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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.

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.

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.

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

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

🎙️ 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 itHow Jesus flips the cultural narrative around wealthWhat we’ve learned (and unlearned) about retirementHow to give when you don’t have extraWhy 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 AmazonThe 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 [email protected], and we might include your note in a future Q&A episode.

🎙️ 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?” checklistWhy seminary can be awesome—or totally unnecessaryThe story behind Teach Equip, Kelly’s training program for women who want to teach ScriptureMultiple 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.) 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.) 🎉 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 riggedThe underrated power of forced porch-sittingThe gospel according to giant pastriesAnd at least one book Easter egg for The Office fans📚 Resources from this episode: The Quest for the Best (Jimmy’s new kids’ book): AmazonThe Real Bad Guys (Book 1 in the series): AmazonGod is the Gospel by John Piper (deep cut, big impact): AmazonWatch Jimmy talk about the book (YouTube link): YouTube

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.orgWatch their manuscript walk-through on YouTube

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’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 BibleHang out with us during our Live Recordings (and ask questions!)Access to our team ChatYou 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 discouragedWhat idealism and self-reliance have to do with our prayer avoidanceThe not-so-subtle role of spiritual warfareAnd why your real, tired, distracted self is exactly who God wants to hear from📚 Books mentioned: A Praying Life by Paul E. MillerEnjoy Your Prayer Life by Michael ReevesIf you’ve ever felt like prayer is more guilt-trip than gift—this episode might just reframe the whole thing.

🧡 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 BibleHang out with us during our Live Recordings (and ask questions!)Access to our team ChatYou 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 28Moses (ghost?) and Elijah on the mount of transfigurationWhy the disciples thought Jesus was a ghostAnd 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).

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

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.