God makes a distinction in the Bible between the “Church, the body of Christ” or the “universal church”, and the “local church”. The “Body of Christ” is made up of every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation wherever they were in the world from Pentecost (Acts c2) when the church started, to the Rapture (1Thessalonians 4:13-18) when Christ will take the believers in Himself “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them (“the dead in Christ” 4:16) in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (4:17).
The local church, or sometimes called “assembly”, are those in the fellowship of a group of people “gathered together in My (the Lord Jesus Christ’s) name” (Matthew 18:20) and in a particular place, e.g. “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth” (1Corinthians 1:2) and “the church in Sardis” (Revelation 3:1). Sadly, as seen in 1Corinthians, Galatians, Hebrews and 1John and Revelation c2-3 etc, no all those who are in the local church fellowship are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour.
The church is not mentioned in Mark, Luke and John’s Gospels.
“THE CHURCH”, “BODY OF CHRIST” or generally called the “UNIVERSAL CHURCH”
1. Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
2. Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
3. 1Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. {Gentiles: Gr. Greeks}
4. Uni & local 1Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. {diversities: or, kinds}
5. Ephesians 1:22-23 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, v23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
6. Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
7. Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
8. Ephesians 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
9. Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
10. Ephesians 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
11. Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
12. Ephesians 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; v12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13. Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
14. Ephesians 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
15. Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
16. Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
17. Ephesians 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
18. Ephesians 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
19. Ephesians 5:32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
20. Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. {in…: or, among all}
21. Colossians 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:
22. Colossians 2:19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
23. Hebrews 2:12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
24. Hebrews 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
“THE CHURCHES” or the local “BODY OF CHRIST” THE LOCAL CHURCH
1. Matthew 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
2. Acts 5:11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
3. Acts 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
4. Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
5. Acts 8:3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
6. Acts 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
7. Acts 11:22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
8. Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
9. Acts 12:1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. {stretched…: or, began}
10. Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. {prayer…: or, instant and earnest prayer was made}
11. Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. {which…: or, Herod’s foster brother}
12. Acts 14:23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
13. Acts 14:27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
14. Acts 15:3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
15. Acts 15:4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
16. Acts 15:22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
17. Acts 15:41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
18. Acts 16:5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily
19. Acts 18:22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.
20. Acts 19:37 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.
21. Acts 20:17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
22. Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
23. Romans 12:4-6 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: v5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. v6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
24. Romans 16:1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
25. Romans 16:4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
26. Romans 16:5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
27. Romans 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
28. Romans 16:23 Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
29. 1Corinthians 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
30. 1Corinthians 4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
31. 1Corinthians 6:4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.
32. 1Corinthians 7:17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.
33. 1Corinthians 10:17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
34. 1Corinthians 10:32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
35. 1Corinthians 11:16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
36. 1Corinthians 11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
37. 1Corinthians 11:22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. {have not: or, are poor?}
38. 1Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
39. 1Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
40. 1Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
41. 1Corinthians 12:14 For the body is not one member, but many.
42. 1Corinthians 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
43. 1Corinthians 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
44. Universal and local: 1Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
45. 1Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
46. 1Corinthians 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
47. 1Corinthians 14:12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
48. 1Corinthians 14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
49. Co 14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
50. 1Corinthians 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
51. 1Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
52. 1Corinthians 14:34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
53. 1Corinthians 14:35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
54. 1Corinthians 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
55. 1Corinthians 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
56. 1Corinthians 16:19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
57. 2Corinthians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:
58. 2Corinthians 8:1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
59. 2Corinthians 8:18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;
60. 2Corinthians 8:19 And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind: {grace: or, gift}
61. 2Corinthians 8:23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
62. 2Corinthians 8:24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
63. 2Corinthians 11:8 I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.
64. 2Corinthians 11:28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
65. 2Corinthians 12:13 For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.
66. Galatians 1:2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:
67. Galatians 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
68. Galatians 1:22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:
69. Ephesians 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
70. Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
71. Philippians 3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
72. Philippians 4:15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
73. Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
74. Colossians 4:15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.
75. Colossians 4:16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
76. 1Thessalonians 1:1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
77. 1Thessalonians 2:14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
78. 2Thessalonians 1:1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
79. 2Thessalonians 1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
80. 1Timothy 3:5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
81. 1Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. {ground: or, stay}
82. 1Timothy 5:16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.
83. Philemon 1:2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
84. James 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
85. 1Peter 5:13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.
86. 3Jo 1:6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: {after…: Gr. worthy of God}
87. 3John 1:9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
88. 3John 1:10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
89. Revelation 1:4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
90. Revelation 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
91. Revelation 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
92. Revelation 2:1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
93. Revelation 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
94. Revelation 2:8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
95. Revelation 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
96. Revelation 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
97. Revelation 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
98. Revelation 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
99. Revelation 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
100. Revelation 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
101. Revelation 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
102. Revelation 3:6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
103. Revelation 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
104. Revelation 3:13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
105. Revelation 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; {of the Laodiceans: or, in Laodicea}
106. Revelation 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
107. Revelation 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.