"Unto him be glory in the church, by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end." Ephesians 3:21
In many other parts of the world, the concept of 'community' is much stronger than it is here in the United States. Here, families hardly have time for each other. There, the concept of family is living together, eating together, and working together.
This is how the 'church' is described in Scripture- as a 'community.' A 'common-unity.' into which you are born, by the grace of God. It is described in various ways throughout God's Word. As a body with many members, but one Head- Colossians 1:18. As a married couple with Christ as the bridegroom- Ephesians 5:30-32. As a city (community) with Christ as the Judge- Hebrews 12:22,23.
There is a people of God, bound by covenant, blood, culture, and kindred whose name is 'the church.' The covenant is the 'covenant of grace' and it is eternal. The one blood is that of the Lord Jesus Christ shed for it's redemption. The one code of conduct that affects it's lifestyle, by which it conducts its business is 'the Gospel.'
There are many 'local chapters' throughout the world, but only one true body,
which is spiritual and universal.
(1). As local, the church is called an 'assembly'- It is to be made up of the elect of God, redeemed by Christ, and regenerated by the Spirit, and called out by Him, meeting together in one faith, and in one place. (i.e. the church at Jerusalem, or church at Rome, churches of Galatia).
(2). As universal, the general assembly and church of the first born, which are written in heaven, Hebrews 12:23. This includes all of the elect of God, that have been, are, or shall be in the world. They form the pure, holy, and undefiled Jerusalem-church-state, in which none will be but those who are written in the Lamb's book of life. They are the redeemed of the Lamb and is the church which Christ purchased with his blood. He has loved them and given Himself for them, to wash, and cleanse, and present to himself without spot or wrinkle. Christ is their sole Judge-as Prophet, Priest and King.