Hot Off The Press-Richard Abanes Issues Warning About Ken Blanchard's Doctrine,Discernment, Associations with New Ager's

Abanes




From my dear friend and brother in the Lord Bud Press. The article speaks for itself no other commentary on my part is necessary. Tim Wirth

Richard Abanes Issues Warning About Ken Blanchard's

Doctrine, Discernment, Associations with New Agers

Urges Christians to be 'extremely cautious'

(Part 2)

by Bud Press, Director

Christian Research Service

www.christianresearchservice.com

April 17, 2008



To the Reader: If you aren't familiar with this issue, please refer to the article, "Letters to Richard Abanes" (Part 1), then proceed to the following update.



Since 2005, Richard Abanes, author and investigative reporter, has maintained that Ken Blanchard is not a New Ager, but is simply confused and lacks discernment.



Blanchard, co-founder of Lead Like Jesus and the Chief Spiritual Officer of The Ken Blanchard Companies, claims to have been a Christian since 1988. But according to Abanes, confusion and lack of discernment, coupled with the absence of proper Biblical training, resulted in Blanchard's falling prey to non-Christians and endorsing their books:

I eventually came to find out that Blanchard was no New Ager. But I needed to find out more clearly what was going on. So I immediately contacted Blanchard's Lead Like Jesus ministry to tell them of my concerns. I quickly received information that explained everything to my satisfaction. For many years Blanchard had apparently been living with a serious lack of spiritual discernment—and sadly, for all those years he had also never found someone to consistently help him grow in that particular area of Christian living. As a result, various people advocating non-Christian religious belief systems were able to convince Blanchard to endorse their products, including a vast array of extremely problematic books that advance highly unbiblical concepts. Their doctrinal views never seemed to be his focus. ["Ken Blanchard and Rick Warren: The Truth Behind the Controversy," http://abanes.com/warren_blanchard.html ]

Now, Abanes is warning about Ken Blanchard's doctrinal views, teachings, and associations with New Agers:

NOTE & WARNING: Concerns over Ken Blanchard's doctrinal views, spiritual discernment, and personal/professional associations with false teachers (most notably, New Agers) have continued to be voiced by many individuals. And, much to my disappointment and surprise, I have received information (c. March 24, 2008) that seems to suggest, at least at first glance, that there might indeed be an ongoing serious problem with Blanchard's ability to discern biblically sound individuals from persons who are known enemies of the cross of Christ. Therefore, in the coming months, I plan on carefully reviewing the material I have obtained. My findings will be made public after a careful examination of these documents. Until then, I would urge Christians to be extremely cautious when it comes to Blanchard's teachings, being especially mindful of any books, teaching tapes, videos, individuals, or organizations being supported by his name (either through an endorsement, foreword, or review). My hope is to complete ASAP a thorough investigation of the situation, including a look into what has transpired over the last few years between Blanchard and Watchman Fellowship (i.e., the ministry that was supposed to be overseeing his spiritual growth in the area of discernment and doctrine). ["Lighthouse Trails: The Blanchard Bashers,"

March 31, 2008, http://abanes.com/LTRP_PressRelease.html, emp. theirs, red print in original]

But along with his warning and urge of extreme caution, in the third paragraph of the same article, Abanes still maintains that "Ken Blanchard is no New Ager," then refers the reader to his article, "Ken Blanchard and Rick Warren: The Truth Behind the Controversy," where he states, "I eventually came to find out that Blanchard was no New Ager" ( http://abanes.com/warren_blanchard.html ).



To state that Ken Blanchard isn't a New Ager, then issue a warning in the same article, causes confusion, is terribly misleading, and is dangerous to the spiritual welfare of the innocent and unwary.



While Abanes is entitled to his own opinion, the weight of evidence reveals Ken Blanchard's dedicated track-record of participation in the New Age Movement.



