How do we know the doctrine of the local church is true?

The New Testament repeatedly affirms the importance of local congregations, starting from Jesus' establishment of the church and continuing through the apostles' teachings. For example, in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Paul likens the church to a body with many members, highlighting the need for local expressions of the body of Christ where believers can actively participate in each other's lives. The gathered assembly is central to New Testament worship and community, embodying Christ's directive for believers to gather, serve, and grow together in faith. This understanding is reinforced by the historical context in which the early church operated, which was founded on local congregational governance and accountability.