Yes, but it surely does not exclude their membership in an organization, does it? We have, however, other passages that urge doctrinal unity in the same group Jesus is speaking to. That would make them collectively, the Church.
No, not at all! In fact, Christ urges us to support one another, and to be together. "Where two or more are gathered in My name"...
We have, however, other passages that urge doctrinal unity in the same group Jesus is speaking to.
Doctrine as Jesus taught, yes.
That would make them collectively, the Church.
Sure. But you're missing the bigger picture, the point:
The Holy Spirit is given from God to individuals who may be part of the universal (catholic) church. It is NOT given from God to the church then to individuals.
We worship collectively - even in twos or threes - with the Holy Spirit present in each of us, and do not need the church to provide the Holy Spirit.
God gives us His grace and His Holy Spirit directly, not through the church. The Holy Spirit is present in the church because believers are there, and they receive the Holy Spirit directly from God; if there were no believers present, then the church would be absent of the Holy Spirit.