The Church of God is a community that is reformed and reforming. Through the work of the scripture and the Holy Spirit the church is reformed daily. We have the record that God has reformed Israel through priests, prophets and kings whenever there was degeneration of spiritual values. Hezekiah, Josiah, Elijah and Samuel are examples to illustrate. God uses different means to reform and revive the church. ‘Revive or reform’ is a repeated admonition. This can also be taken as an advice for reformation. Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning (1 Cor. 15:34). “And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber…” (Rom. 13:11).  “Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). “Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die…” (Rev. 3:2,3). ‘Be alert against false teachings’ (Acts. 20:30,31). Be ready for the coming of Christ (Matt. 24:42,25:13, 26,38,42). Thus, the reformed church will be a church revived.

1. The Joy of Giving (Deut. 26:1-11)

The concluding part of this text which demands first fruits for God is very important:  “And you and the Levites and the aliens among you shall rejoice in all the good things the LORD your God has given to you and your household” (Deut.  26:11). The mental satisfaction which fills us when we give for God is visible here. A reformed church would be a giving church. The church rejoices in giving because Jesus has said: ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive’ (Acts 20:35). 

2.  Concern and Sharing  (Acts 2:43-47)

The church of the first century which was filled by the Holy Spirit was an assembly which had members, who were concerned for each other and sharing. They considered everything in common. They sold their belongings and lands and shared according to their needs. They gathered with honesty and sincerity in the church and had food and fellowship. A reformed church will be a church that is sharing and concern for others. 

3. Parable of the yeast (Matt. 13:33-35).

In the Gospel of Matthew chapter 13 Jesus tells eight parables regarding the kingdom of God. A woman took some yeast and mixed it with three measures of dough. The yeast made the whole dough fermented. The yeast is sour in taste by itself and it turns the dough also into sour in taste. The reforming character of a person permeates into others also. Thus, the whole church becomes reformed. Those who have the experience of reformation and revival becomes the salt of the earth, the light of the world and the yeast of the dough and influence the whole society.