Hi. I am worried for my grandfather and grandmother. My grandparents just recently left a United Church congregation in the Greater Toronto Area because of a disagreement they had with some other members of the church. It was apparently a trivial thing that some church members got upset at my grandparents with. My grandparents said that they didn't see the need to follow some of the traditional rituals that are common in the Catholic and Anglican (and some United Church) Sunday gatherings. They didn't say anything against Christ, but were questioning church ritual. The violent outbursts from some caused my grandparents to withdraw their membership from the church.Frankly, I'm quite glad that they left the "United Church" as I find their doctrine on marriage of homosexuals, ordination of women pastors, blessing of homosexual unions, their "affirm[ation of] the primacy of the Scriptures" rather than the Bible being the inerrant word of God, and their people pleasing worldly hot air to be unproductive for the bringing of repentance unto salvation. I had been praying for them to leave the United church for a couple of months now. I'm glad that they've left but fear the hate that their old church members have given being interpreted as being the wickedness of Christianity in general. I used to go to a nearby United Church myself, but found their doctine to be abomination. Yes, a strong word and opposition to them, but for forsaking the truth and telling people what their ears itch to hear I find it warranted. But I want them to go to a church where they will have the bible as their final authority, a fellowship that overflows with the Holy Spirit, and where truth and love is accompanied by justice and rebuke of sinners. Right now they are not going to any church at all. I have heard my grandfather's disillusioned statement that "at this point I'm an athiest," as a result of his poor treatment by Christians.I could accept that he may no longer want to be a part of a congregation for a time. But, that he is now "athiest" bothers me. I first and foremost want him to believe in Christ unto salvation. A belief in Jesus as Chist that can be so easily shaken is likely one with poor foundation. Therefore I want to give him reasons why to believe in Christ, I want to tell him how greatly Christ has helped me. I want to lead him to belief in Christ and as close fellowship as he can have with the saviour. He has been Christian for over 50 years, only now going wayward. I am most worried at this point because he is over 80 years old. I fear that he does not have many years left and I don't want him to die in a state of unbelief.I am asking for suggestions of what I might be able to do to help. He is unreceptive to any literature or audio that I may want to give him that is produced by people of my denomination because way back in 1945 he went to a Baptist church and saw that (at the specific service he went to) the people were dressed in expensive clothing and had fancy cars. He thought that they were going to church just for show and because of this thinks that all baptist congregations are superficial. So I'm looking for some material to encourage my grandfather with, build his faith with, and bring him closer to Christ. Specifically, material that is not published by the United Church or Baptist Church adherants. I know it's kind of silly, but if I can use Catholic or Presbyterian, etc. meterial to reach my grandfather I want it -- whatever will reach him in truth. Does anyone have any suggestions? What should I do? Help me with this please.P.S. Please pray for them. Please pray that above all they know Jesus as the Christ, God in the flesh. Also, pray that I will have the right thing to say to them in building them up and encouraging them.. and yes.. even seed planting again. May their faith be built on firm foundations. Thank you.Your brother in Christ,Matthew
