustrations, why selfish ambition creates disorder in our lives and communities, and how the wisdom that comes from above leads to peace instead of rivalry.

If you’ve ever wondered why conflict seems to erupt so easily, or how the gospel reshapes the way we respond to tension with others, this passage gives us a powerful recalibration of what it actually means to be wise.

Grab your Bible and walk through James with us as we keep digging into one of the most practical books in Scripture.

A quirky printing mistake in the 1700s leads us into one of the most remarkable stories in church history: how the Bible made its way into the English language.

We start with the strange tale of the “Vinegar Bible,” a beautifully printed 1717 Bible filled with errors that accidentally labeled Luke 20 “The Parable of the Vinegar.” From there, we trace the long and costly journey that brought Scripture from its original languages into the hands of ordinary English readers.

Along the way we explore the people who played pivotal roles in that story:

• Jerome, whose Latin translation (the Vulgate) became the Bible of the Western church for over a thousand years.
• John Wycliffe, who made the first attempt to translate the Bible into English—so controversial that his bones were later dug up and burned.
• Desiderius Erasmus, whose compilation of the Greek New Testament (the Textus Receptus) unlocked a new era of translation.
• William Tyndale, who translated the New Testament from Greek into English and ultimately paid for it with his life.
• And finally King James I, who commissioned the translation that would become the most widely distributed English Bible in history.

What we hold today—whether in a printed Bible or an app on our phone—is the result of centuries of scholarship, courage, political drama, and deep conviction that ordinary people should be able to read God’s Word in their own language.

The story of the English Bible isn’t just interesting history. It’s a reminder that countless believers sacrificed so that we could open the Scriptures anytime we want.

And the best way we can honor that gift is simple: open the Bible and read it.

Check out our James onepager!

Our words carry more power than we often realize.

As we continue walking through the book of James, we come to one of the most convicting passages in Scripture about the tongue. James doesn’t soften the warning: the same mouth that praises God can also destroy people made in His image. And that inconsistency should stop us in our tracks.

Together we wrestle with what James 3 reveals about the weight of our words. Why does James give such a strong warning to teachers? Why does the Bible compare the tongue to a spark that can set an entire forest on fire? And what does it mean that no human being can tame it?

We talk about the unique influence of those who teach, the responsibility that comes with shaping others through our words, and why spiritual maturity shows up so clearly in how we speak. From careless comments to gossip, sarcasm, and public teaching, James presses us to consider the real impact of what comes out of our mouths.

But this passage isn’t just about behavior modification. It exposes something deeper: our words reveal what is happening in our hearts.

We explore how blessing God while cursing people contradicts the very nature of the gospel, why taming the tongue isn’t ultimately about self-control alone, and how true transformation begins with a changed heart.

If you’ve ever regretted something you said, struggled to control your words, or wondered why James treats speech with such seriousness, we’re digging into it together.

Grab your Bible, turn to James 3, and let’s keep walking through this challenging and incredibly practical book.

If you have questions from this passage or others in James, send them to question@clearlypodcast.com — we’d love to address them in a future Q&A.

And check out this book mentioned in the episode: Radically Whole by David Gibson

Check out our James onepager!

We have arrived at one of the most tension-filled verses in the entire Bible — and we’re not looking away.

As we continue walking through the book of James, we come face to face with James 2:24: “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” And if we’re honest, that sounds like it directly contradicts everything many of us have been taught about being saved by grace through faith.

So what do we do with that?

We slow down. We read carefully. And we let Scripture interpret Scripture.

In this conversation, we wrestle with the apparent conflict between James and Paul. We look at Romans 3:28 alongside James 2:24 and ask the real question: Are these two apostles disagreeing about salvation — or are they answering two different questions?

We explore:

• Why context is king when reading the Bible
• How Paul and James use the word “justify” differently
• Why both men point to Abraham — but at different moments in his life
• How real faith inevitably produces real change
• The danger of both legalism and empty belief

Using Abraham and Rahab as examples, we unpack how faith alone saves — but the faith that saves never remains alone. We talk about forensic justification versus demonstrated faith, and why confusing those categories creates unnecessary tension.

If you’ve ever stumbled over this passage, wondered whether the Bible contradicts itself, or felt unsure how faith and works actually fit together, we’re digging into it with you.

Read your Bibles. Stay in the whole argument. And let’s keep going through James together.

If you have questions about this passage (or any other), send them to question@clearlypodcast.com — we’d love to tackle them in an upcoming Q&A.

And if you want deeper dives into difficult texts like this, consider becoming a Clearly Partner and joining us live as we record.

Let’s keep pressing in.

We are tackling some of your biggest and most thoughtful questions. and nothing is off the table.

Do denominations unite the Church… or divide it? How do we lovingly confront sin in a culture that hates lines? If God is sovereign, what’s the real point of praying? And where exactly does the Bible say our kids should work alongside us?

From church history and theological nuance to parenting, prayer, and everyday discipleship, we dig into these questions with honesty, humor, and a deep desire to stay rooted in Scripture. We talk about why denominations both matter and divide — and why that’s not necessarily a bad thing. We explore what it looks like to exhort someone with sacrificial love (even when it costs us). And we wrestle with how prayer actually changes things — and why “you have not because you ask not” still confronts us.

We also revisit our episode on children being a blessing and respond to a thoughtful pushback about kids and work — clarifying the heart behind discipleship in the home and why obedience and participation in family life are good gifts, not burdens.

If we’ve ever wrestled with unity in the Church, feared being labeled judgmental, wondered whether prayer really does anything, or questioned how authority works in a Christian family — this conversation is for us.

Got a question you’d like us to tackle?

Drop it in the comments or email us at question@clearlypodcast.com.

And if you want deeper, ongoing conversations, consider becoming a Clearly Partner on Patreon — we’d love to link arms with you.

More Q&As (and some juicy theological deep dives) are coming soon.

Here is our previous episode on What You Should Fight and Die For.

Check out our James onepager!

James finally says it out loud.

After circling the issue for a chapter and a half, he looks it in the eye and asks the question many of us would rather avoid: Can that kind of faith save you? Not “Does faith save?” — but what kind of faith actually does?

In this episode, we slow down over James 2:14–26 and wrestle with one of the most unsettling passages in the New Testament. James isn’t debating Paul. He’s not pitting works against grace. He’s exposing a misunderstanding about the nature of faith itself. There is a version of faith that is all words and no action. A version that affirms the right truths but produces nothing in real life. James calls that faith useless. He even calls it dead.

Using examples like caring for the poor, the shocking comparison to demons who “believe,” and the stories of Abraham and Rahab, James presses a single point: real faith always shows up. It moves. It changes direction. It pushes back against sin. It grows over time.

But this episode is not about perfection. It’s about direction. We talk honestly about sensitive consciences, ongoing struggles, and what it means for a “new owner” to move into the house of your life. Faith isn’t proven by flawless obedience, but by increasing conviction, growing affection for Christ, and a life that slowly begins to look different.

If James feels intense here, it’s because he loves his readers enough to warn them. There is a kind of faith that cannot save. And there is a kind that is alive.

Stay tuned as we take on the verse everyone wants to talk about — James 2:24 — and dive even deeper.

Check out our James onepager!

James is not interested in what we call ourselves. He’s interested in what we actually do.

In this episode, we turn to James chapter 2, where James confronts something most of us assume we’ve outgrown: favoritism. But as we slow down and look closely, it becomes clear this isn’t just about rich people and poor people sitting in church. It’s about influence, status, compatibility, social capital, and the quiet ways we gravitate toward people who benefit us.

James calls that what it is: a denial of the gospel.

When we show favoritism, we’re drawing distinctions where God has drawn none. At the foot of the cross, there is no hierarchy—no wealthy tier, no influential tier, no “more valuable” category of Christian. Yet we constantly make subtle judgment calls about who deserves our attention, our time, and our warmth.

And James doesn’t treat this lightly. He ties favoritism to the breaking of the “royal law”: love your neighbor as yourself. He places it alongside serious sins and warns that mercy and judgment are inseparably linked. In other words, this isn’t a small relational misstep—it’s a litmus test for whether our faith is real.

