*DISOBEDIENT: STRANGE FIRE ON THE ALTAR.*(Series 7) *Scripture Reading:* Leviticus 6:12-13. The requirement of the continual burning fire is described in Leviticus 6:12-13: *"The fire on the altar shall be kept burning; it shall not [be allowed to] go out. The priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and he shall arrange the burnt offering on it and offer the fat portions of the peace offerings up in smoke on it. The fire shall be burning continually on the altar; it shall not [be allowed to] go out."*(AMP) There was a continuity represented by the fire of the altar that the Lord intended to be respected. *Perhaps Nadab and Abihu reasoned that since fire is fire and all is alike, it makes no real difference how the fire for the sacrifices is obtained.* But man’s reasoning is not like God’s! The consequences of the reasoning and action of these two men resulted in death. We ought to remember the words of Prophet Isaiah 55:8-9, *“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”* The example of the disobedience of Nadab and Abihu and the consequent punishment by death is one of the clearest examples in the Bible that God does mean what He says! *But how often have men FOLLOWED the example of Nadab and Abihu rather than LEARNED from it.* The Bible teaches that all who disobey God will be punished by the fire of hell. Revelation 21:8 declared; *“But as for the cowards and unbelieving and abominable [who are devoid of character and personal integrity and practice or tolerate immorality], and murderers, and sorcerers [with intoxicating drugs], and idolaters and occultists [who practice and teach false religions], and all the liars [who knowingly deceive and twist truth], their part will be in the lake that blazes with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."* NOTE: If men do not believe God’s instructions and presume to go their own way, they will be punished in the fire of hell. This is what the Word of God teaches! What of men who substitute the “strange fire” of instrumental music in worship for the proper worship in song? What of men who substitute the doctrine of “faith only” and/or “grace only” for the obedience Jesus commands? Jesus says in Matthew 7:21-23; *"Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day [when I judge them], ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, and driven out demons in Your name, and done many miracles in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them publicly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me [you are banished from My presence], you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands."* To be continue tomorrow morning by God's Grace. Good morning and happy Sunday, peace. *Prayer point:* Father, baptize me with the spirit of obedience that will disallow me from being Bann in your presence in Jesus Christ name. Amen! T.S. AFOLAYAN