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
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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.)
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• Talk real life and music: Jimmy answers the “when’s your next album?” question with honesty (and a little chaos).
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• 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.
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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: [email protected]

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
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• 📩 Got a question? Email us at: [email protected]
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• ❤️ Support the show + join live recordings: Patreon
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• ✍️ “Agree to Disagree: How to Handle Essentials, Convictions & Opinions” (Watermark Blog)
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• 🎧 Past episodes:
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• Complementarianism & Other Short Words
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• 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 »
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• 📹 Our Most Hated Episode on the Trinity in the Old Testament
• Watch it on YouTube »
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• 🎤 Jimmy’s Sermon on the Trinity
• Watch the full message »
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• 🎙️ Spoken Word: The Trinity
• Get goosebumps here »
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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 [email protected] — 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

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
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• 📕 The Scarlet Letter (Karen Swallow Prior edition) by Nathaniel Hawthorne
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• 📗 Frankenstein (Karen Swallow Prior edition) by Mary Shelley
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• 📘 Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
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• 📙 The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
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• 📘 Perelandra by C. S. Lewis
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📚 Books by Jimmy & Kelly

• 📗 Real Bad Guys by Jimmy Needham
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• 📘 Purposefooled by Kelly Needham
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• 📘 Friendish by Kelly Needham
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🎥 Formational Fiction Webinar – YouTube

🧡 Support Jimmy and Kelly on Patreon