In the Bible, there is only one church, and that is the body of Christ. This body has many congregations, but all follow the same commands, examples, and conclusions drawn from God's Word, accepting it as the only authority and not adding to it or taking away from it. The reason there are so many churches today is that men get away from Bible teachings and draw disciples after themselves. Note the letters to the churches. The writers did not have to distinguish which church the letter was addressed to in each city. Unless the city is very large, there is no reason to have more than one church in a city. The seven churches in Asia (Revelation chapter 2) were divided by geography, not doctrine.
| Matthew 16:18,19 |
[Jesus says] "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My
church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I
will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth
will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in
heaven." |
| Ephesians 1:22,23 |
And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all
things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who
fills all in all. |
| Galatians 1:2 |
and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: |
| Acts 15:41 |
And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. |
| Romans 16:16 |
...The churches of Christ greet you. |
| Acts 2:47 |
...And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. |
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