Ken Blanchard's spiritual maturity





In the Foreword of the book, Church on Sunday, Work on Monday: The Challenge of Fusing Christian Values with Business Life, Ken Blanchard candidly admitted that,

As a kid, I did the Sunday School bit but never really understood the power of the church because the impression I got was that Christianity was "something to know" and "something to do." As a result, as a young man I turned my back on the church as irrelevant because it didn't seem to give me any guidance for my life. In most churches I attended they mentioned Jesus once in a while but never highlighted him as a model for all our behavior. [p.x, Laura Nash, Scotty McLennan, Jossey-Bass Publishers, September 2001]

Continuing, Blanchard stated that he "finally got the potential of the church" in his forties, an age at which time he "began to look again at my original Christian roots." (Ibid.). It was then when,

...all kinds of believers started to enter my life and began to teach me that true Christianity was "someone to know" and "someone to follow." Putting Jesus front and center in my faith makes sense to me and motivates me to learn about his teachings. [Ibid.]

Ken Blanchard (born in 1939), claims to have attended churches as a child, where he heard about Jesus, but turned away from the church. Later, while in his 40's, he reclaimed his "Christian roots." However, based on his past and present track-record in the New Age Movement, Blanchard was never rooted in Christianity nor the real Jesus Christ in the first place.



Important points to ponder



1. In 2005, after Ken Blanchard's participation in the New Age Movement was exposed, he issued a July 21, 2005 statement on his Lead Like Jesus website, removed it, then reissued a revised statement on July 22. It reads in part:



Recently, it was brought to my attention that some of my endorsements and book forewords are for books written by authors who espouse concepts that are contrary to Christian teachings. I did not realize that this was the case when I wrote these endorsements and forewords. But now after further study and discussions with other followers of Jesus whom I respect and admire, including the staff at Watchman Fellowship, I understand why these are problematic and I promise that I will exercise better discernment in the future. [on file]



Blanchard's statement included the following paragraph, which led many to believe in the sincerity of both Blanchard and the staff of Lead Like Jesus:

It is neither Ken's nor the staff of Lead Like Jesus desire to do anything that might cause another to stumble or that might hinder the furtherance of the gospel. We appreciate the excitement and enthusiasm with which Lead Like Jesus is being embraced all over the country. As leaders in this field, we take seriously our responsibility to offer the very best that we are and, as such, we pledge anew to honor God in everything we do.

2. Again, in Richard Abanes' article, "Ken Blanchard and Rick Warren: The Truth Behind the Controversy," it appears Abanes had an open door of communication with Blanchard in 2005:

I was then contacted by Blanchard himself, who called me to personally thank me for bringing such problems to his attention. He assured me that

he was going to work very hard to learn more about doctrinal matters and grow spiritually as the years progressed, using the controversy as a wake-up call for him. [ http://abanes.com/warren_blanchard.html ]

3. Thus, according to Watchman Fellowship, Richard Abanes, Ken Blanchard and his Lead Like Jesus staff, Blanchard was fully aware of the issues at hand. Furthermore, Blanchard was informed on how to rectify the situation in a manner that would glorify the Lord, and free him from the bondage of the New Age Movement (see "Letter to Ken Blanchard: With Love and Concern" ).



4. Now, almost three years have passed since Blanchard's July 2005 "promise" to "exercise better discernment in the future." But sadly, he failed to keep his promise. His New Age track-record continues to grow, deceive, and return to haunt him:

Certainly, you can claim to be anything you want. But as long as you continue down the road you are traveling, you will be considered a staunch supporter and promoter of the New Age Movement at best, and a wolf in sheep's clothing at worst (Acts 20:27-31). [Bud Press, excerpt from "Letter to Ken Blanchard: With Love and Concern," July 21, 2005]

5. Life is made-up of choices and taking responsibility for one's own actions. While Blanchard's involvement in the New Age Movement is tragic (for both him and those under his spiritual guidance), no one forced him to befriend New Agers, endorse their books, become a member of New Age organizations, participate in and recommend New Age practices, and deny the exclusivity and deity of Jesus Christ by leading people to Buddha, Mohammed, Mahatma Gandhi, Dalai Lama, and the deceased Hindu guru, Paramahansa Yogananda.



Ken Blanchard chose to be a part of the New Age Movement before, and after, his July 2005 statement.



'Christian' and New Age?



Ken Blanchard isn't the only New Ager who claims to be Christian. A Google search revealed untold numbers of people worldwide who claim to be "Christian," yet their New Age "fruits" reveal an entirely different story:

Christian Astrology; Christian Kabbalah; Christian New Age; Christian Psychic; Christian Shamanism; Christian Reincarnation; Christian Wicca; Christian Witchcraft; Christian Science; Christian Zen Buddhism; Christian Tai Chi; Christian Yoga; Christian Tarot cards; Christian Reiki; Christian Goddess; and Christian pagan.