This chapter forces us to ask uncomfortable questions:

• Do we love people for what they can give us?
• 
  
• Are we generous only when it costs us nothing?
• 
  
• Has our faith changed how we see the overlooked and inconvenient?
• 
  

James 2 presses on the difference between talking faith and living faith. It’s confrontational, timely, and deeply relevant in a world where influence and visibility carry enormous weight.

If James 1 exposed our endurance under pressure, James 2 exposes our love under proximity.

And that’s where things get real.

Check out our James onepager!

We officially step into the weeds of the Book of James with a deep dive into chapter one—a chapter that sounds simple at first and then quietly refuses to let us stay comfortable. James opens with a command that feels almost offensive in its honesty: consider it joy when you face trials. And from there, he never really lets up.

In this episode, we explore how James understands trials not as interruptions to faith, but as the testing ground where faith is actually formed. Trials produce endurance, endurance leads to maturity, and maturity leads to a life that is whole and lacking nothing. That reframes suffering entirely—but it also raises hard questions about God’s role in our pain, temptation, and desire. James anticipates those questions and draws careful distinctions: God may use trials to form us, but temptation toward sin does not come from Him. That battle happens within our own hearts.

From there, James turns his attention to wisdom—not as intellectual knowledge, but as a moral and relational quality that steadies us under pressure. Wisdom is what enables us to endure without becoming divided, bitter, or double-minded. And that theme of inner division carries us into the second half of the chapter, where James presses on how we respond to God’s Word itself.

Hearing Scripture without obeying it, James says, is a form of self-deception. God’s Word acts like a mirror, showing us who we really are—not so we can walk away unchanged, but so we can respond, repent, and live differently. Real faith doesn’t just listen well; it moves, acts, and shows itself in quiet obedience, self-control, and care for the vulnerable.

James 1 sets the tone for the entire letter: less talk, more walk. It’s a call to integrated faith—one that holds together endurance in trials, trust in God’s goodness, and a lived response to His Word. This episode invites us not just to understand James, but to let him diagnose us—and, ultimately, move us toward wholeness.

It’s a new book, a new series, and a very different kind of challenge. In this episode, we kick off our deep dive into the Book of James—a short, punchy, no-nonsense letter that somehow manages to feel both incredibly simple and profoundly uncomfortable at the same time.

We spend this overview episode helping you get your bearings before we move chapter by chapter through the book. We talk about who James likely was (Jesus’ half-brother), who he was writing to, and why this may be one of the earliest books in the New Testament. Along the way, we explore why James sounds so different from Paul, why it’s often called the Proverbs of the New Testament, and why its structure can feel disorienting if you try to read it like a linear argument.

James doesn’t waste words. With over fifty commands packed into just 108 verses, this letter presses relentlessly on the gap between what we say we believe and how we actually live. Again and again, James exposes the divided heart—where devotion to God and devotion to self quietly coexist—and calls us toward a faith that is whole, integrated, and lived out in everyday life.

This episode is meant to whet your appetite for what’s ahead. James is honest, confrontational, practical, and deeply pastoral. It’s not a cozy book, but it is a necessary one. As we begin this journey together, our hope is that you’ll read along with us, let James diagnose what’s beneath the surface, and discover the kind of faith that doesn’t just sound right—but actually shapes the way we live.

RESOURCES:

One Pagers

Patreon Partners get one pagers free!

Radically Whole by David Gibson

Check out this book by Leland Ryken about genres in the Bible.

Short Sentences Long Remembered by Leland Ryken

Want to try out the See For Yourself Bible study? Try it out today! 

Go here! 

In this Q&A episode, we respond to some of the most thoughtful and practical questions we’ve received about reading and studying the Bible. From Hebrew and Greek word studies to reading Scripture with non-believers, translation uncertainties, learning differences, and the frustration of Bible reading that feels like it’s “going nowhere,” we tackle the real obstacles that keep people stuck or discouraged.

We talk honestly about the value—and the limits—of word studies, emphasizing that tools like Greek and Hebrew can be helpful, but only when used with humility and attention to context. We also address how to read the Bible with non-believing friends, encouraging curiosity, honesty, and the freedom to say “I don’t know” while modeling how to seek good answers together.

Along the way, we discuss why translation notes and uncertainties should actually increase our confidence in Scripture rather than undermine it, and how God’s Word can be faithfully engaged by people with learning differences through creative, accessible approaches. We also spend time with one of the most common frustrations: reading the Bible consistently but feeling no immediate impact. Here, we make the case for long obedience, delayed transformation, and the slow formation that comes from years of steady exposure to God’s Word.

This episode is about recalibrating expectations, cultivating humility, and learning to trust that God’s Word is at work even when progress feels invisible. If you’ve ever felt confused, intimidated, or weary in your Bible reading, this conversation is meant to encourage you to keep showing up—with patience, prayer, and hope.

Resources:

--ESV Dyslexia Friendly Bible

--CSB Dyslexia Friendly Bible

--Clear Focus Bible for Kids (NIrV)

--CSB Grace Bible for Kids

Listen to the Bible using Dwell!

Get translator notes for free at netbible.org

Want to try out the See For Yourself Bible study? Try it free today!

You can know how to study the Bible and still feel completely stuck when you actually open it. In this episode, we talk about the real obstacles that derail Bible reading—not lack of intelligence, tools, or training, but the everyday realities of confusion, offense, and busyness. These are the moments that quietly convince us to close the Bible and not come back.

We walk through what to do when Scripture doesn’t make sense, when it says something we don’t like, and when life feels too full to slow down and read at all. Along the way, we make the case that confusion isn’t failure, offense isn’t a flaw in the Bible, and boredom doesn’t mean nothing is happening. In fact, these moments are often where the most meaningful formation takes place—if we’re willing to stay.

This conversation is less about Bible study techniques and more about endurance: learning how to keep showing up, how to build tolerance for discomfort, and how to trust that time in God’s Word is doing something even when it doesn’t feel spectacular. If you’ve ever thought, I want to read the Bible, but it’s harder than I expected, this episode is for you.

Check out our Bible Study that teaches you to read all of God’s word.

Art of Noticing bookmark

👉 Become a Patreon Partner

In this episode, we tackle what we believe is the single most overlooked skill in Bible study — not better tools, deeper knowledge, or more information, but the simple discipline of slowing down and noticing what the text actually says. It sounds obvious. It isn’t. And it’s the reason many of us miss the richness of Scripture altogether.

We walk through why our instinct to rush to meaning, application, or personal takeaway often short-circuits understanding. Instead, we make the case that careful observation — paying attention to repeated words, contrasts, grammar, structure, and small details — is the foundation of faithful Bible reading. Using examples from Luke 18, Leviticus 4, Romans 8, and Galatians 5, we show how noticing what’s right in front of us unlocks clarity, depth, and theological insight that most of us skim past.

Along the way, we talk about why this practice requires patience, curiosity, and a conviction that every word of Scripture is intentional and inspired. We also explain why familiarity with the Bible can actually become a liability if we don’t approach the text with humility and a healthy suspicion of our first impressions.

If your Bible reading often feels flat, rushed, or confusing, this episode offers a reset. It’s an invitation to linger, observe, and let God’s Word unfold — trusting that real transformation comes not from trying harder, but from seeing more clearly.

Check out our Bible Study that teaches you to ready all of God’s word.

Art of Noticing bookmark

As we kick off a new year, we turn our attention to something many of us want to do more faithfully — reading the Bible — but often struggle to do with joy, clarity, or consistency. In this episode, we reframe what’s actually happening when we open the Scriptures by walking through four metaphors that reshape how we approach God’s Word.

We talk about the Bible as a bridge that leads us into relationship with Jesus, not an end in itself. As vocabulary, giving us language to recognize God’s voice and understand what’s happening in our hearts and in the world. As a library, made up of real books with real authors, purposes, and narrative arcs that deserve to be read as whole works. And finally, as a window, revealing the glory of God and transforming us not by self-inspection, but by beholding Him.

