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God for the Rest of Us: Experience Unbelievable Love, Unlimited Hope, and Uncommon Grace
What does it feel like to be loved by a limitless God? God for the Rest of Us will wake you up to the outrageous, extravagant, and sometimes even scandalous love of God for the rest of us―whether you think you are unfit or a misfit, an underdog or overlooked, the least or the lost, the left behind or the left out. Vince Antonucci, a pastor who reaches out to people on the Las Vegas Strip, has seen it all―and more important, he has seen God’s love in action on each and every street corner. Vince is convinced that too many of us underestimate God and the scope of his love.
God for the Rest of Us is Vince’s story of how he found God’s breathtaking love at work among the people often forgotten and disdained by this world. Is God for the people who are forgotten and left out? Is He for the guy who betrayed his wife and left his kids? Is He for the doubters? The skeptics? The atheists? The answers to these questions can be found in the lives of people Vince meets. As you read their stories of transformation, you’ll begin to imagine how your life could be changed if you truly believe that you are loved with a perfect love. You’ll catch a glimpse of God―who is greater than your wildest dreams.
God for the Rest of Us is Vince’s story of how he found God’s breathtaking love at work among the people often forgotten and disdained by this world. Is God for the people who are forgotten and left out? Is He for the guy who betrayed his wife and left his kids? Is He for the doubters? The skeptics? The atheists? The answers to these questions can be found in the lives of people Vince meets. As you read their stories of transformation, you’ll begin to imagine how your life could be changed if you truly believe that you are loved with a perfect love. You’ll catch a glimpse of God―who is greater than your wildest dreams.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
14 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Vince Antonucci
20 books23 followersVince Antonucci pastors Verve, an innovative church that seeks to reach people who work on and live around the Las Vegas Strip. The upcoming upcoming television series God for the Rest of Us will chronicle Vince's work there. In addition to writing books, Vince leads mission trips around the world, speaks nationwide, performs stand-up comedy in Las Vegas, and most of all, loves spending time with his wife, Jennifer, and their two kids.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 2, 2022
Interesting read - I appreciate the heart of Vince for the overlooked in Las Vegas and his pretty deeply personal sharing about the family he grew up in. I found myself smiling for a few times as I read this book. It comforts me to know that there is actually a real story like the one that is being presented in this book: where the so-called 'Christian' loves 'the hardest to love' in arguably 'the sin city' of the world, and needless to say it inspires me to love God and reach out to the unreached even more.
Thanks for this book, Vince. God bless you, your family, and your ministry.
Thanks for this book, Vince. God bless you, your family, and your ministry.
September 7, 2015
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through Tyndale House book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
51vpzyLmNvL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_God for the Rest of Us: Experience Unbelievable Love, Unlimited Hope, and Uncommon Grace
by Vince Antonucci
God for the Rest of Us shows the reader how God loves and is for each category of person, by explaining each person category in detail. After summing up all the categories of people, it gives support to the message that God is for all people, no matter what their life situation is or the character of the person. There is no prejudice of persons when it comes to the love that God has for us all, at all times.
I did not find all of the content of the reading interesting. However, there were a few areas which spoke to me quite clearly. One of those areas talks about casting the first stone and how that still relates to us today.
We denounce the girl wearing the low-cut shirt that reveals too much of her body, despite the fact that we gossip and reveal secrets we promised to keep. (Antonucci, 2015, p. 170)
God for the Rest of us did help me to realize, no matter how I see myself God will always be for me and not against me.
Vince uses Bible stories, scripture, and quotes from other authors to support and convey his ideas and enlightening messages. The wording used throughout the book’s content is easy to read and quite understandable. The smooth writing style of Vince propels the reader through each page and onto the next.
I recommend God for the Rest of Us to all readers…to discover how we look at others and how God sees us.
51vpzyLmNvL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_God for the Rest of Us: Experience Unbelievable Love, Unlimited Hope, and Uncommon Grace
by Vince Antonucci
God for the Rest of Us shows the reader how God loves and is for each category of person, by explaining each person category in detail. After summing up all the categories of people, it gives support to the message that God is for all people, no matter what their life situation is or the character of the person. There is no prejudice of persons when it comes to the love that God has for us all, at all times.
