When churches lose sight of their mission, then each function is carried out as an end in itself. And with no outside purpose to direct and energize the activities, they become lifeless rituals. In this next section, my purpose will be to develop one example where Scripture ties function to mission. God's desire and efforts for the reconciling of all nations unto himself is a theme that can be traced from cover to cover in Scripture. From the beginning of creation up to the time of Abraham, God appears to be focused on the whole human race.
Scripture clearly implies that the acceptable pattern for worship was given to everyone.
Evidence is seen in Genesis 4 where God accepts Abel's worship and was not pleased with Cain's worship. After the flood, Noah and his family represent the whole human race. Also, from the beginning men have sought their own way. Cain, after he murders his brother Abel, goes his own way. It appears that he and his descendants lack a worshiping relationship with God.