This conversation is about more than reading plans or checking boxes. It’s about recovering wonder, confidence, and joy in Scripture — especially when passages feel confusing, boring, or distant. We also introduce the heart behind our upcoming study See for Yourself, and explain why equipping people with skills for Bible reading has been a central passion of ours for years.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, discouraged, or unsure of what you’re supposed to be doing when you read the Bible, this episode is an invitation to see Scripture differently — and to come to it with renewed expectation, clearly.

Christmas rom-coms, alternative universes, and Nicolas Cage — yes, somehow they all make it into this episode. We walk through Kelly’s Christmas message on Luke 2, exploring why God’s answer to our deepest brokenness wasn’t a strategy, a checklist, or a five-step plan… but a person. A baby. The most unexpected rescue operation of all time.

In this teaching, Kelly shares why the arrival of Jesus is far more than a sweet nativity scene: it’s the moment God sits down at the desk, takes our exam for us, hands us His perfect score, and then delights — truly delights — to give it away. We talk about how salvation is more than debt-forgiveness, how righteousness is a gift earned on our behalf, and why God is far more eager to be with us than to simply fix our circumstances.

Whether you’re in a season that feels heavy, hopeful, confusing, or all of the above, this message is a reminder that God didn’t send us a plan to execute — He sent us Himself. Emmanuel. God with us. And that changes everything.

It’s that time of year when people start panic-Googling “gift ideas that don’t feel like I bought them in the checkout line.” So we decided to help — Clearly style. Which means: we gave ourselves permission to talk about our favorite things, roast each other, confess our competitive board-game issues, and accidentally pitch half a dozen companies who did not ask for our endorsement but probably should.

In this episode, we walk through the books, tools, gadgets, apps, candles, pens, games, and wonderfully analog objects that make our daily lives happier, smoother, or at least less chaotic. From Bibles to board games, from Greek notebooks to Suno AI bangers, from Kelly’s beloved Remarkable to Jimmy’s Micron pen obsession — it’s all here.

If you want gift ideas, want to feel better about your own quirks, or just want to laugh your way through our most unserious episode of the year… welcome. These are a few of our favorite things — clearly.

• New Inductive Study Bible — Amazon Link
• Greek New Testament Notebooks — Amazon Link

• Analog To-Do List (Uggmonk) — Product Page
• Remarkable Tablet — Amazon Link
• An Exercise in Proactive Repentance

• Jackson Vaughn Candles — Official Site
• Portable Charger — Amazon Link

• Suno — suno.com

• House Rules Board Game Shop — Official Site
• Ticket to Ride — Amazon Link

Telestrations — Amazon Link

We are sponsored by America World Adoption Agency. Join us in moving God’s kingdom forward in supporting adoption by signing up for their emails here.

We love our kids. We really do. We just don’t always love the sticky floors, the endless questions, the “surprise” tantrums in the Target parking lot, or the way someone always needs a snack the literal second we sit down. But somewhere along the way, our culture decided that children themselves are the burden — and that’s where we draw the line.

In this episode, we push back on the modern “kids = life-ruiners” narrative and look at what Scripture actually says (spoiler: only blessings, zero curses). We explore why children are image bearers, sanctifiers, future world-changers, and, yes, occasional free labor and potential retirement plans.

If you’re a tired parent, a hesitant soon-to-be parent, or just someone who’s accidentally internalized the cultural eye-roll toward kids, come laugh, rethink, and get recalibrated with us — clearly.

• Who Should a Church Help (and Not Help)?
• 
  
• Your Child Is Your Neighbor — The Gospel Coalition
• 
  
• A Jesus Heart for Children (Part 1)
• 
  
• Children: Burden or Blessing?
• 
  
• The Sanctity of Unwanted Life

We are sponsored by America World Adoption Agency. Join us in moving God’s kingdom forward in supporting adoption by signing up for their emails here.

We love worship, and we also love ruining bad ideas about worship. 

Today we are looking at five myths every church musician has probably heard at some point — like that we usher people into God’s presence (spoiler: that’s Jesus’ job), or that the Spirit’s main gig is “changing atmospheres”. We even talk about why “spontaneous” doesn’t automatically mean “spiritual.”

So if you’ve ever led worship, attended worship, or just judged someone’s worship from the back row, this one’s for you. Grab your coffee, retire your skinny jeans, and join us as we bust a few myths — clearly.

Recommended Book: You are What You Love by KA Smith

We are sponsored by America World Adoption Agency. Join us in moving God’s kingdom forward in supporting adoption by signing up for their emails here.

Second Corinthians is Paul at his most personal, most pastoral... and most sarcastic. In this episode, Jimmy and Kelly unpack a letter full of tension: comfort and affliction, strength and weakness, ministry and mockery (hello, “super apostles”). Kelly’s got a full highlight reel of favorite verses, Jimmy tries to make “ratchet” happen, and together they explore why this book is a lifeline for anyone in ministry—or anyone just barely hanging on.

From Paul’s theology of suffering to his defense of real, gritty, unimpressive faithfulness, 2 Corinthians will wreck you and rebuild you. Also, we may or may not suggest a graphic novel version.

So pull out your Bible, your one-pager (get them here), and maybe a thorn in the flesh or two. Let’s go.

This episode is sponsored by America World Adoption Agency. Join us in moving God’s kingdom forward in supporting adoption by signing up for their emails here.

What do Gaza, foreskins, and your spouse’s eschatology have in common? This episode. In classic Q&A fashion, we jump from current events to covenant signs to the real-life challenge of disagreeing theologically with someone you love.

Jimmy and Kelly talk through how Christians should respond to cultural chaos (spoiler: read your Bible and love your neighbor), why God chose circumcision as the sign of His covenant with Abraham (yes, including “sensitivity”), and what to do when you and your spouse land in different places theologically or church-wise.

Come for the clarity, stay for the circumcision jokes. This one’s classic Q&A Lane — curious, biblical, and just the right amount of unhinged.

Resources:

Give them Grace

🧡 If You Don’t Who Will?

It is easy to think someone else is going to step up but we NEED YOU! Help us continue to make episodes and we are dreaming big for 2026!

Just a few perks:

• Our Growing Catalog of one pagers for every book of the Bible
• Hang out with us during our Live Recordings (and ask questions!)
• Access to our team Chat

You get celebrated during our Partner appreciation month

👉 Become a Patreon Partner

🎙️ Clearly – Ghosts: What’s Actually in the Bible?

In this Halloween-week special, Jimmy and Kelly finally go where all good theologians fear to tread: ghosts. Like, actual spirits of the dead. Is that a thing? Or are we just reading into spooky campfire stories?

Turns out—the Bible has some stuff to say.

They dive into:

• The shockingly real ghost of Samuel in 1 Samuel 28
• 
  
• Moses (ghost?) and Elijah on the mount of transfiguration
• 
  
• Why the disciples thought Jesus was a ghost
• 
  
• And why Jesus didn’t say “ghosts aren’t real”—he said they don’t have bones 👀
• 
  

Also covered:

☠️ Necromancers, mediums, and why “never necro” should be a t-shirt

👻 Why ghosts (if real) don’t act like movie ghosts

🧠 Why demons are way more common than ghosts

🚫 And why you should absolutely not try to talk to either

They unpack everything with biblical grounding, lots of side-laughs, and a giant fake reaper looming over the episode. Literally.

So whether you’re wondering if haunted houses are real, or just looking for a better theology of the supernatural—this episode will give you a lot to think about (and maybe stop you from buying that Ouija board at the garage sale).

🧡 It’s Partner Month!

We NEED your help to keep our content going and want you part of the partner team!

Just a few perks:

• Our Growing Catalog of one pagers for every book of the Bible
• Hang out with us during our Live Recordings (and ask questions!)
• Access to our team Chat
• You get celebrated during our Partner appreciation month
• 
  

👉 Become a Patreon Partner

This week on Clearly, Jimmy and Kelly dive headfirst into the wonderful, awkward, deeply frustrating practice of prayer. Why does it feel so impossible sometimes? Why do we ghost the Almighty? And what on earth do succulents have to do with spiritual independence?

