Augustine is widely considered to be the most influential theologian in church history after the apostle Paul. Dramatically converted from a life of licentiousness to one of wholehearted devotion to Christ, the humble North African pastor quickly established himself as a leading figure within the ancient church. In Augustine on the Christian Life, historian Gerald Bray explores the rich spirituality of this extraordinary man, examining his historical context, approach to the Christian life, and work as a preacher and teacher of God's Word. Drawing on Augustine's many writings--including his classic spiritual autobiography, the Confessions--Bray demonstrates Augustine's enduring relevance for Christians today.

Part of the Theologians on the Christian Life series.

"I was living every comic's dream...with a nightmare attached."

Anthony Griffith, a stand-up comic from Chicago's South Side, has lived on the borderline of comedy and tragedy. At the very time his career as a stand-up comedian was taking off, and he had finally achieved his dream of appearing on The Tonight Show, he was also enduring an unimaginable personal nightmare: his two-year-old daughter, Brittany Nicole, was dying from cancer. While Anthony performed under bright lights, he struggled not to succumb to the darkness of losing a child.

Behind the Laughter asks, When your world is falling apart, how do you keep going? It's the story of how Anthony and his wife, Brigitte, learned to endure the most painful of times and emerge on the other side of the "zombie years."

This memoir is deeply moving yet also humorous--packed with laughs as Anthony takes us from his gun-toting grandma's home to Chicago's white and black comedy clubs, then to Hollywood, and to the world of network television. The surprising twists along Anthony's path highlight the power of God that goes before us and prepares the way--a truth that later encourages Anthony and Brigitte after Brittany's death and moves them to reach out and comfort others going through similar difficulties.

With humor and deep insights into the human spirit, Behind the Laughter explores the bonds of not only parent and child but also husband and wife. While Anthony and Brigitte's story is uniquely theirs, it elicits powerful, relatable emotions and lessons that are universal and inspiring.

But for nearly 40 years, Sherwood Wirt has been there. He has ministered and traveled with Billy Graham and experienced the realities of international ministry alongside his dear friend--a friend who also happens to be the world's most loved evangelist. In that time, Sherwood Wirt has come to know the real Billy.

And now so can you. Sharing stories, highlights, and the historic moments of Graham's ministry efforts, as well as the times spent away from the public eye, Wirt gives you an intimate glimpse of Billy. His memoirs reveal Billy's heart and vision. And his loving tribute will reassure you that the evangelist you've listened to for decades is as he has always seemed--a man devoted to God and to opening the door of His Kingdom to the world.

Some of the choicest glimpses into the ministries of the biblical prophets and evangelists were recorded not by those individuals themselves, but by writers who accompanied them in their work. Dr. Sherwood Wirt has been a valued associate of my father for decades, and in this book he shares his own unique perspective on Daddy's life and ministry. I appreciate his friendship and efforts.

--Franklin Graham