Clearly with Jimmy & Kelly Needham

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 WordsThe 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.🔗 Resources Mentioned🧒 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

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 bubbleWhether 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 NotesJimmy's Suggested Authors: Moo, Mounce, Bock, Schreiner, Longman, Bruce, Fee, Morris, Wenham, CarsonJimmy's Suggested Series: Pillar, NICOT, NICNT, The Expositor's Bible Commentary, Baker Exegetical📚 Helpful Resources:Best CommentariesTop 5 Commentaries (via Ligonier)Dr. Constable’s Notes @ SonicLight.com (Go to Constable → Constable Notes → Constable Notes in PDF)ESV Study BibleNET 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

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 SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsThis 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 SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsClearly: Why Christians Should Read More FictionWhat 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 PodcastJimmy's spoken word on the trinity Partner With Us