The Doctrine of Baalam

Wow!  The Lord is so amazingly awesome!  This morning I read in one of my favorite commentaries Thru the Bible with J. Vernon McGee the commentary on Numbers 22-25.  When I first read the story of Balaam and Balak I wasn't totally understanding all of the significance.  See, this is a situation where an "extra" book is good.  Anyways, on to my point.  Balak had summoned Balaam to curse the Israelites in exchange for a good hunk of change.  Balaam said he couldn't go to Balak because the Lord wouldn't release him to do so.  Balak tried to persuade him again and so Balaam asked the Lord and he was allowed to go.  On his way an angel of the Lord blocked his way and Balaam got very upset and beat his donkey who couldn't get past the angel.  This is the story where the donkey speaks to Balaam explaining why he was resisiting his master.  Anyhow, once he arrives to Balak's palace Balaam told Balak 3 times he could not curse the Israelites because they were a protected people.  Balak became upset because he felt the impending doom that could come upon his people.  See, people were well aware of God's power.  The stories of the Red Sea parting and such had spread across the land.  Balak appealed to Balaam for help.  Since Balaam couldn't speak a curse against the Israelites he did something else.  He taught Balak about the Israelites, identifying the weak spots of the people.  Thus when the Moabite women were seducing the men, distracting them, this was. part of Balaam's doctrine.  We see this today in the church.  Balaam's doctrine continues to infiltrate the church.  The church is a "protected people" so Satan's greatest weapon against it is the church itself.  Be aware. 

PS:  I don't mean to be so "preachy" or negative.  I just get so concerned.  I know I have no control and can only truly be responsible for my own obedience to the Lord.