When they heard this they were enraged and were crying out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” So the city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul’s companions in travel.
(Acts 19:28-29)
Paul’s experience at Ephesus is a very good picture of what happens whenever the reviler, abuser, sociopath, narcissist’s idol is threatened. Of course, most all of you know that the RASN’s idol is SELF. Specifically, the false facade of SELF which the RASN clothes himself in. He sees himself as deity to be worshipped, and he demands that worship – or else. Others exists solely for the purpose of praising him and shoring up his false image.
In many ways, the RASN is constantly demonstrating “Great is Artemis!” Just plus his name in there and you have it. When anyone brings truth to bear upon this idolatrous image, a riot will break out. A riot of anger and a quest for punishment and vengeance. Artemis, like all false gods, is false. The idol is a lie, a creation of man. Truth shines light upon the lie’s darkness, exposing the RASN for what he really is. And this exposure simply cannot be tolerated.
And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. (John 3:19-20)
It is vital that we understand this – many of these kinds of people exist around us. They are not rare. And many of them love to seek out churches as their selected arena in which to play out their idolatry. Since we do not think in this way, we make the mistake of believing that everyone else thinks like we do. They do not. The RASN’s mindset is entirely different.
SurvivorSpeaksTruth
You’re exactly right. It’s unsettling but necessary to realize that these people are not rare. They often seek out churches because they know they’ll find trusting, unassuming people there. That’s why biblical discernment is critical—evil doesn’t always look evil. Sometimes, it seems holy.
Jeff Crippen
If pastors faithfully taught Scripture, church members would be better equipped. In addition, the flaky counterfeit professing Christians would leave because they have no appetite for sound doctrine.
Cindy
“It is vital that we understand this – many of these kinds of people exist around us. They are not rare. And many of them love to seek out churches as their selected arena in which to play out their idolatry. Since we do not think in this way, we make the mistake of believing that everyone else thinks like we do. They do not. The RASN’s mindset is entirely different.”
I am convinced my ex-RASN seeks out Christians specifically because he knows their hearts; that they will be forgiving, believing what he says, making excuses for him, giving endless chances, and will “bear with” him until they realize who he really is and begin to hold him accountable. Then he is gone!! He has attended so many churches in his life and left because he was asked to do so, or refused to remain under church disclipine. It is an evilness- a true wolf in sheeps skin.
Jeff Crippen
Wisdom!!