'If there is any subject in the Bible about which preachers must not be vague or abstract, it is the subject of faith. For the biblical writers, faith is not a theoretical question. It met them and it meets us in the middle of life in the world. Faith is the door to the presence of God (Heb.11:6). Faith is the means by which we appropriate God's grace for salvation (Eph.2:8-9). Faith is the root of the Christian life (Rom.5:1). Faith unleashes power to serve God (Matt.17:20). In short, faith is at the core of the Christian life. Preaching is a call to faith, and it must be clear. Without faith we cannot please God (Heb.11:6). Without faith a relationship with God is not possible. Faith is essential to Christian spirituality.'
Alice P Mathews, Preaching That Speaks to Women, p.104.
