There was a time when the church of God appeared to be focused in one corporate body, but now, during times of disintegration, the church is widely scattered. It is so scattered that it raises questions about the true conversion of many who once attended that body. Those who left find themselves in different organizations, each with similar doctrines but varying focuses and corporate identities, often exhibiting a standoffish attitude toward others, which has greatly harmed unity, purpose, and solidarity. Does a single, corporate, true church of God exist? Jesus clearly states that He will build His church, singular, not churches. One does not find the true church on his own, nor can he join it without being led to it by God through repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit. God's sovereignty over His creation and purpose reveals that Jesus built and continues to build His church. The Bible describes the church as part of a Kingdom, a building, the body of Jesus Christ, and a Family, an exclusive institution where no volunteers are accepted, and each person becomes part of it by God's design alone. Despite the vast number of people calling themselves Christian, the true church is minuscule and virtually invisible, yet it exists, for Jesus promises that the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. It will never die out because eternal life resides within it, and the most powerful army in all creation protects and provides for it. Ignorance of its identity and purpose misguides those who claim it does not exist or cannot be seen due to its small size or mixed membership. The term "church" means an assembly or group of people called together for a purpose, with no inherent implication of sacredness. Jesus did not intend for His church to be divided in doctrine or fellowship; He desired one unified body. Though the church was once all in one corporate group, this did not last long. As the gospel spread beyond Jerusalem, congregations formed in diverse locations among people with different backgrounds, increasing the probability of division. These divisions contributed to the writing of the New Testament to achieve uniformity in Christ's teachings and God's purpose across the whole church. By the end of the first century, congregations in Gentile cities, likely with minority Jewish membership, faced various spiritual challenges and flaws, yet they remained part of the true church. The scattering of Christ's brethren, though not always by choice, still allows for fellowship with various congregations of God. This situation provides God the opportunity to judge the depth of personal conversion in ways not possible in the church's former state, offering a chance to grow and glorify Him without elevating oneself above others or erecting walls against true unity.

In these soul-trying times of great religious confusion, Jesus Christ declares in Matthew 16:18 that He will build His church upon Himself as the Rock, ensuring that not even death can prevail against it. This prophecy and promise, rooted in the authority and faithfulness of God, affirms that the true church of Jesus Christ still exists on earth and can be found, though only through the Father's personal invitation as stated in John 6:44. The church, described in Ephesians 1:22-23 as Christ's spiritual body with Him as the Head, is not confined to a single human organization or denomination but is a spiritual organism of true Christians scattered across the world. Revelation 2-3 indicates that end-time church members may be dispersed among at least seven churches, whether these are physical organizations or spiritual designations in God's mind. Romans 8:14 provides a key to identifying the true church, stating that those led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God, showing through their words and behaviors that God directs them. True disciples of Christ, as Jesus instructs in John 14:15, will keep all of His commandments in faith, striving for perfection and seeking God's Kingdom and righteousness as urged in Matthew 6:33 and 5:48. Additionally, a true church of God will bear a name reflecting its divine Lord, such as "church of God," as seen in multiple New Testament references, giving honor and glory solely to God. Finding the true church is a challenging endeavor, requiring diligent study to discern what God's true disciples believe and teach, but if God is drawing an individual to Christ, He will guide them to make contact with His church.

The Church, as the body of God's called-out ones, has a unique and specific role in fulfilling the commission given by Jesus Christ. From the early chapters of Acts, it is evident that God added many members to His Church through the preaching of His apostles, with significant growth following Peter's Pentecost sermon when about 3000 souls were added in one day. Thereafter, God continued to add members daily, multiplying the number of disciples greatly in Jerusalem even before the apostles ventured into all the world. The Church, though small and often persecuted, has historically guarded the true gospel of the Kingdom of God, teaching it among themselves despite opposition and a falling away from the truth after the original apostles died. The Church's mission, as directed by Christ, was primarily to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, not to every person or nation indiscriminately. Christ Himself was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel, and He instructed His apostles similarly, though Paul was later commissioned to preach to the Gentiles to provoke Israel to jealousy due to their rejection of their Savior. This inclusion of Gentiles in the Church, though much smaller in number compared to those of Israelitish descent, aligns with God's plan without contradicting Christ's initial command. The Church has always been a little flock, with Gentiles forming an even smaller portion within it. In more recent times, the true gospel was preached with dynamic power primarily among the descendants of Israel, such as the nations of Manasseh and Ephraim, while a much smaller door was opened to the Gentile world. The Church continues to fulfill Christ's command through this targeted preaching, not as a worldwide soul-saving crusade, but as a witness to those whom the Father calls. The members of God's Church are still learning to observe all that Christ commanded the original apostles, preparing for their role in His Kingdom. The true Church of God constitutes a small, unique fellowship, distinct from all other churches and exclusive by nature as the firstfruits. These firstfruits, including prophets, apostles, and members who overcome and endure to the end, are prophesied to rule with Christ for a thousand years. This small group, potentially numbering 144,000, contrasts sharply with the vast masses of mankind who will not rule with Him at that time. God has revealed the saving knowledge of His Kingdom only to these firstfruits, equipping them to work toward becoming like Christ, while the rest of mankind awaits their time of salvation. The Church is a special people, set apart by God for a unique task, not to convert or reform the present world, but to prepare for a future assignment in His Kingdom. This preparation involves becoming holy and separate from satan's society, avoiding entanglement in worldly reform efforts. The Church, as a small, special-purpose task force, awaits full preparation by its Head, Christ, for a potential dispatch into all the world as the apostles were. In summary, the true Church of God, through the work of the apostles and later through efforts like those of Herbert Armstrong, has preached the gospel of the Kingdom to those called by the Father, continuing to teach all that Christ commanded while preparing for His return.

The church constitutes Christ's treasure, hidden in the world, purchased and redeemed with Christ's blood. The Pearl of Great Price depicts a rich merchant (Christ), the only one who had the means to redeem His church. The Dragnet symbolizes the scope of God's calling while the separation process indicates God's high standards of selection, indicating a time of righteous and impartial judgment. The Householder parable shows the responsibility of the ministry to be authoritative interpreters of scripture, using what they have learned and experienced to instruct the people.