Clearly with Jimmy & Kelly Needham

Latest Episodes:

Why Did He Need to Rise? EASTER Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

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:

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!

Mystery Murder: Who Actually Killed Jesus? Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

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

Three Tips for Reading Biblical Narrative Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

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:

Party or Die: A Theology of Fun Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

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

Slithering Satan, Burning Bodies and Nonfood Fasting Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

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. 😆

Is This The Most Relatable Book of The Bible? Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

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

Seeing Jesus in all of the Bible Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

If you love Where’s Waldo, you are going to love today's episode. If you don’t love Where’s Waldo, then go back to your childhood, consider what went wrong, pray for forgiveness, and jump in with us.

The Clearly crew is joined by Dr. Justin Jackson, a man so dedicated to studying the Bible that he couldn’t stop at just one doctorate. Together, they explore how Jesus is present in all of Scripture, from Leviticus to 1 Chronicles. They break down six key ways to find Jesus in every passage and why this approach transforms how believers read the Bible. They also put their skills to the test in a high-stakes Bible challenge, proving once and for all that, yes, even the most obscure Old Testament passages lead to Jesus.

Takeaways from This Episode:

The Bible is one unified story, not 66 disconnected books.
Every passage—yes, every passage—points to Jesus in some way.
Six ways to find Jesus in Scripture: problems, promises, pictures, patterns, paradoxes, and products.
Why seeing Jesus in all of Scripture isn't just interesting—it’s life-changing.
What happens when someone is put on the spot to explain how a random Old Testament passage leads to Jesus.
Why Dr. Justin Jackson’s wife deserves an honorary doctorate for supporting ten years of his theological studies.

Jump in and see Scripture in a whole new light!

Resources for Further Study:

📖 How to Study the Bible – Justin W. Jackson

📜 On Pascha by Melito of Sardis – Start on page 37

Killing Sin, Satan’s Attacks, and Spiciest YouTube Comments Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

Satan is stupid. Jehovah’s Witnesses misunderstand John 1. You can do the right thing and still not please God. And if you wish God spoke today like He did in the Old Testament, you’re missing something HUGE!

That is it! That is the episode! If you want the details, hit play! (Well, don’t hit—hitting isn’t nice.)**

🎙️ Episode Summary:

In this Q&A (plus objections) episode, we’re tackling some big theological questions—and a few spicy internet comments. Here’s what we cover:

🔹 Why does Satan pursue believers if he knows he can’t take them from Christ?

🔹 What does Satan actually accomplish when he attacks Christians?

🔹 What are the dynamics of killing sin? How much of it is willpower vs. the Holy Spirit’s power?

🔹 How do you know if you’re fighting sin in your own strength or relying on the Spirit?

🔹 Why doesn’t God interact with the world today like He did in the Bible?

🔹 Where’s the scripture to back up the idea that doing the right thing with the wrong heart doesn’t please God?

🔹 Do Jehovah’s Witnesses get John 1:1 wrong? (Hint: Yes, and we explain why.)

If you’ve ever wrestled with these topics—or just enjoy some good theological debate—this episode is for you. Have a question or an objection? Send them our way! question@clearlypodcast.com

More resources:

🔗 How Pilgrims Progress (Fighting Sin)

🔗 Bible Translations

🔗 Satanology

🔗Pattern of miracles in the Bible

Does It Matter Who Wrote the Worship Song? Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

We’re talking about the ultimate litmus test for worship songs—because we can’t just let any melody into our setlist.

Step One: It must be biblical. And by biblical, we mean it needs to quote Scripture directly—at least 90% in the original Greek or Hebrew (because transliterations are sus).

Step Two: It must be about the gospel. If your lyrics wander more than 7 words (God’s number, obviously) away from the cross, it’s automatically out.

Step Three: Every songwriter must attend weekly accountability meetings with David Paul Tripp. No exceptions.

Step Four: All writers and band members must actively practice at least four spiritual disciplines per week, rotating one out monthly. And if they haven’t ruthlessly eliminated hurry from their lives, they must enter a mandatory 7-day (God’s number, again) digital fast.

Want to know the final three steps? Good! That means you actually take your faith seriously. But let’s be real—figuring out what worship songs belong in a church setlist is tricky.

Should we sing songs from ministries we don’t align with? Does playing a song mean endorsing the theology (or the lifestyle) of its writers? And what do we do when a worship song is great, but the songwriter later walks away from the faith? Jimmy and Kelly dive into these questions, breaking down biblical wisdom, church history, and personal experience to help us think critically—without overcomplicating worship.

Resources Mentioned:

📖 Worship Matters by Bob Kauflin – Get the book

📖 Rhythms of Grace by Mike Cosper – Get the book

🎧 Jimmy's Sermon on Worship: The Life of a Disciple: Worship – Listen here

Judges: Descent Into Darkness Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

Stories of a guy’s magic hair, a woman's tent peg assassination, a tiny army's screaming and some broken pots that win a war. It gets weirder, it gets darker, but don't worry! Jimmy opens with a Spice Girls reference.

What do the Spice Girls and the Book of Judges have in common? Not much… but we found a way to make it work! In this episode, we dive deep into one of the Bible’s darkest and most chaotic books—full of wild battles, unexpected heroes, and some seriously questionable life choices. From Gideon’s smashing success to Samson’s legendary hair problems, we unpack why Judges is both a tough read and an essential one.

We talk about why this book is often misunderstood, what it teaches us about human nature, and how it all points to our need for a true King. Plus, we attempt to name all twelve judges (with mixed success), discuss why Quentin Tarantino might be the perfect director for a Judges movie, and explain how everyone doing what was right in their own eyes led to some of the Bible’s most jaw-dropping moments.

So grab your torches and tent pegs, and let’s explore Judges!

🎶 Bonus: Check out this catchy kids’ song about the judges we mentioned in the episode: Judges Song

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