For the purpose of this book, let us define the Church in relational terms. Let us think of it as persons brought into right relationship with God by Jesus Christ and set in right relationship with one another by the Holy Spirit. One of the precious words that described the first-century church is translated to our word fellowship, but it meant more at that time than we mean by it today. It was a life-sharing relationship in the life of Jesus Christ. Our Lord prayed for the disciples—and for us—saying, “I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:20-21).