I did not find all of the content of the reading interesting. However, there were a few areas which spoke to me quite clearly. One of those areas talks about casting the first stone and how that still relates to us today.
We denounce the girl wearing the low-cut shirt that reveals too much of her body, despite the fact that we gossip and reveal secrets we promised to keep. (Antonucci, 2015, p. 170)
God for the Rest of us did help me to realize, no matter how I see myself God will always be for me and not against me.
Vince uses Bible stories, scripture, and quotes from other authors to support and convey his ideas and enlightening messages. The wording used throughout the book’s content is easy to read and quite understandable. The smooth writing style of Vince propels the reader through each page and onto the next.
I recommend God for the Rest of Us to all readers…to discover how we look at others and how God sees us.
December 13, 2017
“In this theology, we can never up on anyone because our God
was one who had a particularly soft spot for sinners.”
Bishop Desmond Tutu, Dedication Page
“That’s why Jesus came. It was an all-out search-and-rescue Mission.
It was to get God’s lost children home.”
Vince Antonucci, Chapter 1, page 9
Vince Antonucci shares several stories of everyday persons and the struggles they have pertaining to common problems. While reading the book areas of compelling stories stood out to me that are Chapter 3 – God for the Shame Filled and Chapter 6 – God for the Doubters.
Chapter 9 – God for the Worriers, “The stress of it all is debilitating. Worry smothers the emotional life right out of us…..Worry can also choke and strangle us spiritually.” If you are a believer, this can be very true when it comes to worrying over problems that you cannot seem to get a handle on in certain situations. Chapter 10 – God for Sin City is entitled The Search for Water is telling of God’s grace and His living water that is available for all who thirst.
Vince Antonucci complied his own and others experiences of everyday life, along with comparisons of Jesus’ teachings that, unbelievably, are very similar in nature.
This is an easy read while Antonucci breaks down each chapter and sub-headings in a way you can relate to. He also knows how to use humor at the right moments. I recommend to persons who seek further research in spirituality on subjects of shame, doubt, worrying, the forgotten, and the broken-hearted to name a few that show they are not the only person dealing with certain situations.
I received this book free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Regulations.
was one who had a particularly soft spot for sinners.”
Bishop Desmond Tutu, Dedication Page
“That’s why Jesus came. It was an all-out search-and-rescue Mission.
It was to get God’s lost children home.”
Vince Antonucci, Chapter 1, page 9
Vince Antonucci shares several stories of everyday persons and the struggles they have pertaining to common problems. While reading the book areas of compelling stories stood out to me that are Chapter 3 – God for the Shame Filled and Chapter 6 – God for the Doubters.
Chapter 9 – God for the Worriers, “The stress of it all is debilitating. Worry smothers the emotional life right out of us…..Worry can also choke and strangle us spiritually.” If you are a believer, this can be very true when it comes to worrying over problems that you cannot seem to get a handle on in certain situations. Chapter 10 – God for Sin City is entitled The Search for Water is telling of God’s grace and His living water that is available for all who thirst.
Vince Antonucci complied his own and others experiences of everyday life, along with comparisons of Jesus’ teachings that, unbelievably, are very similar in nature.
This is an easy read while Antonucci breaks down each chapter and sub-headings in a way you can relate to. He also knows how to use humor at the right moments. I recommend to persons who seek further research in spirituality on subjects of shame, doubt, worrying, the forgotten, and the broken-hearted to name a few that show they are not the only person dealing with certain situations.
I received this book free from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Regulations.
November 15, 2019
I liked it, but it was very simplistic.
January 13, 2016
Rating 3.5 Stars
Because God is for all of us and God is love. Would love be a better motivation for faithfulness? Conformity to rules doesn't last. Being coerced into obedience gets tiresome and burdensome. Love is what leads to lasting life change. Because God is for the rest of us; it doesn't mean sin is ok. What it does mean that our hearts need to change that we realize that we need salvation. It means God is for everyone and everyone needs to experience God's unconditional life changing love starting with us.
