God & government are not included in this commandment. Nor is the power to kill taken away, which God and government have. (Rom 13:4) To punish evildoers, God has delegated His authority to the government, not parents…. Therefore, what is forbidden in this commandment is forbidden to the individual in his relationship with anyone else, but not to the government. Concordia 379:181
We must not kill, neither with hand, heart, mouth, signs, gestures, help, nor counsel. Therefore, this commandment forbids everyone to be angry, except those (as we said) who are in the place of God, that is parents and the government. (Matthew 5:22; Romans 12:19) For it is proper for God and for everyone who is in a divine estate to be angry, to rebuke, and to punish because of those very persons who transgress this and other commandments. Concordia 379:182
This commandment has this goal, that no one would offend his neighbour because of any evil deed, even though he has fully deserved it. For where murder is forbidden, all cause from which murder may spring is also forbidden. (Ephesians 4:31-32; Matthew 25:42-43)
The person who does evil to his neighbour is not the only one guilty under this commandment. It also applies to anyone who can do his neighbour good, prevent or resist evil, defend, and save his neighbour so that no bodily harm or hurt happen to him – yet does not do this. If therefore you send someone away who is naked when you could clothe him, you have caused him to freeze to death. If you see someone hunger and do not give him food, you have caused him to starve. (Romans 12:20; Luke 10:25-37)
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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