I think our pattern was set by the early church.
Paul used every legal means to stay safe and unhindered, but when the persecution came, they endured and pointed to Christ, because they were constantly in His Word.
How do the churches of China and Nigeria stay together and grow in a hostile environment? Devotion to the Word of God, community fellowship (loving one another) and prayer.
The same applies for us in the West.
I have long been a believer in Just War when practiced between nations. I sincerely believe that the Jews of Germany should have used guns, should have fought.
This is not easily spoken, but it is true that Jesus gave highest praise to Centurions without ever telling them they must leave the military in order to be faithful Christians. David was not warned away from felling Goliath with a sling, and Joshua was not told to win the promised land with flowers and dancing.
So, if we do not want to get to that time of having to take up a sword, then we have no choice but to become aggressive and confrontive in our pursuit of justice and our rejection of dhimmi status with either socialists or islamo-fascists.
I was thinking the same thing.
During the Roman persecutions the Christians they tried to stay out of view, but when they were arrested or confronted they proudly proclaimed the faith and were martyred.
I doubt we will be boiled alive or fed to lions, but persecutions are coming and true Christians must be ready for them.
What we are also witnessing is the empty faith of many who say they are Christians and go to church on Sunday because that's what their parents and grandparents did. Still others were attracted by a false gospel promising material prosperity. The churches that appeal to such people have always been quick to redefine sin in order to maintain membership and the congregants are given the false message that Christianity can be modified conform with secularism.