It starts with us. How does a sinner love another sinner? It's not easy because we usually get in the way of what God has done for us by loving us. This book is a great reminder of that and how we can love others well. Antonucci's own experiences come into play. Not growing up in a Christian home, he has a perspective that many might miss. He knows where he came from and he also sees how far he has come. Taking biblical accounts and people from his church in Las Vegas, he compares how God is for the drug addict, the prostitute, the pimp, the cross dresser, even the hypocrite.
For those that have been in the church for awhile, it is a different perspective and calls us to mission. For the one who may not feel that God is for you, it is a call to soften your heart to God's call to draw near to Him. Don't play the blame game and using others actions to declare that God is not for you. He is! And as a follower of Christ, begin to serve and love those that don't know him.
I am somewhat conflicted because even though the gospel was displayed, it was not evenly displayed. For me, I do need to be reminded of the love of God for myself and for others and applicable ways to live that out. I appreciated how Antonucci's heart lives that out and encourages others as well. What fell short for me that the many attributes of God was not addressed along with the love of God. It is God's holiness that expresses God's love. It is God's justice that expresses God's love. It is God's wrath that expresses God love. It is our need that expresses God's love. Our rejection of God is a heart issue, not an intellect issue, or a victim issue, or even a misunderstanding of God's love for us. Know that I am God is terrifying and encouraging when we rest in His love for us.
A Special Thank You to Tyndale House and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Because God is for all of us and God is love. Would love be a better motivation for faithfulness? Conformity to rules doesn't last. Being coerced into obedience gets tiresome and burdensome. Love is what leads to lasting life change. Because God is for the rest of us; it doesn't mean sin is ok. What it does mean that our hearts need to change that we realize that we need salvation. It means God is for everyone and everyone needs to experience God's unconditional life changing love starting with us.
It starts with us. How does a sinner love another sinner? It's not easy because we usually get in the way of what God has done for us by loving us. This book is a great reminder of that and how we can love others well. Antonucci's own experiences come into play. Not growing up in a Christian home, he has a perspective that many might miss. He knows where he came from and he also sees how far he has come. Taking biblical accounts and people from his church in Las Vegas, he compares how God is for the drug addict, the prostitute, the pimp, the cross dresser, even the hypocrite.
For those that have been in the church for awhile, it is a different perspective and calls us to mission. For the one who may not feel that God is for you, it is a call to soften your heart to God's call to draw near to Him. Don't play the blame game and using others actions to declare that God is not for you. He is! And as a follower of Christ, begin to serve and love those that don't know him.
I am somewhat conflicted because even though the gospel was displayed, it was not evenly displayed. For me, I do need to be reminded of the love of God for myself and for others and applicable ways to live that out. I appreciated how Antonucci's heart lives that out and encourages others as well. What fell short for me that the many attributes of God was not addressed along with the love of God. It is God's holiness that expresses God's love. It is God's justice that expresses God's love. It is God's wrath that expresses God love. It is our need that expresses God's love. Our rejection of God is a heart issue, not an intellect issue, or a victim issue, or even a misunderstanding of God's love for us. Know that I am God is terrifying and encouraging when we rest in His love for us.
A Special Thank You to Tyndale House and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
August 24, 2015
`God for the Rest of Us` written by Pastor Vince Antonucci is about a God who loves us all. Pastor Vince tells of people in his church who he witnesses to. A God who loves everyone from prostitutes, to addicts, and to dysfunctional families. He speaks against bullhorn Christians. Showing you can make a presentation the same way bullhorn Christians do, but by proving God is a loving God.
Pastor Vince Antonucci pastors Verve, an innovative church that seeks to reach people who work on, and live around, the Las Vegas Strip. The television series `God for the Rest of Us` chronicles Vince's work. Vince's new book will help you see that Jesus didn't come for those who have it all together, He came for those who need love, grace, and forgiveness.
