It appears that's what this is a case of at Christ Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida, where Darrell Gilyard is pastor. You see, Darrell is a registered sex offender, and for this reason, the church has banned children of all ages.
This angers me not only as a Christian, but also as a godmother (I have a two-and-a-half-year-old godson). It violates the Bible in so many ways, it's not even funny. The first way I can think of is the Third Commandment, which is "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy". I feel bad that these kids are breaking this commandment because of their parents. It's not really their fault. If it were me, and my godson was one of the children involved, I'd take him to a different church.
Another way is in Romans 10:17, which says "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Going to church and hearing the word of God helps nurture their faith. They need it.
Jesus also said in Matthew 19:14 "Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." He also had some harsh words for those who would keep children from coming to worship. "But whoso shall offend these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone be hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea". Matthew 18:6.
It also says in Ephesians "And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Part of that is bringing them to church.
Jesus told Peter to feed His lambs. This church is starving them.
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