God warns the believer these things will take place. His word commands the believer to: test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1); preach the word (2 Timothy 4:1-2); guard and warn fellow Christians (Acts 20:27-31); boldly defend the faith (1 Timothy 6:12; Jude 3); expose the unfruitful works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11-12; 2 Corinthians 4:4); and tell the truth in love (Ephesians 4:14-15).



Scenario and questions for the reader: You learn that a guest speaker visiting your church practices New Age rituals and is an active member of a New Age organization. Would you say nothing and risk endangering the spiritual welfare of fellow Christians? Or, would you warn your pastor and fellow Christians, and risk being mocked and ridiculed?



That scenario is taking place in Christian churches, colleges, universities, retreats, and conferences across the nation. Instead of relying on God's holy and inspired word and standing strong for Jesus Christ, many pastors are cowering under peer-pressure and opening their doors to "Facilitators" and "Coaching" programs, many of which are inundated with New Agers and New Age philosophy.



You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons (1 Corinthians 10:21).



Do not be deceived. One cannot be Christian and a New Ager at the same time (Leviticus 20:6; Proverbs 1:29-31); Matthew 7:20; Matthew 12:33).



Back in the Saddle, again



Beginning on March 11, 2008, Christian Research Service (CRS) provided Richard Abanes with irrefutable documentation on Ken Blanchard's past and present participation in the New Age Movement. 14 days later, Abanes requested additional information on Blanchard, but "ONLY" information "dated after July 2005." Abanes specified the information was to include "full documentation."



Continuing, Abanes said he was aware of Blanchard's past, and that if he provided an update, the information would be very important, since he didn't have time to conduct his own research. He maintained he was on a deadline to "finish a very important book against the New Age Movement" (emp. theirs), and said that once the book was finished he would "take another look at the Blanchard issue."



Abanes expressed concern over Ken Blanchard's writing an "apparent" Foreword to New Ager Jim Ballard's June 2007 book, Little Wave and Old Swell ( http://www.littlewave.org/ ), but said he wouldn't be able to review the updated information on Blanchard "until at least 6-8 weeks from now."



Abanes said the New Age Movement and its beliefs are false, and that there would be a problem if Ken Blanchard's discernment had not grown at all in two years. He made it clear in his e-mail that he would not delay in pointing out that problem publicly.



At the end of his March 25 e-mail, Abanes said he would share the problem, privately, with Rick Warren, and leave it up to him to decide--although he and Rick Warren may end-up in an agree-to-disagree situation.



Returning to when Ken Blanchard's "spiritual maturity" for a moment, in Part 1 of "An Interview with Tim Challies" (dated July 29, 2005), Abanes reportedly stated that,

Several weeks ago (May 31, 2005), I posted an article on my website wherein I stated: "Warren seems to be under the impression here that Blanchard is very young in Christ (e.g. less than five years as a Christian), which to Warren's mind apparently explains why Blanchard has made so many mistakes in his endorsements."

Warren now knows better. And knows about Blanchard's spiritual maturity problems, as well as Blanchard's ongoing efforts to grow in his knowledge in this area. [ http://abanes.com/challies.html, emp. theirs]

This begs the question: Knowing that Ken Blanchard had "spiritual maturity problems" in 2005, why did Rick Warren allow Blanchard to return to Saddleback church in October 2007?

Ken Blanchard, author of the best-selling "One Minute Manager" whose San Diego-area home was consumed in the wildfires, joined Warren for two of Saddleback's four services Oct. 28. ["Near the Flames," http://www.saddlebackfamily.com/story/8822.html ]

It is important to note that Ken Blanchard's return to Saddleback church came four months after he endorsed New Ager Jim Ballard's June 2007 book, Little Wave and Old Swell, which was "Inspired" by the deceased Hindu guru, Paramahansa Yogananda:

Jim Ballard is co-author of a number of popular books with business guru Kenneth Blanchard, as well as several titles on his own. Teachings of the world-renown author Paramahansa Yogananda inspired Ballard to write the wave fable to bring solace and understanding to children in bereavement.