My first impression of this book was questionable at the least. Asking myself, `Do I measure up? Exactly who are the Rest of Us? Do I pass? Is this book for me? I agreed with Pastor Vince's point about bullhorn Christians. So, I read on. As a committed Christian I also do not agree with the approach of bullhorn Christians. I believe you should love, or at least be friends with, before presenting Christ to them. Not ram their sins down their throat.
I recommend this book to Christians who are `better than others`, Christians who wonder where they fit in, and seekers looking for truth.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from Tyndale Publishers.
Pastor Vince Antonucci pastors Verve, an innovative church that seeks to reach people who work on, and live around, the Las Vegas Strip. The television series `God for the Rest of Us` chronicles Vince's work. Vince's new book will help you see that Jesus didn't come for those who have it all together, He came for those who need love, grace, and forgiveness.
My first impression of this book was questionable at the least. Asking myself, `Do I measure up? Exactly who are the Rest of Us? Do I pass? Is this book for me? I agreed with Pastor Vince's point about bullhorn Christians. So, I read on. As a committed Christian I also do not agree with the approach of bullhorn Christians. I believe you should love, or at least be friends with, before presenting Christ to them. Not ram their sins down their throat.
I recommend this book to Christians who are `better than others`, Christians who wonder where they fit in, and seekers looking for truth.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from Tyndale Publishers.
November 29, 2015
If you’re feeling like there’s no room for you in the Christian faith, God for the Rest of Us is for you. You’ll find reminder after reminder that God is for you:
"It’s not about your very imperfect life; it’s about God’s perfect love. When people say yes to God, His grace wins out over their sin every single time.”
God for the Rest of Us is also a book for all Christ-followers. Even if you don’t necessarily relate to all of the outcasts of our society, you’ll find yourself somewhere in these pages. After all, we’re all in need on God’s unbelievable love, unlimited hope, and uncommon grace because we’ve failed the masses of people who needed us the most.
We need reminders that there’s more to the Christian life than suits versus t-shirts, KJV versus NIV, and traditional versus relaxed. We need reminders that there are people out there struggling with unfathomable pain and mess after mess while we fight our little church wars over things that don’t matter in the end. God for the Rest of Us is actually for all of us.
*Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. You can read my full review at http://tablelifeblog.com/2015/11/god-...
"It’s not about your very imperfect life; it’s about God’s perfect love. When people say yes to God, His grace wins out over their sin every single time.”
God for the Rest of Us is also a book for all Christ-followers. Even if you don’t necessarily relate to all of the outcasts of our society, you’ll find yourself somewhere in these pages. After all, we’re all in need on God’s unbelievable love, unlimited hope, and uncommon grace because we’ve failed the masses of people who needed us the most.
We need reminders that there’s more to the Christian life than suits versus t-shirts, KJV versus NIV, and traditional versus relaxed. We need reminders that there are people out there struggling with unfathomable pain and mess after mess while we fight our little church wars over things that don’t matter in the end. God for the Rest of Us is actually for all of us.
*Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. You can read my full review at http://tablelifeblog.com/2015/11/god-...
December 20, 2016
My kid's 11 year old friend found this sitting on the table at the library, and she said, "here, you might like this." Boy, was she right! As a human and as a Christian, I have my own view of, and belief in, and relationship with the Creator, and know that he is "for me." But Vince's no-nonsense, cut-the-religion-crap approach to explaining how God works in our lives and how his love transforms us each day is refreshing, funny and lively. Unlike many books on "religion" this book doesn't preach or seek to convert anyone. It doesn't offend or ask for donations, or make you sing hymns. It says all the things every-day Christians should be sharing about God. Vince is now a preacher in Las Vegas so chapter titles like: God for the Pimps, God for the Worriers, God for the Broken, God for the Drug Addicts, make sense and I was just intrigued. With personal stories and third person accounts of transformed lives ( from the bottom of the barrel lives to productive, caring people), this book is a must read!
