From the Westminster Larger Catechism

Q. 155. How is the Word made effectual to salvation?
A. The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching of the Word, an effectual means of enlightening,y convincing, and humbling sinners;z of driving them out of themselves, and drawing them unto Christ;a of conforming them to his image,b and subduing them to his will;c of strengthening them against temptations and corruptions;d of building them up in grace,e and establishing their hearts in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation.f

(y) Neh 8:8; Acts 26:18; Ps 19:8
(z) 1 Cor 14:24-25; 2 Chr 34:18-19,26-28
(a) Acts 2:37,41; Acts 8:27-38
(b) 2 Cor 3:18; Col 1:27
(c) 2 Cor 10:4-6; Rom 6:17-18
(d) Eph 6:16-17; Col 1:28; Ps 19:11; Matt 4:4,7,10; 1 Cor 10:11
(e) Eph 4:11-12; Acts 20:32; 2 Tim 3:15-17
(f) Rom 16:25; 1 Thess 3:2,10-11,13; Rom 15:4

From the Westminster Larger Catechism

Q. 154. What are the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation?
A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to his church the benefits of his mediation, are all his ordinances; especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for their salvation.x

(x) Matt 28:19-20; Acts 2:42,46-47

The End of Poverty and the Hope of Glory

I found this interesting article from the Gospel Coalition Blog concerning the appropriate way for believers to respond to the issue of poverty.  How do we respond to poverty for the Glory of Christ?  http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2011/10/31/the-end-of-poverty-and-the-hope-of-glory/