Customer Reviews

Stripped: Uncensored Grace on the Streets of Vegas

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
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As a longtime Las Vegas resident, I was excited to read Stripped--and it delivered. It is a great picture of life in "Sin City"--the temptations, the pitfalls, and the redemption that can happen here. Stripped proves that truth is stranger than fiction, and much more exciting! I loved this book.

This book gives a refreshing view of grace where it is least expected; Las Vegas. This book gives real life testimonies of people in different situations and how they found light through the darkness. The stories in the book are ones we can all relate to. It definitely shows a different side of Vegas than we're all use to seeing. Loved it.

You the know the commercial - "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." A great marketing campaign promoting you to come to sin city and indulge your wildest fancies, because who will know? I'm glad Pastor Jud didn't buy into this with the stories of gospel-renewed lives he has witnessed living in one of America's most notorious cities. What I love about this book is that it showed me how often I write off people because I feel they are beyond hope. This book shows that God's love in Christ can penetrate deeper than our deepest sins, and this has given me a lot of courage and compassion to view others as Jesus views them - with love and forgiveness...and of course, grace. Check this book out. It'll do your heart some good.

All of the reviews on this book are staged. Look at the dates and the similarities of the comments.

Some people believe that what happens in Vegas should stay in Vegas. But what if the stories are too good to keep secret? What if they need to be told and, more importantly, need to be heard? Nowhere is that more evident than in UNCENSORED GRACE: Stories of Hope from the Streets of Vegas. As senior pastor of Central Christian Church in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jud Wilhite has a backstage pass to what goes on behind all the glitz and glamour of the Strip. He has watched those who have been devoured by Sin City and yet, when all hope seemed lost, discovered the redemptive power of God.

Wilhite writes: "People come here looking for something new, but what they often find is the killing effect of unbridled pleasure, money, and excess. Even more, they come face-to-face with their own limits. They came here to win big, but many lose everything. They are stripped. Then, finally, they are ready to get honest about their lives, their faith, and their pasts."

The book profiles eight people who Wilhite encountered in Vegas, but make no mistake, these are no ordinary tales. He shares the stories of two exotic dancers who not only fell in love with each other but also fell in love with God; the adventures of a flying Elvis --- a skydiving Elvis impersonator --- who discovers grace; and a young teen who stumbled on God before tragedy struck. These accounts are colorful and vibrant with rich details, leaving readers not only with an insider's guide to the person's life but also an aspect of life in Vegas.

In one particularly intriguing telling, Wilhite shares the story of a young man who tries out for "American Idol." The chapters go into great detail of the various stages of the national singing contest and unexpected challenges that viewers never get to see on television. While the spiritual side of the story is compelling, the "American Idol" backdrop provides a strong hook to keep the reader engaged and intrigued with every page.

While the stories differ in their approach and length, each one highlights a person's unique encounter with God and demonstrates the length to which He will go to reveal His love and care. Throughout the book, Wilhite shares snapshots of his own faith journey and move to Las Vegas. He describes a life and a city that is different from most, and his work is not without its challenges. In this unique culture, he has learned simple yet profound lessons. He writes, "I've discovered that it's okay not to be okay. Everyone goes through good times and bad. Nobody is perfect. When you fail, you can be honest about your mistakes with God and others."

Such moments are lead-ins for readers to experience the grace described throughout the book.

If there is any weakness here, it's the hunger that is stirred to hear more of Wilhite's story that goes unmet. Nevertheless, UNCENSORED GRACE is worth reading and sharing with others. When redemptive things happen in Vegas, everyone should know.

--- Reviewed by Margaret Oines

Jud's look at how faith and God are moving in Las Vegas is truly fantastic. When we moved here several years ago, we were not sure if we would be able to find a faith community and church to be a part of. Turns out that faith, God and christianity is actually discussed more openly here than in California where we came from. I highly recommend Jud's book to get a good look at what he terms not "sin City' but "grace City". As the bible says, where sin abounds, grace abounds even more.

I loved this book so much, I bought 10 more copies for friends, then bought another one of his books! Ive never done that before. Great stories from people living in LV, where I lived 28 yrs.I worked with, and knew Henry, the story of whom is also in the book towards the end. Great chapters, but so are all the others! Great job Jud! I went to Canyonridge, the sister church of Central, great churches, great people, I go back and see them when Im in town! Great book, to read and to share, with "the message" very clear.

This is a great book, easy to read and hard to put down. The stories are life-changing and touching, wonderful job, Jud and Bill. Watch out world, "What happens in Vegas, is changing the world!"

This is an awesome book about real people in Las Vegas who find Gods amazing grace...the stories are very touching and inspirational. I recommend it for all of us who live in Las Vegas and those who know of our city to gain an understanding of some real people who find hope and love the Lord here!

You bet.
In a city infamous for immorality...love, grace and forgiveness are alive and well. The stories in this book are as real as it gets - as is the God who made each and every transformation possible.