From hallway floor prayers to apron-based theology, this one is honest, encouraging, and very on-brand (read: unhinged but helpful). They tackle:

• Why we aim too high and get discouraged
• 
  
• What idealism and self-reliance have to do with our prayer avoidance
• 
  
• The not-so-subtle role of spiritual warfare
• 
  
• And why your real, tired, distracted self is exactly who God wants to hear from
• 
  

📚 Books mentioned:

• A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller
• 
  
• Enjoy Your Prayer Life by Michael Reeves
• 
  

If you’ve ever felt like prayer is more guilt-trip than gift—this episode might just reframe the whole thing.

It is Partner Month.  Join us in Equipping the Saints for the Work of Ministry: Patreon

We’re talking about robots. Specifically, that charming, weirdly affirming robot known as ChatGPT—and what it means for your walk with Jesus. In this episode, Jimmy and Kelly tackle AI and the Christian life: how tools like ChatGPT can help (or hurt) your Bible study, sermon prep, and spiritual formation.

Is it okay to ask a bot for help with the Bible? Should you be letting AI write your sermon? What does it mean to linger in Scripture when instant answers are one prompt away? And what’s actually being lost when we outsource our discipleship to a machine?

We break it all down: the helpfulness of AI, its very real risks, and how to use it without shortcutting your soul. Also—yes, we talk about AI-generated tacos, Greek grandmas, and Spanish Kelly.

It is Partner Month. Join us in Equipping the Saints for the Work of Ministry: Patreon

Get you 1 Corinthians One-Pager here!

We’re heading to Corinth, y’all—and not just for the ruins. In this episode, Jimmy and Kelly crack open Paul’s (technically second!) letter to the Corinthians and uncover why it’s still wildly relevant today. From church drama and spiritual gifts to communion faux pas and resurrection mic drops, 1 Corinthians is a loaded letter to a messy, relatable church.

We’re talking about why Paul calls these hot mess believers “saints,” what makes this book a gift to the ADHD brain, and how a deep dive into resurrection theology becomes one of the most compelling historical cases for Christianity.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the modern church, wrestled with tricky Bible passages, or just want to know how to see Jesus clearly through Paul’s letters—this episode is for you. And yes, we’re giving you that Clearly One-Pager to help you dig in for yourself.

🔗 Resources mentioned:

• Explore ancient biblical manuscripts at csntm.org
• 
  

Watch their manuscript walk-through on YouTube

🎙️ Sponsored by TeachEquip — equipping Bible teachers who want to grow in clarity, confidence, and joy. (Also, they’re just awesome.)

🎉 The Quest for the Best (Also: Dracula Teeth, Donuts & Deep Theology)

We sat down to talk about Jimmy’s new children’s book — and within 30 seconds, Dracula teeth were involved. So... classic Clearly.

In this episode, we spiral (gracefully?) from:

• 🧛‍♂️ Custom fangs and midlife cosplay
• 
  
• 🍩 Donuts with God-shaped holes
• 
  
• 🧒🏽 Why writing for kids makes Jimmy a better preacher
• 
  
• ✝️ And what the gospel is really offering us (Hint: it’s not just hell insurance)
• 
  

The Quest for the Best is a hilarious and heartfelt book that teaches kids (and all of us with adult bodies but toddler-level spiritual attention spans) that the best thing God gives us… is God.

You’ll also get:

• Why birthday parties are emotionally rigged
• 
  
• The underrated power of forced porch-sitting
• 
  
• The gospel according to giant pastries
• 
  
• And at least one book Easter egg for The Office fans
• 
  

📚 Resources from this episode:

• The Quest for the Best (Jimmy’s new kids’ book): Amazon
• 
  
• The Real Bad Guys (Book 1 in the series): Amazon
• 
  
• God is the Gospel by John Piper (deep cut, big impact): Amazon
• 
  

Watch Jimmy talk about the book (YouTube link): YouTube

🎙️ Sponsored by TeachEquip — equipping Bible teachers who want to grow in clarity, confidence, and joy. (Also, they’re just awesome.)

That’s right. It’s Q&A time — and y’all did not hold back. In this episode, we dive into some of the hardest (and most honest) follow-up questions we’ve received from Clearly listeners lately.

Prepare yourself: this is the deep end of the pool.

Questions we tackle:

• 🧔‍♂️ Why does God reserve church leadership for men — really? (Not just “because the Bible says so.”)
• 
  
• 💧 Why do some churches require rebaptism for membership, and is that fair?
• 
  
• 🧠 Can we be in fellowship with someone we believe is sinning… but they don’t think they are?
• 
  
• 😰 If Satan could torment Paul and wreck Job’s life, should I still be scared?
• 
  
• 🤯 And yes, we go there — does God ever feel scarier than Satan?
• 
  

With Scripture, humility, and a little laughter to keep it grounded, we unpack what it means to trust God's design, even when it makes us squirm a little. Also: we may or may not coin the term “shloughing off” and accidentally go full Joe Rogan length.

📚 Related Resources & Episodes:

• 🎥 Why We’re Complementarian
• 
  
• 🎥 Women Teaching the Bible (Part 1)
• 
  
• 🎥 Women Teaching the Bible (Part 2)
• 
  
• 🎥 Spiritual Gifts & Gender Roles
• 
  
• 🎥 What Do We Do With Satan?
• 
  
• 🎥 How to Disagree Without Dividing

🎙️ Sponsored by TeachEquip — equipping Bible teachers who want to grow in clarity, confidence, and joy. (Also, they’re just awesome.)

Two mics. One massive theological cage match.

In the blue corner: Jimmy, seminary student, Greek-speaker, and general chaos maker.

In the red corner: Kelly, Bible-studying, Spirit-led, school-free savage of Scripture.

The bell rings and it’s ON.

In this delightfully chaotic episode of Clearly, Jimmy and Kelly go toe-to-toe on the question that haunts church nerds everywhere:

SHOULD. YOU. GO. TO. SEMINARY?

💥 Jimmy throws down with “speed, precision, and exposure.”

💥 Kelly counters with “your Bible is already in your house… FOR FREE.”

💥 Greek flies. Sarcasm lands. A kiss attempt is blocked mid-podcast.

💥 And somewhere in the middle, you get real clarity on whether seminary is your next move—or just a shiny distraction from cracking open Leviticus on your own.

Also inside this episode:

• A “Should I Go to Seminary?” checklist
• 
  
• Why seminary can be awesome—or totally unnecessary
• 
  
• The story behind Teach Equip, Kelly’s training program for women who want to teach Scripture
• 
  
• Multiple Frozen references (unprovoked)
• 
  
• One-off jokes that may require repentance later
• 
  

🎧 So grab your Bible, lace up your theological gloves, and tune in for a no-holds-barred, slightly unhinged, actually super helpful episode of Clearly.

🥊 Bonus round: Join the Clearly Partner crew on Patreon to access live tapings, giveaways, Q&As, and our top-secret WhatsApp group. patreon.com/jimmyandkellyneedham

🎙️ Sponsored by TeachEquip — equipping Bible teachers who want to grow in clarity, confidence, and joy. (Also, they’re just awesome.)

We’re diving into a topic that’s as personal as it is powerful—money. Why is it so hard to talk about? Why does the Bible have so much to say about it? And how do we faithfully navigate money in a culture that defines success by independence and accumulation?

We’ve wrestled with these questions ourselves—from seasons of barely scraping by (shoutout to our musician years 🙃) to moments of unexpected generosity that showed us God’s faithfulness in profound ways. We’re not financial experts, but we’ve lived this stuff. And we’re passionate about talking through what scripture really says—about stewardship, retirement, savings, generosity, and what it means to live in light of eternity.

You’ll hear personal stories (yes, including the Panera Bread miracle), biblical truth, and maybe a few spicy takes. Our hope is that this conversation encourages you to trust God more deeply with your resources, whether you’re in a season of lack or abundance.

