We can say church is about many things: social action, community life, music, evangelistic outreach, emotional health, freedom. right living. They are all important, but we mustn’t make them idols. They are secondary, they are the consequence, not the cause. The focus and purpose of our gatherings above everything else is to encounter God to experience his presence amongst us – the fulfilment of the ancient Exodus promise – they will be my people and I will dwell amongst them. Everything flows from the presence of God amongst his people when they gather. That is what we eagerly desire above everything else.