Box 312 Rutledge

This book was born out of a desire to see men be all they can be for Christ. This may not be popular to say in our culture, but men are the key in their families and churches. This is not meant to degrade women. The truth is that most of our churches would have dried up and blown away in the last 50-80 years had they not been held together by the faithful Godly women who serve them. Thank you, ladies, you filled the gap we men left vacant.

God has called men to lead their homes, to be the Spiritual leaders. We need to set the example for our children and others to follow. We need to do the same in the local church. As a pastor I cannot count the times women have come to me concerned about the lack of spiritual leadership displayed by their husbands. It is an epidemic that is the plaguing the family and the local church as well.

Please do not misunderstand me, this is not to say that women are not of great value in both the home and the church. The simple truth is God has called us, as men to lead. And we will be held accountable before Him and Him alone for our actions and or the lack of action in our lives. And ladies we need you beside us to help us because we cannot do it alone!
I coined a term, at least I think I did, that I apply to many men in our churches. I call them 'fringe' guys. Here is what I mean. They come to church semi regularly, but they are rarely engaged. They are just drifting and do not even realize it. In other words, they are just hanging around on the 'fringe' of church. And they have so much potential for the Kingdom of God, but they remain on the fringe.

That is why I wrote this book. Many of these men might not be ready for a deep in your face Bible study. But is it possible to get them to read a book that is a little 'lighter' but still brings a challenge for them to consider? I believe this book can help remind any Christian man of our need to look inside our lives and evaluate who we are. It will also help remind us Who we belong to! I pray this book brings you closer to God. If you're a fringe guy hopefully you will recognize there are some areas that need some work. If you are a mature Christian man hopefully, you will be reminded of some areas that you need to improve in!

Whatever your need I pray this little book can help you. It is not a deep theological work and that is by design. I encourage you to enjoy reading it and take seriously the short devotions and challenges at the end of each story.

The stories themselves have been part of my life. I have told them for years. The names have been changed to protect the guilty. Each story is at least loosely based on real events and most if not, all have been embellished.

Some people have asked me why such a weird name for the book. When I am preaching, and it gets a little deeper, I always desire for my people to be able to understand the text. So, I will sometimes say "allow me to put this in Box 312 Rutledge language" so we can understand it. The language of my childhood was simple and clear. My aim is to make the Biblical text clear and concise. So, the title is just a play on words from how I attempt to communicate the Word of God.
Blessings,
Terry Richardson