What happens when the church finds itself clinging to beliefs and following lifestyles that clash with its surrounding culture? We become "aliens," "strangers," and outcasts in the eyes of the prevailing culture. Peter gives timeless, practical advice to Christians who refuse to cave in to the social pressures to conform to the world's thinking and behavior. John W. Smith carefully examines the texts of First and Second Peter in their original contexts and challenges today's Christian to stand strong in the face of mistreatment and even persecution. Our path from earthly life to heavenly reward is not without its hardships. In every generation, there will be those whose only way home is through the fires of adversity. With God's guidance those fires will not consume us, but will instead refine us for His kingdom. Christians are a people refined by fire. John W. Smith has more than fifty years experience as a preacher, teacher, and lectureship speaker. He has sold more than 1.4 million copies of his books, including My Mother Played the Piano, My Mother's Favorite Song, and the Restoration Church series. His speaking and writing reveal an unusual insight into life and God's Word.