[ www.beyondword.com/all-book-catalog/L-books/bk-little-wave-and-old-swell.html ]

And Richard Abanes is well aware of Jim Ballard and other New Agers, including the New Age Hoffman Institute, of which Blanchard is an active member of the Hoffman Advisory Council:

Jim Ballard advances and promotes New Age teachings, specifically those of Paramahansa Yogananda of the Self-Realization Fellowship New Age cult, which is stands in total opposition to the teachings of Christianity. [ http://abanes.com/blanchardproblems.html ]



Endorsement of The Hoffman Process course of spiritual growth and The Hoffman Institute. In The Hoffman Process written by Tim Laurence—director of The Hoffman Institute—Blanchard's name appears alongside of Sonia Choquette (a psychic), Margot Anand (a tantric/mystic sex teacher), and Joan Borysenko (a New Ager). [Ibid., emp. theirs]

For the record, the late Bob Hoffman (psychic), established the Hoffman Institute

( http://www.quadrinity.com/articles/article3a.htm ). Raz Ingrasci is the President and CEO of the Hoffman Institute ( http://www.hoffmaninstitute.org/about/directors-advisors/president.html ). Tim Laurence is the founder of the Hoffman Institute in the United Kingdom ( http://www.hoffmaninstitute.org/interviews-articles/interviews/creative/laurence.html ).



Nevertheless, pastors who allow cultists and New Agers to speak in their churches is a well known fact and is sin. To be uninformed is one thing, but once a pastor is informed, if he compromises, then it is time for Christians to leave the church, wipe the dust from their feet, and find a solid, Bible-based pastor and church that refuses to compromise. God blesses those who stand strong for Jesus Christ and the truth of His word.



Furthermore, agreeing-to-disagree on a favorite snack-food or color of paint for a living room wall is one thing. But agreeing-to-disagree on issues that endanger the spiritual welfare of the believer is serious business and demands immediate action.



Failure to read, study, and trust God's word is one reason why professing Christians are joined-at-the-hip with cultists and New Age occultists. Failure to apply the Biblical tests and heed the commands of Scripture is another. God's word is truth to live by, and will endure forever (John 17:17; Hebrews 4:12).



Serious business



Why did CRS contact Richard Abanes in the first place? A) He wasn't telling the whole story about Ken Blanchard's involvement in the New Age. B) Abanes' readers and Blanchard's supporters deserve to know both sides of the issue. C) Regarding Ken Blanchard and the New Age, Abanes' website contains information that is outdated, misleading, and deceptive. D) To be of assistance and provide Abanes with the other side of the story on Ken Blanchard.



Therefore, on March 28, 2008, CRS fulfilled Abanes' request by providing him with additional information on Ken Blanchard's involvement in the New Age--after July 2005. The information is straightforward, easy-to-read and understand, and packed with irrefutable documentation. The letter also included the following appeal:

Richard, there is much more that may be addressed in future articles. But for now, as long as you continue offering the current information about Ken Blanchard on your website, the chances of someone being deceived increases with each passing moment. This is a critical issue that requires your immediate attention.

Please, don't wait "6-8 weeks from now" to review the updates and make the necessary changes. Innocent, unwary Christians are being deceived and misled. [ Click HERE to read the entire letter ]

CRS takes it serious when people outwardly claim to be Christian, but inwardly are wolves in sheep's clothing. Wolves infiltrate the Christian church from the outside and rise up from the inside (Acts 20:27-31). They place at risk the spiritual and eternal welfare of their listeners. The Bible teaches that they are false and ungodly (Galatians 2:4-5; Jude 1:4).



No time for 'deadline'



Again, CRS provided Abanes with documented information on March 11 and March 28. In his March 25 e-mail, Abanes led CRS to believe he was on a "deadline" and did not have time to review the information "until at least 6-8 weeks from now." However, behind the scenes, Abanes was as busy-as-a-beaver posting multiple, lengthy replies on blogs such as Tim Wirth's Weblog, DiscernIt, CRN.Info, Phoenix Preacher, SimpleMindedPreacher, as well as his own POP CULTURE MIX blog.



