How do we know the church has perpetuated through history?

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus assures that 'the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,' a promise affirming the church's continuity throughout history. The church is not merely a historical artifact; it actively maintains the doctrine and practices given by Christ. Historical documentation shows that various groups, from the early Waldensians to modern-day Baptists, have maintained the integrity of the gospel. This continuity through the ages highlights the importance of a local assembly that is governed by Christ's teachings and remains true to His foundational principles.