July 22, 2015
Vince Antonucci is an artist. He takes people's stories, weaves them throughout the book, and all the while, you start to get a picture in your mind's eye that God truly loves you. If he loves all these people in the stories, he's bound to love you. It doesn't matter where you are in life, if you're on the top- your life is perfect, or if you've hit rock bottom and think there is no way you can pick yourself up again. God is with you and loves you. And this book makes sure you know it by showing you God's love in real stories and examples. This is one of those books that you save on your bookshelf, because you know at some point in your life, you're going to need to read it again to be reminded just how much God loves you.
October 17, 2015
This book is great for people living different lifestyles that believe that God is not for them. This book shows that God is in fact there for everyone even those that do not know it. This book has chapters that focus on people from different lifestyles, places, and attributes. There are chapters for the residents of Sin City, Pimps, and for worriers.
View my full review at:http://misty103.hubpages.com/hub/Stre...
I was sent this book for free for only my honest and unbiased review of this book.
View my full review at:http://misty103.hubpages.com/hub/Stre...
I was sent this book for free for only my honest and unbiased review of this book.
October 29, 2015
I received this in exchange for honest review.The book was written by Vince Antonucci. I received a digital copy of the book. The book is Christian-based.
The author discusses how God loves everyone, no matter your background. In Chapter 1, Antonucci says "God doesn't reject his senseless children. His heart is broken and he offers and invitation". God wants us to return to him, no matter what you or I have gone or going through. Sometimes I think God loves me less because of the mistakes I made in the past or currently making. God still loves me and you regardless.
The author discusses how God loves everyone, no matter your background. In Chapter 1, Antonucci says "God doesn't reject his senseless children. His heart is broken and he offers and invitation". God wants us to return to him, no matter what you or I have gone or going through. Sometimes I think God loves me less because of the mistakes I made in the past or currently making. God still loves me and you regardless.
November 30, 2015
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a copy for review.
This is a book about God's love. It is a reminder that we are all imperfect and undeserving, but God loves us no matter what. It also reminds of Jesus' words when He said "he who is without sin throw the first stone." This is important because we should not compare the sins of others to our sins, when in reality all sin is equal. The author uses true stories from his life of ministering to others, and you will come away better for having read this story.
This is a book about God's love. It is a reminder that we are all imperfect and undeserving, but God loves us no matter what. It also reminds of Jesus' words when He said "he who is without sin throw the first stone." This is important because we should not compare the sins of others to our sins, when in reality all sin is equal. The author uses true stories from his life of ministering to others, and you will come away better for having read this story.
August 12, 2015
Great book! Vince is a storyteller with an un-intimidating approach to redefining who God loves. But the definitions aren't Vince's "take" on scripture but drawing directly from God's word we see who God is for...and that is all of us. The drag queen. The drug addict. The pimp. The broken hearted. The tattooed. The Atheist. Awesome read!
March 10, 2016
A great message of acceptance and openness, which is told through lots of first-hand accounts of ministering to all kinds of people in a church in Las Vegas. The author has a style which is sometimes too jokey, but the strength of his central point, that there should be no religion-imposed boundaries to anyone receiving the love of God, is well made.
January 22, 2016
If all Christians had the same passion for reaching those far from God that Vince does, the world be a much better place. I love the stories of transformed lives and the challenge to each of us to be instruments in God's hands to share the great news of Jesus with as many people as possible.
December 31, 2015
Excellent book about how God's love is for everyone and how His love can transform lives. The mini stories in this book are very convicting. It really shows that God's love can overcome all obstacles. It also is a call for Christians to live a life of love.
March 30, 2016
Wow, This book is a must read for anyone who feels they don't belong or aren't good enough. It is also for the one who thinks he/she is better deserving of God's love than someone else.
The author throws in many footnotes that had me chuckling so it isn't boring.
The author throws in many footnotes that had me chuckling so it isn't boring.
July 27, 2015
Thanks for this book Vince. It was a great read.
August 17, 2015
This is an awesome, inspiring book:) And it's funny!!
December 17, 2015
LOVED this book!!! I encourage you to read this and really take it to heart!!!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews