One church, local churches, elders, and creeds
Claim examined: Church identity and unity
Scriptural Answer
There is only one church (Ephesians 4:4). Romans 16:16 mentions "churches" (plural) "of Christ", these were not denominations, but were all part of the one unified body ruled by Jesus from heaven. Every LOCAL church taught the same thing ? the Apostles doctrine ? (1 Corinthians 4:17, Acts 2:42). When these local churches had men qualified, they would appoint elders to oversee each local church (Acts 14:23). There were no creed books because the inspired word of God is sufficient to unite all men in one body (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
KJV Scriptures Used
Read each passage in its chapter and compare the Scriptures together.