Stripped: Uncensored Grace on the Streets of Vegas (Hardcover)

by Jud Wilhite (Author), Bill Taaffe (Contributor)

Editorial Reviews

Review
“In Uncensored Grace, Jud Wilhite holds nothing back as he describes the life-changing power of God’s forgiveness as it’s encounteredon the streets of Vegas. Wherever lives hurt, God’s grace is present with more than enough power to heal.”
– RICK WARREN
Founding pastor of Saddleback Church and author of The Purpose Driven Life

“What happens in Vegas just went public! Uncensored is full of surprises and twists. It will captivate and inspire you as it describes the difference Jesus can make in your life.”
–LEE STROBEL
Author of The Case for Christ

“What God is up to in Vegas is nothing short of hardcore. Jud describes an extreme faith that is extremely amazing. With clarity and passion, Uncensored Grace offers a renewed sense of hope for whatever you are up against. Don’t miss this book.”
–STEPHEN BALDWIN
Actor and author of The Unusual Suspect
“Jud Wilhite is a compelling new voice and model for a new way to be Christian in today’s culture.”
–GABE LYONS
Founder of Fermi Project and cofounder of Catalyst

“Reading Uncensored Grace will open your eyes to the wonders of God’s saving love. It will give you hope that, no matter where you are in your ‘process,’ God is at work–and He is for you.”
–CRAIG GROESCHEL
Pastor of Lifechurch.tv, and author of Chazown and Confessions of a Pastor

“Uncensored Grace is filled with stories God must love!”
–JOHN ORTBERG
Pastor at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in California

“If you’ve given up dreams of ever finding a genuine fresh start in your life you ought to read this book. Real people. Real problems. Real hope. Get ready to be rocked by a fresh touch of amazing grace.”
–GENE APPEL
Lead Pastor, Wi... --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Review
“In Stripped Jud Wilhite holds nothing back as he describes the life-changing power of God’s forgiveness as it’s encountered on the streets of Vegas. Wherever lives hurt, God’s grace is present with more than enough power to heal.”
- Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life

“What God is up to in Vegas is nothing short of hardcore. Jud describes an extreme faith that is extremely amazing. With clarity and passion, Stripped offers a renewed sense of hope for whatever you are up against. Don’t miss this book.”
- Stephen Baldwin, actor and author of The Unusual Suspect

“Reading Stripped will open your eyes to the wonders of God’s saving love. It will give you hope that, no matter where you are in your ‘process’, God is at work — and He is for you.”
- Craig Groeschel, pastor of Lifechurch.tv, author of Confessions of a Pastor

“Stripped is filled with stories God must love!”
- John Ortberg, teaching pastor and author

“What happens in Vegas just went public! Stripped is full of surprises and twists. It will captivate and inspire you as it describes the difference Jesus can make in your life.”
- Lee Strobel, author of The Case for Christ

“Jud Wilhite is a compelling new voice and model for a new way to be Christian in today’s culture.”
- Gabe Lyons, founder of Fermi Project and cofounder of Catalyst

“If you’ve given up dreams of ever finding a genuine fresh start in your life you ought to read this book. Real people. Real problems. Real hoep. Get ready to be rocked by a fresh touch of amazing grace.”
- Gene Appel, lead pastor, Willow Creek Community Church

“Stripped brings the brutal truth and the message of redemptive grace front and center. I was deeply moved and so inspired by these powerful and provacative stories of God’s mercy. Stripped will transform your faith as you get a glimpse of how Jesus has set up shop on the streets of sin city.”
- Mike Foster, president of Ethur.org and founder of xxxchurch

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Multnomah Books (March 20, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590527399
• ISBN-13: 978-1590527399
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #675,050 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Grace found where you least expect it, March 20, 2007

By	Megan (Colorado Springs, Colorado) - See all my reviews

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gotta love Vegas!, March 20, 2007

By	Tiffani Stewart - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars When redemptive things happen in Vegas, everyone should know., March 4, 2009

By	FaithfulReader.com (New York, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Uncensored Grace: Stories of Hope from the Streets of Vegas (Paperback)

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