The Fifth to the Tenth Commandments all teach us to guard against harming our neighbour in any way (1 Thess 4:3-5; 1 Cor 6:9-11). They are admirably arranged. First, they deal with our neighbours’ person. Then they proceed to the person nearest and dearest to him, namely his wife, (spouse)who is one flesh and blood with him. In no possession of his can we inflict a greater injury upon him. Therefore, it is explicitly forbidden here to dishonour his wife. (Concordia 393:200).
In as much as there is a shameful mess and cesspool of all kinds of vice and lewdness among us, (Matt 5:28; 1 John 2:16) this commandment applies to every form of unchastity; however, it is called. Not only is the external act forbidden, but also every kind of cause, motive and means. Your heart, your lips, and your whole body are to be chaste and to afford no occasion, aid, or encouragement to unchastity (393:202)
God honours and glorifies the married life, (Gen 2:24, Mark 10:6-9, 1 Cor 7:8,9, Heb 13:4) sanctioning and protecting it by his commandment…He establishes it as the first of all institutions, and he created man and woman differently (as is evident) not for lewdness but to be true to each other, be fruitful, beget children and support and bring them up to the glory of God (3030:206-207)
It is not an estate to be placed on a level with others; it precedes and surpasses them all (393:209).
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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