[MHGinTN]

Shouldn't we take Jesus's word for His Church? He stated in Matthew 16:16 what He would build His Church upon, and then told His disciples later to await the 'comforter' who would instruct them in all things. As soon as Peter began his sermon the day of Pentecost, the evidence of God's Spirit working IN those believing evidences the start of His Church on Earth in the Age/Dispensation of Grace and indwelling of His Spirit. Jesus told the Scribes and Pharisees what is the 'work' God requires, and the filling with Holy Spirit guidance at Pentecost is evidence that what Jesus told the leadership is precisely what God is looking for in this dispensation. Those hearing Peter's sermon believed in their hearts and the Holy Spirit zapped them into His eternity from that moment on in spirit.

[redleghunter]

Shouldn't we take Jesus's word for His Church?

I agree.

Acts 2:

46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

The above about shuts the door on this debate, IMO. So does 1 Corinthians 15. Paul made it clear the same gospel he preached was preached by Cephas and the 11.