The destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. scattered Christ’s congregation to the four winds of the heavens. Only upon his return will he gather his people to himself. The following scriptures provide explanation to this and the situation of God’s people.

Matthew 24:31 “And he will send forth his angels with a great trumpet sound, and they will gather his chosen ones together from the four winds, from one extremity of the heavens to their other extremity.”

Revelation 7:1 “After this I saw four angels standing upon the four corners of the earth, holding tight the four winds of the earth, that no wind might blow upon the earth or upon the sea or upon any tree.”

John 11:51 “and not for the nation only, but in order that the children of God who are scattered about he might also gather together in one.”

James 1:1 “James, a slave of God and of [the] Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes that are scattered about: Greetings!”

1 Peter 1:1-2 “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the temporary residents scattered about in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, to the ones chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, with sanctification by the spirit, for the purpose of their being obedient and sprinkled with the blood of Jesus Christ: May undeserved kindness and peace be increased to YOU.”

Even though there were congregations at that time in the first century and today, they did not meet in temples or in formal consecrated buildings. They met in homes or parks not in organized assembly. There wasn’t enough of them for that to be possible. Neither is it so today. Because their hope was in heaven and not in man made structures. The chosen are scattered about but not in organized Christendom!

The following verse says it all:

Matthew 22:14 “For there are many invited, but few chosen.”