• Strange Things In The Bible
• Even this lesson might be a little strange.
• INTRODUCTION
• There are many things that are called strange in the Bible.
• Let’s study a few of them in this lesson.
• The dictionary gives several definitions for the word “strange”.
• That which is not normal, unfamiliar, of external origin, not native
to, does not naturally belong in a certain place.
• In this lesson you will see how these definitions fit the subject.
• Strange Fire
• Nadab and Abihu offered strange fire on the altar of incense.
• Leviticus 10:1-2, it was described as unfamiliar to God.
• It was of external origin and had been forbidden by God Exodus 30:9.
• When people do that which God has forbidden He considers it strange.
• To do strange things is to commit sacrilege (profaning something holy).
• Strange Fire
• People do this all the time in religion.
• Jeroboam did this in 1 Kings 11:25-33.?
• He substituted his way for God’s way, showing no respect for God.
• The same could be said of the Israelites in the days of the Prophets.
• Strange Baptism
• People today offer a strange baptism to God.
• It is called infant baptism where they sprinkle or pour water on the
head of an unbelieving baby instead of baptism by immersion for a believing,
penitent person.
• In the scriptures only those with the ability to believe and understand
what was being done were baptized Mark 16:16; Acts 8:35-39; Acts 18:8.
• No infants, no unbelievers in the bunch.
• Strange Baptism
• Other people offer a strange baptism after the fact (saved first then
baptized).
• This is also contrary to scripture.
• Salvation never preceded baptism, it was always afterward.
• Mark.16:16; Acts 2:38, 41; Acts 8:12-13;
Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21.
• God will no more accept these strange baptisms today than He did the
strange fire of Nadab and Abihu.
• Strange Music
• Another example of a strange thing (that which God has not commanded)
in God’s word is mechanical instrumental music.
• The scriptures teach us to sing praises to God, not play an instrument
along with it.
• Turn to the scriptures Ephesians 5:19;
Colossians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 14:15.
• The only instrument mentioned in these verses to accompany the words
was the instrument of the heart.
• Strange Music
• The purpose of the singing (not playing) was to praise God and teach
each other, not to entertain an audience.
• Be honest with the scriptures and don’t go beyond what is written
1 Corinthians 4:6.
• Yes, God at one time allowed mechanical instruments in Old Testament
days, but no longer.
• Strange gods
• God forbids men to worship “strange” (foreign) gods Deuteronomy
32:16; Joshua 24:20-23;
Judges 10:16.
• God does not accept this as normal.
• He considers it strange.
• Something strange is that which does not naturally belong in worshiping
Him.
• Strange gods
• He is the only true God, and He is a jealous God, allowing no one to
come before Him Exodus 20:1-2; Matthew 4:10-11; 2 Corinthians 11:2;
1 Corinthians 8:5-6; Jeremiah 2:12-13.
• The worship of Allah or any other human god is anathema with the Lord
God.
• Some claim that Allah of the Muslims is the same as Jehovah the Lord
of all creation. The two are not the same.
• Strange Doctrines
• People follow “strange” doctrines Hebrews 13:9.
• These are doctrines that do not naturally belong in serving Him.
• His doctrine is found in His word Acts 2:42 and one must not go beyond
what is written
1 Corinthians 4:6; 2 John 9.
• The strange doctrines of men are additions or changes from what He has
said in His word, and they are unacceptable to Him Mark7:7-9;
Matthew 15:13.
• Strange Doctrines
• To use strange doctrines is to make void the word of God.
• If the doctrine you follow cannot be backed up by the word of God, then
it will be rejected by God.
• Paul told the Galatians their perverted doctrine was unacceptable to
God Galatians 1:6-9.
• If you turn and read Revelation 22:18-19 you will see what He thinks
of those who would add to or take from His word.
• Strange Flesh
• Many today are following after “strange” flesh
Jude 7.
• This strange flesh would include any illicit sexual activity or perverted
lifestyles.
• Things such as pre-marital sex, adultery, homosexuality, bestiality
and other such things are strictly forbidden by God Romans 1:26-28;
1 Corinthians 6:9-10.
• Even if the world accepts these things as alright, they are still an
abomination to God.
• Strange Flesh
• There may come a time when godly people will be forced to accept, accommodate,
and even promote the lifestyle or go to jail.
• Once you remove God’s approved marriage, anything will go.
• People will marry their pets to get more income tax deductions, etc.
• God will treat those who practice such things with contempt, just as
He did Nadab and Abihu.
• Strange Things
• Those who practice these strange things are condemned of God if they
persist in following them.
• But while people are alive they can repent of these “strange”
practices and turn back to God.
• If they are willing to repent (quit practicing) of these things, and
obey the truth, which is God’s word John 17:17; John 8:31-32, then God
will forgive them.
• He gives each of us the choice.
• World Considers Us Strange
• Christians are considered “strange” to the world
1 Peter 4:4, but not to God.
• They are seen as “peculiar” people because they don’t
run with the pack so to speak
1 Peter 2:9-10.
• Christians have a different lifestyle, one that is pleasing to God.
• World Considers Us Strange
• They do this because we are His special people and act like it Titus
2:14.
• The world may not like the way we are supposed to live as God’s
people,
• In a way our behavior judges the world
1 Corinthians 6:2
• But we will one day have to answer to God, and not man 1 Peter 4:15-19;
2 Peter 3:11.
• Conclusion
• Many other strange things that we could find in the Bible (or technically
outside of the Bible).
• Our duty to God is to learn what is in the Bible and do those things
in the ways He has commanded.
• We may be considered strange by the world and the denominations;
• But God will reward those who are faithful to Him.
By Carey Scott from a source I can't remember right now.
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