You might have missed the news that two days after Christmas last month, Islamic State terrorists beheaded 10 Christians in Nigeria in retaliation for the death of one it leaders.  It's a grim reminder that the forces of darkness are still coming after Christians, and that there is intense, brutal persecution still going on around the world.  This Sunday's passage, Mark 6:14-29, is the historical account of one of Jesus' first followers put to death by beheading.  This passage is one of those stories that is tough to put in a Children's Bible: exotic dancing, drunk birthday guests, and beheadings just don't translate well in the storybook Bibles!  But the Bible is truthful, even when the truth is ugly and rated R (though the descriptions are restrained).  The Gospel accounts of Jesus' life are interrupted several times with updates on John the Baptist's life, ministry, and death.  And this will be the last time Mark talks about John, as his life is ended through treachery and betrayal at the top levels of the government.  This is a fascinating passage that I look forward to working through with you Sunday.  See you then, - Dave