The church has always made it her mission to help those in economic need. Historically, it's been the elderly who need her help, and many elderly still do need help.

But that generation grew up at a time of unprecedented economic prosperity, and as we revert to the mean, it's now younger people who are by and large the most needy.

The solution would be conditional, interest-free loans and below- market rentals made by Christians perhaps via the church to younger Christians.

We confess and teach that holy baptism, when given and received according to the Lord’s command, is in the case of adults and of young children truly a baptism of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, whereby those who are baptized have all their sins washed away, are buried into the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, are incorporated into him, and put on him for a new and godly life and the blessed resurrection, and through him become children and heirs of God.

-- John Calvin & Martin Bucer, Brief Summary of Christian Doctrine and Religion Taught at Strasbourg

God is pleased to connect the benefits of redemption with the believing reception of the truth. And he is pleased to connect these same benefits with the believing reception of baptism. That is, as the Spirit works with and by the truth, so he works with and by baptism, in communicating the blessings of the covenant of grace. Therefore, as we are said to be saved by the word, with equal propriety we are said to be saved by baptism...

-- Charles Hodge, Commentary on Ephesians

Those are not to be excluded from baptism, to whom the benefit of the remission of sins, and of regeneration belongs. But this benefit belongs to the infants of the church; for redemption from sin, by the blood of Christ and the Holy Ghost, the author of faith, is promised to them no less than to the adult... Those unto whom the things signified belong, unto them the sign also belongs...

-- Zacharias Ursinus, Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism

This one goes out to James White

https://youtu.be/FBJffio8ZeQ?si=khkGDQC_GHW6AWOE

The first sacrament of the Christian church, by which upon the covenanted, having been received into the family of God by the external sprinkling of water in the name of the Trinity, remission of sins and regeneration by the blood of Christ and the Holy Spirit are bestowed and sealed.

-- Francis Turretin, Institutes 19.11.9

This is a great conversation I'm surprised more people haven't listened to.

https://youtu.be/4u5d5BC1Y7o?si=kVtT0eeRmvBg6hvy

God does not trifle by instituting bare and empty signs; but as by the vocal word he really performs what he promises, so in the sacrament (which is a palpable and visible word) he gives by the thing itself that which the signs represent.

-- Francis Turretin, Institutes 19.1.12

Collect for the 18th Sunday after Pentecost

Grant us, O Lord, not to mind earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to cleave to those that shall abide; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

People who do not like children are swine, dunces, and blockheads, not worthy to be called men and women, because they despise the blessing of God, the Creator and Author of marriage.

~ St. Luther

We maintain that by baptism is sealed to us the remission not only of past and present, but also future sins; still so that penitence (not a sacramental work and what they invent, but that which is commanded in the gospel) and especially saving faith is not excluded, but is coordinated with baptism as a divinely constituted means of our salvation.

-- Francis Turretin, Institutes 19.20.12

I'm a new Christian. Now what? 10 Steps:

1) Get baptized in the Triune Name of God.

2) Join a faithful local church with faithful word, sacrament, and discipline.

3) Read Scripture daily, at least a few verses.

4) Pray daily, at least for a few minutes.

5) Honor and care for your parents.

6) Become truly excellent at your vocation.

7) Marry a faithful Christian man or woman.

8) Have as many children as possible.

9) Baptize your children in the Triune Name.

10) Give your children a Christian education.

Our opinion, however, is that baptism is indeed necessary according to the divine institution as an external means of salvation (by which God is efficacious in its legitimate use), so that he who despises it is guilty of a heinous crime and incurs eternal punishment. But we believe it is not so absolutely necessary that he who is deprived of it by no fault of his own is to be forthwith excluded from the kingdom of heaven and that salvation cannot be obtained without it.

-- Francis Turretin, Institutes 19.13.3

We dream not of a faith which is devoid of good works, nor of a justification which can exist without them: the only difference is, that while we acknowledge that faith and works are necessarily connected, we, however, place justification in faith, not in works.... Christ "is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption," (1 Cor. 1:30). Christ, therefore, justifies no man without also sanctifying him. These blessings are conjoined by a perpetual and inseparable tie.... Thus it appears how true it is that we are justified not without, and yet not by works, since in the participation of Christ, by which we are justified, is contained not less sanctification than justification.

-- John Calvin, Institutes, 3.16.1

Perhaps you've heard this trope before: When women talk about their problems, they don't want a solution; they want you to listen.

And while it's not universal, many of us know this to be true. But why is it so?

1) Women frequently dislike the presentation of solutions as it minimizes the severity of the perceived problem and by extension, shows their emotional reaction to be overblown.

2) Many people (male and female) enjoy complaining, self-pity, and feeling like a victim. Many women do this all their lives because no authority figure has ever made them stop.

3) It can be a power game. Many women unfortunately like to play control games with men.

4) Most people like it when others listen in rapt attention. It gives the speaker the illusion they are charismatic and interesting.

We should tell women precisely what we tell children who are whining and pitching a fit: Stop complaining and grow up. If there's a legitimate problem, let's solve it. Otherwise, solve your attitude. God hates grumbling.

Infants have the Holy Ghost, and are regenerated by him ... If infants now have the Holy Ghost, he certainly works in them regeneration, good inclinations, new desires, and such other things as are necessary for their salvation ... Again, regeneration by the Holy Ghost, and faith, or an inclination to faith and repentance are sufficient for baptism....

-- Zacharias Ursinus, Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism