The Fourth Commandment gives a special position to fatherhood and motherhood. (Proverbs 23:22; 15:20; Deuteronomy 21:18-21) All other positions are beneath it. (Mark 7:10-12) In this commandment God does not simply command us to love our parents, but to honour them. (John 19:25-27, Genesis 47:11-12) Regarding our brothers, sisters, and neighbours in general, He commands nothing more than that we love them. In this way God separates and distinguishes father and mother from all other persons upon the earth and places them at his side. (Ephesians 6:1-3; Luke 2:51) For it is a far higher thing to honour someone than to love someone, because honour includes not only love, but also modesty, humility and submission to a majesty hidden in them. Honour not only requires that parents be addressed kindly and with reverence, but also that, both in heart and with body, we demonstrate that we value them very highly, and that next to God, we regard them as the very highest. For someone we honour from the heart we must also truly regard as high and great. (Concordia 371:105-107)
We must therefore, impress this truth upon the young that they should think of their parents as standing in God’s place. (Hebrews 13:17; Romans 13:1) They should remember that however lowly, poor, and strange their parents may be, nevertheless, they are the father and the mother given to them by God. Parents are not to be deprived of their honour because of their conduct or their failings. Therefore, we are not to consider who they are or who they may be, but the will of God, who has created and ordained parenthood. (Concordia 371:108)
Mark Hampel is an enthusiastic communicator of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was ordained in 1988 and has served in churches and schools in 3 states. He currently lives in Chinchilla, Qld. His passion is building up the faith of God’s people and working with them so that all will come to know Christ as their joy and salvation.
Mark is happily married to Veronica and they have 4 children and 4 grandsons. He is also a farmer of sorts, having spent the last decade establishing a date plantation in Western Queensland. Other hobbies include Australian history, travel, film & literature and of course, family.
St John’s Downfall Creek, has been a centre of Christian faith and life in the area for over 100 years. They operated a Christian school for twenty-two years (1940 – 62).
This faith community is a warm-hearted bunch, who love to share their hospitality with the district. They enjoy many a pot luck dinner and host ‘Easter Dawn Service & Breakfast’, ‘Christmas Eve’ & ‘Advent Tea’’ and ‘Games Nights’ for the community.
Home Groups are an important part of life in the Downfall. Discussion and exploration of the faith are encouraged.
Religious Education at the nearby Guluguba Primary School is provided by St John’s.
Redeemer Miles, is a dedicated group who know the love of Christ and are keen to share it. They meet regularly in various homes throughout the district for intergenerational worship and home groups.
Religious Education at nearby Drillham State Primary School is provided by Redeemer.
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