No, we must not flee.

We are at war with the world. Jonathan Edwards' sermon method points us to the correct way to engage the world—the use of Scripture and reason to ruthlessly take down the enemy's position. Of course, Scripture is the mainstay in a church setting, but in a secular public forum, raw reason is the weapon of choice.

When we interact with the world, we need to take a defensive AND offensive stance. Prayer, meditation on the Word, deliberately eschewing exposure to temptation (yes, it takes effort to walk right!) are our defenses. However, in this age of glorified feelings and emotions, it is the offensive stance that we often fail to cultivate and practice.

Let's face it: soft words and fear of hurting feelings do not work with hardened, aggressive sinners. We should not cast pearls before swine.

If we are observant, we will quickly discern the degree of animosity of an aggressive person in a public setting. Some cases are lost causes, and it may be better to just walk away. Sometimes, the aggressor has already been dealt with by someone else. But if it is expedient, every excuse, inconsistency, contradiction, lie and slander must be politely but firmly exposed and dismantled. The hardened worldling will double down on his innate hatred of God and subtly project his character flaws on those who speak the truth. We must wipe out his defenses and disarm him. If that hardens him, remember that collateral damage in war is often unavoidable; if we have removed his credibility, we prevent him from inflicting further damage and poisoning the minds of the innocent. If he has been humbled, he may actually rethink his position and behavior.

We often overestimate our powers of persuasion. Persuasion has two elements: informing the mind, and turning the heart. Our first priority is informing the mind. Turning the heart is difficult without first building a relationship, and in a public setting (real or virtual) this is often not possible. But, thanks be to God, HE has the power to turn the heart, and, if He chooses, can take out the heart of stone and confer the heart of flesh. We are merely messengers of God. And with that, we need to remember that the world enjoys shooting the messenger. War is Hell.

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.