💡 We talk about:

• Why money isn’t evil—but our hearts can twist it
• 
  
• How Jesus flips the cultural narrative around wealth
• 
  
• What we’ve learned (and unlearned) about retirement
• 
  
• How to give when you don’t have extra
• 
  
• Why being part of a generous church family matters
• 
  

📚 Books we mention:

• George Müller’s Autobiography (Free PDF)
• 
  
• Money, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn — Buy on Amazon
• 
  
• The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn — Buy on Amazon
• 
  

🔗 Mentioned in this episode:

• TeachEquip — A biblical resource hub for teaching and equipping the church
• 
  

👛 Don’t wait until you have “extra” to start living generously. The safest place for whatever you have—big or small—is with the Lord.

We’d love to hear how this episode hits you. Got questions? Disagreements? Stories of provision? Email us at question@clearlypodcast.com, and we might include your note in a future Q&A episode.

Get your 1 & 2 Chronicles One-Pager here!

Hey friends! In this episode of Clearly, we dive into First and Second Chronicles, and yep—we brought the musical energy with us (you're welcome and/or we apologize). 🎶 We admit it: at first glance, these books can feel like a slog. Names, genealogies, land divisions... it’s not exactly the feel-good Psalm of the day. But hang with us, because there's so much more going on than meets the eye.

We unpack why these books often get skipped, what makes them challenging, and most importantly—why they’re worth your time. First and Second Chronicles aren’t just biblical reruns of Kings; they were written with a different purpose and audience in mind: a people freshly back from exile, trying to remember who they are and whose they are.

From Rafiki moments in The Lion King to the Chronicles Challenge (yes, we triple dog dare you), we explore how God is all over these pages—stirring hearts, guiding kings, and reminding us that no detail is wasted. Even those obscure names? They mattered to God. And so do you.

We talk practical tips for reading these books without giving up (hello, name-circle technique), the cosmic scope of God’s story from Adam to exile, and how Chronicles helps us see that God is involved—deeply and intricately—in every part of our lives.

Oh, and yes, we tried (and failed) to make Chronicles into an acronym. You’re welcome for that too.

📘 Grab some resources to go deeper:

• 5 MUST-KNOW Truths About Your Bible
• 
  
• The Canon: How'd We Get the 66 Books of the Bible?
• 
  
• One Pagers
• 
  

So print your Clearly one-pager, grab your Bible, maybe warm up your singing voice, and let’s go make First and Second Chronicles your new favorite books.

Hey friends! It’s Q&A time again, and we’re back with another round of your questions—ranging from light roast to full-on French press intensity. ☕️

We kick things off with some hard-hitting theological debates like…what’s the best drink of all time? (Spoiler: it’s Coke Zero. Come at us.) From there, we unpack Bible heroes we’d probably kick off a worship team, dive deep into the topic of soul sleep, and ask what really happens when we die. (You’ll want to stick around for that one.)

But it doesn’t stop there—we also:

• Tackle the David & Jonathan conversation: Was their relationship romantic? (Nope, but it’s worth explaining why.)
• 
  
• Talk real life and music: Jimmy answers the “when’s your next album?” question with honesty (and a little chaos).
• 
  
• Respond to a listener's critique about whether God is “useful” when life is hard. We go deep on that one—and yeah, it got us both choked up.
• 
  

This episode has it all: friendship covenants, dark chocolate M&Ms, resurrection theology, demon hunters, and even a few off-the-rails outros. You’ve been warned.

📘 Resources we mention:

• Heaven by Randy Alcorn 
• Friend-ish by Kelly Needham
• Patreon Partners

👂 Got questions for the next Q&A? Send them to: question@clearlypodcast.com

We love you guys—thanks for being part of this.

See you next month for more Clearly Q&A!

If you've ever scrolled through a comment section and thought, “Why is everyone so angry about everything?” — this one’s for you. In a rare podcast moment, Kelly kicks off the episode, and she and Jimmy dive deep into a topic that’s increasingly relevant: how to discern between convictions, persuasions, and opinions—and why it matters for the unity of the church.

They break down what belongs in each category (hint: not everything is heresy), why we tend to overreact to the wrong things, and how to engage others with clarity and kindness—yes, even online. Along the way, you'll get a Velociraptor impression, a discussion about ghost dragons, and some surprisingly tender insights into how we love those we disagree with.

☕ Action step? Take your opinions to coffee, not to combat.

🔗 Resources & Extras:

• 📺 Convictions, Persuasions, & Opinions: Why the Difference Matters
• 
  
• 📩 Got a question? Email us at: question@clearlypodcast.com
• 
  
• ❤️ Support the show + join live recordings: Patreon
• 
  
• ✍️ “Agree to Disagree: How to Handle Essentials, Convictions & Opinions” (Watermark Blog)
• 
  
• 🎧 Past episodes:
• 
  
• Complementarianism & Other Short Words
• 
  
• The Election of the Boogeyman

🎙️ Clearly #101: Trinity for Dummies (a.k.a. Us)

Hey friends! This week, we’re diving headfirst into one of our absolute fave topics, the Trinity. That’s right: one God, three persons, infinite mystery, and just enough internet controversy to keep things spicy 🌶️.

After our last Trinity episode stirred up a bit of a ruckus online, we figured it was time to go back to the B-to-the-B — Back to the Basics. So in this episode, we’re breaking it all down: What is the Trinity? Why does it matter? And how can we actually explain it to our kids (and ourselves) without committing theological heresy?

We talk one-what-three-who’s, draw some triangles (oooooo iPad!), and visit the magical land of Heresy Corner™️ where we meet old friends like Modalism and Arianism. But we don’t stop there, we also explore why the Trinity isn’t just a confusing doctrine, but a beautiful truth that shapes everything from creation to salvation to the deep love of God.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents, this one’s especially for you.

🧠 Curious minds, prepare to be stretched.

🎨 Visual learners, hop on over to YouTube for diagrams and drawings galore.

• 🧒 Jimmy’s Kids Books — Kids Trinity Book coming in 2026!
• Check them out on Amazon »
• 
  
• 📹 Our Most Hated Episode on the Trinity in the Old Testament
• Watch it on YouTube »
• 
  
• 🎤 Jimmy’s Sermon on the Trinity
• Watch the full message »
• 
  
• 🎙️ Spoken Word: The Trinity
• Get goosebumps here »
• 
  

Love you guys. Let’s go deep — and laugh a little while we do.

– Jimmy & Kelly

Get you Romans One-Pager here

If you’ve ever felt like Romans is way out of your league — you’re in good company. We love this book, but we know it can feel like a beast. In this episode, we’re unpacking why Romans might be the greatest (and most intimidating) book in the Bible, how Paul’s deep logic can outlast your deepest doubts, and why it’s worth grabbing your pickaxe to dig for the gold.

Curious about that chapter everyone tiptoes around? We did a whole episode in Romans 9 — Main Character Ick — and you can watch it here.

Recommended Resources:

We’re big fans of Desiring God — check out some of their amazing Romans resources here.

Want to hang out with us behind the scenes, get early access, and keep Clearly going strong? Come join us on Patreon — we’d love to have you!

Hey friends — it’s Jimmy and Kelly here! We’re finally back behind the mics with a Q&A episode that’s got a little bit of everything: birth control, that tree smack in the middle of the garden, and how we’re raising five kids and juggling ministry without totally losing it (most days).

We’re talking about what the Bible actually says (and doesn’t say) about kids, why we don’t do kid-centered living (and why our kids are actually good with that), plus why God tests us but never tempts us — yep, that garden moment is even wilder than you thought.

So grab your coffee, hide from your kids in the car if you need to, and hang out with us for some honest stories, bold takes, and a few awkward jokes.

Got a question, hot take, or objection? Send it our way at question@clearlypodcast.com — we love hearing from you. And if you wanna help us keep making this show, you can support us at patreon.com/jimmykellyneedham.

See you next week, gang.

Commentaries: friend or crutch? In this episode, Jimmy and Kelly dive deep into a Bible-nerd essential—commentaries—and break down how to actually use them without becoming overly dependent. (Hint: if you're tempted to read one before you read the Bible passage... this one’s for you.)

They unpack five practical, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt rules for using commentaries well, including:

📖 Why you don’t need a commentary (but how it can be a gift)

📚 How to check your work without letting it do your work

👀 What makes a commentary helpful—or harmful

🙃 Why “buy the author, not the series” is your new money-saving mantra

🔍 And how to read broadly so you don’t get stuck in your theological bubble

Whether you’re surrounded by shelves of tomes or cracking open your first study Bible, this episode is packed with encouragement, a touch of snark, and loads of practical help for anyone trying to love and understand God’s Word more deeply.

