I have used gas ovens before but I don't remember them smelling as strongly of gas as the one I have now. It doesn't smell like gas when it is off but when I have the oven on it smells pretty strong for most of the time that it is on. Is this normal or is replacement needed soon?

You need to have the gas line connections checked out by someone who has the proper testing equipment. Sounds like you have some sort of extra leak somewhere. You need to have this leak fixed as it could prove to be a safety problem down the line.