God has added these two commandments (9th & 10th) in order that it be considered sinful and forbidden to desire or in any way to aim at getting our neighbour’s wife or possessions. He added them especially because under the Jewish government manservants and maidservants were not free as now to serve for wages as long as they pleased. Jewish servants were their master’s property with their body and all they had, as were cattle and other possessions [Deuteronomy 15:12-18]. Further, every man had power over his wife to put her away publicly by giving her a bill of divorce and to take another [Deuteronomy 15:12-18]. Therefore, they were in constant danger among each other. If one took a fancy to another’s wife, he might declare any reason both to dismiss his own wife and to estrange his neighbour’s wife from him, so that he might get her in a way that appeared right. This was not considered a sin or a disgrace among them, just as it is hardly considered a sin now with hired help, when an owner dismisses his manservant or maidservant or takes another’s servants from him in any way. (Concordia 393:294-295)
God does not want you to deprive your neighbour of anything that belongs to him, so that he suffer the loss and you gratify your greed with it….It is called coveting your neighbour’s property if you lure it away from him without his consent and being unwilling to see him enjoy what God has granted him.
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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