🎯 Bonus: They name names—trusted authors, series to look for, and where to get great (even free!) resources to start building your own library.

📝 Show Notes

Jimmy's Suggested Authors: Moo, Mounce, Bock, Schreiner, Longman, Bruce, Fee, Morris, Wenham, Carson

Jimmy's Suggested Series: Pillar, NICOT, NICNT, The Expositor's Bible Commentary, Baker Exegetical

📚 Helpful Resources:

• Best Commentaries
• Top 5 Commentaries (via Ligonier)
• Dr. Constable’s Notes @ SonicLight.com (Go to Constable → Constable Notes → Constable Notes in PDF)
• ESV Study Bible
• NET Bible (with translator notes)

💡 Know someone who loves the Bible and gets hyped about footnotes?

Text this episode to your favorite Bible nerd and bless their theological soul.

🙌 Want to support the show and ask questions during live recordings?

Become a Clearly Partner on Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/jimmykellyneedham

Get your 1 & 2 Kings One-Pager here!

Ever recorded a whole podcast episode and forgot to press record? Twice? Welcome to Take 3 of our dive into First and Second Kings—yes, we’re laughing through our recording woes and taking you on a tour through two of the most dramatic, action-packed books in the Bible. These aren’t just ancient history; they’re loaded with epic showdowns (think: prophets vs. false gods), royal missteps, divine promises, and a whole lot of “he did evil in the sight of the Lord.”

In this episode, we talk about what makes Kings not just important but fascinating—from the temple’s construction and destruction to the heartbreak of a kingdom divided. We explore the rising and crashing of dynasties, why the throne of David still matters, and how these books leave us longing for a better king and a truer temple. Plus, we finally clear up the confusion between Kings and Chronicles (yes, it’s on purpose, and yes, they are both worth your time).

Whether you’re new to these books or haven’t read them since your last “Bible in a Year” attempt fizzled out in February, we’ll help you see why they deserve a fresh look—and maybe even a standing ovation. Expect humor, honest reflection, some mild theological nerding-out, and a whole lot of pointing to the King whose reign actually lasts forever.

And yes… Jimmy pressed record this time. Probably.

🧡 Support Jimmy and Kelly on Patreon

🎙️ Sponsored by the Live Like It’s True Podcast!

Check out Kelly’s episode:

• Listen on Spotify
• 
  
• Listen on Apple Podcasts



This week on Clearly, we’re pressing pause to have an honest conversation about a topic that’s as personal as it is controversial: homosexuality and the Bible.

Together, we’re opening Scripture—Greek words, historical context, all of it—to wrestle with a core question: Does the Bible actually see homosexual practice as sin?

This isn’t just a theology lecture. It’s about real people, real relationships, and the real tension of holding to biblical truth in a world that often sees it very differently. We don’t shy away from the tough parts—our aim is to bring humility, honesty, and an invitation to dig deeper.

Whether you’re curious, skeptical, hurting, or just wanting clarity, this episode is for you. Come ready to think, feel, and maybe see Jesus in a new light—especially where it feels uncomfortable.

So settle in. Let’s go there—together.

🧡 Support Jimmy and Kelly on Patreon

🎙️ Sponsored by the Live Like It’s True Podcast!

Check out Kelly’s episode:

• Listen on Spotify
• 
  
• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• 
  

Clearly: Why Christians Should Read More Fiction

What do Wise Blood, The Scarlet Letter, Frankenstein, Little Women, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Perelandra all have in common? According to Jimmy and Kelly, they're more than just classics—they’re tools that shape the heart, stir the imagination, and draw us closer to deeper truths of Scripture. In this episode, Jimmy and Kelly highlight how well‑crafted fiction can influence our affections, reveal beauty and truth, and sometimes even teach us more powerfully than a sermon.

Whether you're skeptical of fiction or already a fan, this conversation will inspire you to read more—and read thoughtfully.

🔗 Book Recommendations

• 📘 Wise Blood by Flannery O’Connor
• 
  
• 📕 The Scarlet Letter (Karen Swallow Prior edition) by Nathaniel Hawthorne
• 
  
• 📗 Frankenstein (Karen Swallow Prior edition) by Mary Shelley
• 
  
• 📘 Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
• 
  
• 📙 The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
• 
  
• 📘 Perelandra by C. S. Lewis
• 
  

📚 Books by Jimmy & Kelly

• 📗 Real Bad Guys by Jimmy Needham
• 
  
• 📘 Purposefooled by Kelly Needham
• 
  
• 📘 Friendish by Kelly Needham
• 
  

🎥 Formational Fiction Webinar – YouTube

🧡 Support Jimmy and Kelly on Patreon

We are sponsored by the Live Like It’s True Podcast!  Check out Kelly’s episode visiting the podcast on Spotify or Apple.

It’s another round of “Learns and Burns” (still up for rebranding), and in this Q&A episode, Jimmy and Kelly dive into your real questions—and spicy internet objections. From whether Christians can cuss, to when it’s time to leave your church, to some eyebrow-raising YouTube comments, we’re covering it all.

Can a swear word ever be biblical? How do we handle church hurt without ghosting community? And what do we say to someone who feels better after leaving the faith? (Hint: It’s more layered than you think.)

📚 Additional resources:

Live Like It’s True Podcast

▶️ How To Argue Well

▶️ Limited Atonement Q&A

📝 Why Conflict Is a Necessary Ally to Real Friendship

💬 Plus: hot takes on limited atonement, Jesus vs. anxiety, and whether or not Christians should care about internet haters. (Spoiler: We mostly don’t.)

🎉 Want to ask your own questions live during future recordings?

Become a Clearly Partner on Patreon:

👉 patreon.com/jimmykellyneedham

We are sponsored by the Live Like It’s True Podcast!  Check out Kelly’s episode visiting the podcast on Spotify or Apple.

We know what you’ve been thinking about. We see your browser history. We see you in anguish, trying to figure out: How do you see the Trinity in the Old Testament?

We’ve been there—cornered at church potlucks, caught in theology debates on our morning jogs, or at your kid’s little league game. You are constantly asked, “Can you actually defend the triune nature of God from the Old Testament?” So we finally said, enough is enough. Let’s talk about it.

In this episode, we roll up our sleeves and dive into the Hebrew Scriptures, uncovering the divine fingerprints of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—from Genesis to Isaiah to the dusty paths of Daniel and Ezekiel. We get into the Hebrew (echad, anyone?), talk through strange plurals, throne room visions, and that time Jacob maybe wrestled with... God Himself?

More than head knowledge, we explore why this matters for our hearts, our worship, and our witness. Because the Trinity isn’t some theological plot twist—it’s who God has always been.

Come nerd out with us. It’s going to be a good one.

More Resources:

Live Like It’s True Podcast

Jimmy's spoken word on the trinity 

Partner With Us

When it comes to marriage, parenting, and household rhythms, how do you decide who stays home with the kids—and does the Bible give us a clear answer? This episode was sparked by a listener’s thoughtful question, and it opens up a rich, honest conversation between Jimmy and Kelly about work, gender roles, home life, and how Scripture speaks into modern family dynamics.

Rather than offering one-size-fits-all rules, Jimmy and Kelly explore:

• What work actually means from a biblical perspective (hint: it’s not just about getting a paycheck)
• 
  
• Why both men and women are called to be “homeward” in their orientation
• 
  
• Whether Titus 2 and Proverbs 31 offer mandates or models
• 
  
• How biology, seasons of life, and spiritual maturity shape our roles
• 
  
• The trap of devaluing “hidden” work, and how God sees it differently
• 
  

You’ll hear personal stories from their own marriage—including seasons where roles shifted drastically—and how community, prayer, and mutual submission have helped guide their decisions. This is a nuanced, compassionate discussion that holds tight to Scripture while allowing for grace, complexity, and real-life application.

👇 RESOURCES & LINKS

📄 Clearly One-Pagers

Want a guided tool to help you study the Bible with insight and structure? Download the Clearly one-pagers here!

