Memory Cross Blog

Marriage is about unity, not uniformity. While the Bible calls for oneness in marriage—“the two shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24)—it doesn’t mean every part of your life must be merged into one indistinguishable pile. One area where couples often face tension is money. And while it may seem countercultural—or even unromantic—to keep separate checking accounts in marriage, there are strong reasons to consider it, both practically and biblically.

In a world where every store offers you 10% off if you’ll just “open a card,” and financial gurus preach the gospel of a high credit score, it’s easy to think debt is just a normal part of life. But Scripture paints a very different picture—one where freedom, not financial bondage, is the goal.

If your church is anything like mine, we often have limited resources when it comes to Sunday School curriculum. Sometimes the lesson plans we’re given just don’t connect — either with us or with our students.

The early church grew in a hostile, pagan world—without buildings, budgets, or political favor. Yet within a few generations, it spread from a small band of disciples in Jerusalem to every corner of the Roman Empire. Today, in the 21st century, American churches face declining attendance, cultural indifference, and internal confusion. So what fueled the explosive growth of the early church, and how can we recapture that vitality?

As the world changes, so must the ways the Church connects with people. While our message never changes, our methods can—and should—adapt. One of the most powerful emerging tools for ministry and outreach today is artificial intelligence (AI), and specifically, tools like ChatGPT.

Used wisely, AI can be a valuable assistant for pastors, church staff, and volunteers, helping churches better serve their members and reach the lost. Here’s how:

In today’s digital world, social media has become the town square of our time — a place where people connect, share ideas, and seek truth (even if they don’t always know it). For Christians, this presents a tremendous opportunity: to shine the light of Christ and let others know about the hope, love, and grace found in Him. Used wisely, social media can be a powerful tool for evangelism and inviting others into your church community.

Here are some practical ways Christians and churches can use social media to share the Gospel and invite people to church:

Explaining the Gospel to a child isn’t about dumbing it down—it’s about breaking it down. Children don’t need a theology degree to understand Jesus. What they need is simple truth, spoken with love and clarity.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you share the Gospel with a 5-year-old:

This morning I read something that shook me.

A car crashed into a daycare center, killing four children. Just writing those words feels heavy and wrong. These were children who had just been dropped off by their parents — likely with quick hugs and rushed goodbyes — expecting to pick them up later that day. But that day never came.

Today, one of the biggest communication tools available is Facebook — and it would be foolish for churches to ignore it.  Here is a plan your church can use to reach the online community using Facebook.

Boosting church attendance involves creating a welcoming atmosphere, staying relevant with sermons and activities, and building a strong sense of community. It's important to involve all age groups, offer practical help to those in need, and maintain consistency and authenticity in your church's message. Promoting your church through social media, newsletters, and personal invites can help get the word out. Engaging worship services and seeking feedback from your congregation can also contribute to growth. Helpful resources like Outreach.com, ChurchLeaders.com, Group Publishing, and ServeHQ can offer additional support and ideas to help your church thrive.

Raising well-rounded, successful children starts with instilling foundational values that will guide them throughout their lives. Among the most important lessons to teach are the principles of loving God and others, embracing responsibility and continuous learning, and managing money wisely while cultivating determination. These core teachings not only shape their character but also equip them with the tools they need to navigate life's challenges and opportunities. By focusing on these areas, we can help our children grow into compassionate, capable, and resilient adults.

Memory Cross has introduced a new Halloween Gospel Tract that stands out with its unique origami design, which kids love. Unlike traditional tracts, this one is interactive, making it more likely to be read and shared. Printed on durable 12 pt playing card stock, it’s both attractive and long-lasting, perfect for church events and trick-or-treating. This tract not only captures attention but also effectively spreads the Gospel message. To learn more or order, visit Memory Cross's website.