Proofs that Christ's love of His own can never cease, ranging from the immeasurable price paid for them, to the impotence of all forces seeking to block the flow of His love. Here is the kind reasoning that carries us over attacks on assurance.

Israel's susceptibility to the Moabite strategy of penetration and corruption, and Satan's use of this today. Moses retired, the type of Christ to be unblemished for entry into the land. The Reubenites and our tendency to settle down rather than fight the Christian warfare.

Even preachers are often confused about whether they should use reasoning in Gospel preaching. Paul persuaded all the time, and so did Reformers, Puritans and preachers in Awakenings. The old Calvinistic view of regeneration compelled it, but today's view crushes it. What are the differences? 

Before conversion, we do not realise how out of touch with God we are; how little we know about Him, and how unable we are to even address Him. This healing miracle by Christ teaches how channels of communication are opened by His loving kindness.

From the meaning of the 'serpent of brass' to the lessons of Balaam's contradictions. A true prophet, and false; sincere, yet insincere; powerless, yet unleashing against God's people the most devastating and enduring Satanic strategy. Balaams surely 'live' today; the biblical record is for us.