💛 Support the Podcast

Become a Clearly Partner on Patreon to access exclusive content, live episodes, and all one-pagers for free!

🎙️ Related Clearly Episodes

Want to go deeper on this topic? Check out these companion conversations:

• Gender Roles Q&A
• 
  
• Women in the Home, Mental Health & Small Group Leaders
• 
  
• Complementarianism (and Other Short Words)

Buckle up for a whirlwind ride through the Book of Acts — or should we say, The Adventures of the Apostles! In this episode, Jimmy and Kelly dive into the book that brings the fireworks: teleporting deacons, spontaneous language miracles, unexpected deaths, and one very unfazed apostle bitten by a snake.

They explore why Acts isn’t just church history — it’s your story too. What really happened when the Holy Spirit moved in? What kind of boldness and transformation flowed from that moment? And how does that same Spirit empower us today?

You’ll also hear why Acts is one-of-a-kind in the New Testament, what makes the Holy Spirit more than just a vibe, and why someone really needs to make this into a movie (Dallas, we’re looking at you).

📄 Clearly One-Pagers – Study Acts with guided depth: jimmyandkelly.com/store

🎥 Related Links

• “The Trinity: A Spoken Word”
• 
  
• “Who is the Holy Spirit?” – YouTube
• 
  
• Forgotten God by Francis Chan (Amazon)
• 
  

🎧 Want more? Join our Clearly Podcast Partners on Patreon for live recordings, exclusive resources, and free access to every Clearly one-pager.

 A huge thanks to America World Adoption Agency for sponsoring this episode. If you're considering adoption or want to find ways to support adoptable children, visit awaa.org/clearly.

Today, we are talking about seeing dead people, why that makes Jimmy cry, and why God offers blessed assurance—not blessed insurance.

This episode dives deep into one of the most personal and pressing questions in the Christian life: How can I know I’m saved? We get honest about our own stories—like crying over The Sixth Sense on a tour bus, childhood altar calls that didn’t stick, and seasons where God’s love felt more like a theological theory than a lived reality.

Pulling from 1 John, Jimmy’s article, and Ask Pastor John, we walk through what the Bible says about assurance—from the objective promises rooted in Christ, to the subjective signs that the Spirit is really at work in us (even when we feel like a mess).

So if you’ve ever felt like your heart condemns you, or wondered whether praying “the prayer” really counted, we made this one for you. Assurance isn't about having a spiritual receipt—it’s about knowing the One who holds you, and learning to see the signs of life along the way.

Adoption is deeply personal for us — and in this episode, we’re diving into the heart, the hurdles, and the hope behind it. We tackle six of the biggest myths surrounding adoption, from costs to connection to corruption, and share our own journey of bringing home two amazing boys from India. Whether you're considering adoption, curious about the realities, or wondering how you can help, this conversation is for you.

Sponsor:

A huge thanks to America World Adoption Agency for sponsoring this episode. If you're considering adoption or want to find ways to support adoptable children, visit awaa.org/clearly.

Resources We Mentioned:

• Our Adoption Story Video: Watch here
• 
  
• Kelly’s Articles:
• 
  
• Why Adoption is Worth Every Obstacle
• 
  
• The Importance of Recognizing Loss in Adopted Children
• 
  
• Research and Data:
• 
  
• National Council for Adoption (NCFA)
• 
  
• Adult Adoptee Experiences Study
• 
  
• Adoption by the Numbers (State-by-State Data)
• 
  
• Studies on the Impact of Institutionalization:
• 
  
• Institutional Care Negatively Impacts Children's Development
• 
  
• Psychiatric Outcomes in Children from Institutions
• 
  
• Long-Term Effects of Institutional Rearing
• 
  
• Other Adoption Resources:
• 
  
• AdoptUSKids
• 
  
• Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO)
• 
  

If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend who might need to hear it. Adoption changes lives — and maybe it’s time it changes yours too.

Is it just us, or have we been here before? 👀

If you’re feeling a little déjà vu, don’t worry — you’re not caught in a time loop. We’re re-airing this episode because we’ve just developed a group Bible Study through the book of Job! Don’t worry, next week is back to new episodes but if you and your friends want a group study, check out the link below!

👉 Job | Group study Guide

🎙️ Podcast Summary: "5 Reasons Job Is a Bad Book to Study"

Welcome (back?) to Clearly! In this re-aired fan-favorite from Season 4, Jimmy and Kelly crack open the book of Job with honesty, humor, and a splash of existential dread. The title might sound harsh, but stay with us — "5 Reasons Job is a Bad Book to Study" is really about why it's so necessary to study.

Highlights:

• Job's a man who loses everything — and we mean everything.
• 
  
• The book dives deep into suffering… without always giving the answers we want.
• 
  
• Friends say some wise-sounding stuff — until God calls them out.
• 
  
• It’s jam-packed with metaphor, poetry, and emotional gut punches.
• 
  
• And at 42 chapters, it's not exactly a quick read. But it is worth it.
• 
  

Whether it’s your first time with Job or you’re circling back for another go (see: déjà vu), this episode sets the tone for a season of asking big questions and not settling for small answers.

Normally, we have funny podcast descriptions. Feels kinda off to joke around with the cornerstone of our faith.

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the Resurrection — not just as a historical event, but as the heartbeat of Christianity. We start with a simple but important question: Was the resurrection of Jesus necessary for our salvation? It’s a question that kept Jimmy up at night as a young believer, and it’s one we unpack together by tracing through Scripture, theology, and even a few 16-year-old soul-searching memories.

We explore how the Resurrection acts as proof — proof that Jesus truly is the Son of God, proof that our sins were fully paid for on the cross, and proof that there is a day of judgment coming. Along the way, we wrestle with how the empty tomb gives us confidence in our faith, comfort in our fight against sin, and real hope that death does not have the final say.

If you’re looking to dig deeper, here are two books we recommend:

• The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
• 
  
• The Resurrection of the Son of God by N.T. Wright
• 
  

This is one of the most foundational conversations we’ve ever had on the podcast, and it’s one we hope encourages your heart as we move through this Easter season. Thank you for joining us — we couldn’t be more grateful to walk through these truths with you.

Also, it’s Partner Appreciation Month! 🎉 If you want to join our Clearly partner community, get access to live recordings, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes fun, you can check it out here!

It happened in Jerusalem, sometime around 33 AD.

The body? Jesus of Nazareth.

The crime? Crucifixion.

The suspects? Let’s review the case file.

Was it Pilate in the palace with a politically expedient hand?

Caiaphas in the temple with religious fear and a fragile ego?

Judas in the garden with silver coins and a kiss of betrayal?

Or maybe Satan in the shadows, whispering plans and entering hearts?

And then there’s us — with sin scribbled on scraps of paper and nailed to the story — could we be more involved than we think?

But as the pieces start coming together, a deeper layer begins to emerge. One with ancient fingerprints. A figure behind the curtain. A will behind the wounds. The kind of twist that makes you pause, lean in, and ask, Could this have been the plan all along?

In this episode of Clearly, we step into the mystery: Who really killed Jesus? We explore the historical players, the spiritual realm, and the deeply personal weight of the cross. We talk divine intent, human responsibility, and why this darkest moment might actually be the most beautiful in history.

We also take you inside our home during Easter — from resurrection pegboards and twinkle lights to practical ways to help your family connect sin, grace, and the cross in a tangible way.

Want to go deeper into these themes? Check out:

📺 The Sovereignty of God: Why It’s Good News

📝 The Doctrine of Election Saved My Life (Jimmy’s blog post)

📺 God’s Sovereignty in Suffering

📺 How to Trust God in Really Hard Things

🎧 Listen to more episodes at: http://www.jimmyandkelly.com/podcast

We need to talk. And we don’t say that lightly. Here at Clearly, we value honesty. Deeply. Like, we pause before sipping our coffee to pray about it kind of deeply. But for weeks, actually years, we’ve been lying to you. And it’s time to come clean. That plant you’ve seen in the background of our videos? The one quietly thriving in the corner of the frame, gently reminding you that life, like theology, needs watering?

