For Maturing Christians - Mark 5, violence, abuse and the gospel

This is an 'M' rated sermon. It contains violence, sexualisation, and adult themes...for Maturing Christians.
The narrative in Mark 6 - the death of John the Baptist - is at first glance, a horrific reading. We might even ask 'Why is this in the Bible? How can the good news of Jesus come through this reading?'
But when we stop to reflect, this passage echoes themes which come through strongly in our own society. Unjust imprisonment. Sexualisation of girls. Objectification of women. Abuse and violence within the family. Murder.
If the Gospel of Jesus can't address such issues, it's a gospel that is too small. But our God CAN handle our M-rated world. It was to address such issues as these - which arise from what the bible calls sin - that Jesus came into the world.

I can't say 'enjoy' this sermon. I hope it will challenge you and give you hope in our Saviour, Jesus.
The sermon can be used with the Prezi zooming visuals found at this link.