Clearly with Jimmy & Kelly Needham

Latest Episodes:

1 & 2 Kings: When Crowns Become Curses Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

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

Homosexuality and The Bible Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

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

Check out Kelly’s episode:

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

The Fiction Books You Should Read Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

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

Check out Kelly’s episode:

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

📚 Books by Jimmy & Kelly

🎥 Formational Fiction Webinar – YouTube

🧡 Support Jimmy and Kelly on Patreon

Cuss Words, When to Leave Your Church, and Why Atheists Have It Easier: Q and A Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

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

Is the Trinity in the Old Testament? Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

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

Who stays home with the kids? May 27, 2025

Show notes

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:

Understanding the Holy Spirit May 20, 2025

Show notes

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

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

How Can I Know I'm Saved? May 13, 2025

Show notes

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.

Six Myths about Adoption May 06, 2025

Show notes

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.

5 Reasons Job is a Bad Book To Study: Group Study Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

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.

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