It’s fake. Plastic. Deceptive. Much like Saul’s promise as Israel’s first king. And we’re sorry.

But honestly, it’s fitting. Because today’s episode is all about what happens when you want something so badly, whether a king or a trend or a potted aesthetic, and you get it, only to realize it doesn’t actually fix anything. We’re diving deep into First and Second Samuel, books that tell the story of Israel’s rise and fall under two kings: Saul and David. But it all begins with Hannah, a barren woman whose prayer in chapter two sets the tone for both books. Her song introduces the theme we keep seeing throughout the narrative: God exalts the humble and humbles the exalted. The great reversal. And let’s be real, it’s a theme we all need.

We unpack why so many people skip over these books and what makes biblical narrative both challenging and rewarding to read. We talk patterns, plot tension, hinge moments, and how you can actually study the characters, even the ones who end up talking to ghosts. You’ll also hear how these stories teach us about God’s character, even when He seems offstage, and why that’s a huge deal for understanding the Bible as a whole.

So yes, the plant is fake. But the biblical insights? Completely real. We hope this episode helps you read First and Second Samuel with fresh eyes and maybe also helps you confront the fake plants in your own life.

We’re growing. Thank you for giving us space to do that.

🎧 Listen to more episodes at jimmyandkelly.com/podcast

📄 Grab the First & Second Samuel One-Pager at https://www.jimmyandkelly.com/store

Check out these two resources on 1&2 Samuel from our friend Justin Jackson:

• Shedding the Robes of Kingship by Justin Jackson
• The Bows of the Mighty Are Broken: The “Fall” of the Proud and the Exaltation of the Humble in 1 Samuel by Justin Jackson

A eulogy:

Dearly beloved, we gather here today to bid a fond and reverent farewell to a once-dominant figure in modern faith culture: the Unfun Christian.

They were known by many names—Sister Solemn, Brother Dour, Captain Can't-Take-a-Joke—but we knew them best by their silence at church potlucks, their suspicious glare at spontaneous laughter, and their legendary ability to find the cloud in every silver lining.

Let us remember the Unfun Christian’s legacy: their unyielding commitment to theological correctness—even if it killed the vibe. Their bravery in frowning through baby showers. Their silent protest against glitter, tambourines, and youth group games. They walked the narrow road, alright—but refused to skip.

And yet, even as we mourn their departure, we celebrate a rebirth. For it turns out, joy is not the enemy of reverence. Gladness does not dilute holiness. And laughter? Laughter is not a theological loophole—it’s a divine gift. Scripture calls our God "the only blessed [happy] God." A party-thrower over prodigals, a Creator of platypuses and sunsets. A Father who welcomes His children with jokes and jubilation.

So let us not cry for Unfun Christians. Let us remember them, lovingly—and then do exactly what would’ve made them uncomfortable: throw a party. Skip like calves from the stall. Embarrass your kids with a marshmallow ambush. Quote Psalm 126 like it’s a Rascal Flatts lyric.

Because if we truly believe we’ve been rescued, forgiven, and adopted by a joy-filled God…

What’s more Christian than having a little fun?

Rest in peace, Unfun Christian.

May your joy finally be made full.

📚 Links & Resources

Want to dive deeper into the joy-filled theology we’re celebrating today? Here are some books and resources mentioned (or that pair perfectly with this episode):

• Real Bad Guys: A Story About Us by Jimmy Needham
• A creative, honest look at sin, grace, and the scandalous goodness of God.
• 👉 Buy on Amazon
• 
  
• The Book That Made Your World by Vishal Mangalwadi
• A fascinating exploration of how the Bible shaped Western culture—and why it still matters.
• 👉 Buy on Amazon
• 
  
• The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
• Classic. Clever. A devilish look at the Christian life, full of irony and insight.
• 👉 Buy on Amazon
• 
  
• Safely Home by Randy Alcorn
• A powerful novel that glimpses into heavenly joy and the cost of following Christ.
• 👉 Buy on Amazon
• 
  
• Join the Clearly Partner Team!
• Want to help bring more joy (and truth) to the world through this podcast?
• 👉 Become a partner

Oh boy, the objections are getting more fun! "WTF these people get to vote?" is probably our favorite, although someone is going to have to explain the acronym to me...

This episode is all about your questions and some spicy objections. We talk about fasting (is it just about food?), cremation (is it biblical?), and whether a worship song is actually the devil whispering doubt into our ears. Plus, we dive into an old-earth vs. young-earth debate, the role of repentance, and what exactly our theme song should be (spoiler: Family Matters almost wins).

In case you wanted to see some of the objections we referenced here are the sources:

📺 Shorts:

🔹 Did People Die Before Adam Sinned?

🔹 Do People Die Because of Food Choices?

🔹 Is Cremation Biblical?

🎙️ Full Episodes:

🔸 Q&A: Your Questions and Objections

🔸 Should Christians Sing Worship Songs from Bethel?

🔸 The Age of the Earth Debate

Send us your questions (or objections!) at question@clearlypodcast.com or find us on Instagram. And if you're feeling generous, like, subscribe, and tell your mother-in-law that yes, "Is He Worthy" is still a great song. 😆

Hey our sponsor for today is the Robert Lewis Sermons Podcast. If you want a timeless perspective rooted in God’s word, click here to check out his sermons.

So in order to show that the book of Ruth (oh look a helpful onepager here) isn’t just for women’s Bible Studies we wrote a trailer. If enough people ask for it, we will have Jimmy read the voice over:

NARRATOR (in a deep, gravelly voice)

In a world where redemption is a forgotten dream...

NARRATOR

One woman will rise...

[Sound of a huge crash, dust erupts.]

...and shatter expectations forever.

NARRATOR (voice rising in intensity)

She’s about to uncover the greatest secret in history...

[Sudden silence. Cut to Ruth alone in a darkened field, the ground beneath her glowing with an ethereal light.]

...God’s hand moves not in the thunder...

NARRATOR

...but in the most ordinary moments...

[Ruth kneels, grabbing handfuls of grain like a warrior preparing for battle.]

NARRATOR (whispering)

Her journey will change everything.

[Cut to Boaz standing tall in front of an ancient stone wall, a flash of lightning illuminating his face. The wind howls.]

NARRATOR

Boaz: The Redeemer.

[Boom! The camera zooms in on Boaz’s strong hands gripping a sword, his eyes glowing with determination.]

NARRATOR (intense)

He has the power...

[Cut to Boaz stepping into a darkened room, his footsteps echoing.]

...but will he wield it to save the one who dares to trust him?

NARRATOR

Their love will spark a revolution...

[Explosions. Boaz and Ruth fight side by side.]

...a battle for redemption that will echo through eternity...

[Slow-motion shot of Ruth walking through the city gate, a crowd roaring in the background. Fire and sparks fly all around her.]

NARRATOR

This fall... redemption will rise from the ashes!

[The screen explodes in a massive fireball. The music hits a deafening climax.]

TITLE CARD: “RUTH: THE EXODUS REDEMPTION”

[The camera zooms in on Ruth’s fierce, triumphant face, and then flashes to black.]

NARRATOR (in a low growl)

Coming soon. Get ready for the redemption of a lifetime.

[Final, earth-shattering drum hit. Silence.]

Is the book of Ruth just a “women’s Bible study” book? Nope! In this episode, we flip the script on that misconception and explore how Ruth is an epic story of redemption—one that mirrors the Exodus and points us straight to Jesus. Our guest, Dr. Justin Jackson, takes us on a deep dive into this four-chapter powerhouse, unpacking its unexpected themes, ancient cultural quirks (yes, we talk about the whole "sleeping at Boaz’s feet" thing), and why Ruth’s story matters for everyone.

Plus, we come up with some questionable acronyms, marvel at Boaz’s role as the only named human redeemer in the Old Testament, and maybe, just maybe, leave you wanting to read Ruth all over again.

Grab your Bible and join us for this fun and insightful ride!

🔹 Resources & One-Pager: Check the show notes for extra tools to help you dive deeper into Ruth.

🔹 Join Us Live! Want to be part of these episodes in real time? Support us on Patreon