The broad partitions of Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant expressions of Christianity have led to much smaller sub-divisions over the centuries: Latin, Byzantine, Coptic, Anglican, Baptist, Anabaptist, Lutheran, Reformed, Methodist, Pentecostal, Messianic, etc... These in turn have led to further sub-divisions or expressions.
When Jesus said "I will build My church", I doubt that He had the nominal practice of going to "church" once a week, in the manner of each particular expression, in mind.
What we are beginning to see in some of the most hostile places on the planet, are organic church movements that resemble the early "new testament" communities we see in the Book of Acts (eg. Iran, Afghanistan). In many of these places, the activities of institutional churches are restricted to the point of being largely defunct. But the underground or organic church has been growing despite severe opposition. I do think there is a lesson for the "western church" in all of this.
I suspect that many of the doctrinal and behavioural peculiarities that divide us into the various "tribes" we see today, will probably become less and less significant in the face of intense persecution and pressure in the days ahead.
"persecution keeps you clean" - underground church leader in Iran
And the outcome?
Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
Rev 10:7-9
Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
Eph 5:25-27
