II. Body: Acts Chapters 14 and 15 (Reads like a book) – Types of Persecution Found
A. 14:2 – “Poisoned their minds” (Gossip – Slander)
1. We see that happening today in Hollywood. A movie was released this week (Religuous) billed as an attack against religion.
a) Show Movie
b) 2 Peter 3:9 -- The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (Also Acts 17)
c) Interview with Bill Maher (Mar) -- "Religion is the easiest thing to sell because it's an invisible product," "Religuous" star Bill Maher tells Gold Derby in this video chat. "Which, by the way, you can't test it out until after you die. So no one's there to complain after you drive this thing off the lot and it breaks down — because you're dead. So what salesman doesn't want a piece of that territory?"
……….Maher and director Larry Charles take on quite a few of those dubious salesmen of religious beliefs in their sacrilegious documentary now in theaters. Because it's made by such notable showbiz folks, I ask Bill Maher, "Doesn't this documentary epitomize godless Hollywood in a way?"
"I hope!" he roars. "If I have anything to do with it it will."
"How many people at award shows do you see thanking God?" pipes in Larry Charles. "Hollywood is also using God for its own purposes as well."
d) … apparently made for some "cheap laughs" according to Los Angeles Times critic, Kenneth Turan.
2. Gossip or slander.
B. 14:19 – Paul stoned at Lystra
1. Persecution doesn’t stop at intellectual attacks.