Abanes' reluctance to examine the information and make immediate changes on his website is, in-and-of-itself, quite disturbing. But more disturbing is that in a series of posts on the SimpleMindedPreacher blog, Abanes' set aside the "deadline" on his new book, again, to address an issue involving a "Christian" endorsing a New Ager.



During an exchange of posts between Abanes and a fellow blogger, the topic centered around New Ager Eckhart Tolle, Tolle's book, The Power of Now, and an Assemblies of God pastor who was endorsing Tolle and his book on his website.



Abanes, in his April 8,2008/12:20pm reply, expressed an immediate sense of urgency over the issue, as well as a desire to speak to the AOG pastor, apparently as soon as possible:

Then, we need to talk, or I need to talk to him, because he's endorsing without qualification one of the most dangerous, influential New Agers now confusing Christians — i.e., Eckhart Tolle and his book The Power of Now. (Tolle, of course, is the guy being pushed by Oprah).

In the same reply, Abanes stated that "This is very unfortunate and careless" of the pastor, "And he needs to do something about it" (SimpleMindedPreacher blog, http://simplemindedpreacher.wordpress.com/2008/04/01/the-right-to-choose/ ).



As it turns out, on April 10 the pastor announced the removal of the recommended reading list from his blog. And, like clockwork, Abanes set aside his deadline, again, and wrote two posts in the pastor's blog; the first to commend and caution him to be aware of books that specifically "contain serious doctrinal errors and heresy," which might be harmful to innocent Christians and "potential converts." His second post replied to a fellow blogger.



As a side note, CRS reviewed the pastor's recommended reading list and located his church website. As far back as September 2005, his "Recommended Reading: Must Reads" list included New Age authors such as James Redfield (and his book The Celestine Prophecy), Anthony "Tony" Robbins, Jack Canfield, Laurie Beth Jones, Eckhart Tolle, Norman Cousins, and Leonard Sweet. The article that promotes Eckhart Tolle and his book, The Power of Now, remains on the pastor's church website.



While Abanes' concerns were justified, on one hand he stated he didn't have time to examine the past and present documentation on Ken Blanchard, but on the other hand he has plenty of time to monitor numerous blogs, read numerous posts, write numerous replies, and caution against books that contain "serious doctrinal errors and heresy."



Obviously, the "deadline" for his new book isn't that important after all.



Indeed, suspicion is aroused when people say one thing and are caught behind-the-scenes doing just the opposite.



Richard Abanes and the New Age Movement



As far back as 2001, Abanes' website carried the following introduction to his Religious Information Center, home of "religion researcher and investigative reporter," Richard Abanes:

Receive enlightening, accurate, and interesting information from Richard Abanes, who is not only an evangelical Christian, but a nationally recognized expert on cults, the occult, world religions, and new religious movements. Richard has authored nine books and numerous articles on these issues. He specializes in defense of the Christian faith.

[ http://web.archive.org/web/20010225005017/http://www.abanes.com/ ]

In his own words, Abanes is not blind to the warning signs, teachings, and dangers of the New Age Movement. In his July 1996 Bookstore Journal article, "How to Spot New Age Influence: Striving for biblical accuracy in the books you sell," Abanes stated in part that,



To speed humanity toward global harmony, New Agers have launched a zealous campaign. Instructional courses on New Age thought are held daily at libraries, churches, and banquet halls nationwide, and conventions draw hundreds of thousands of people annually.



Classes on cults and the New Age movement are also desperately needed in the church.



Defense Tactics. Every Christian is responsible for keeping false doctrines out of the church (Jude 3). But greater accountability falls on Christian retailers, who distribute doctrinal information. Screening thousands of books a year is clearly a difficult task, but a few simple safeguards can help:

Know an author's previous works as well as his or her credentials.

Be familiar with any institution with which an author is affiliated.

Scan a book for New Age words and phrases such as "self-enlightenment," "visualization," "Christ consciousness," and "centering."

Beware of titles that put the grand unity of everyone over the importance of theological accuracy.

Read literature published by ministries dedicated to exposing false doctrine...

In the same article, Abanes warned that, "Other things are unbiblical by their very nature...yin/yang symbol, pentagrams, tarot cards, astrological signs etc. Anything directly connected to psychic powers, magic, or divination must be rejected" (article on file).



In his January 1998 book, Cults, New Religious Movements, and Your Family, Abanes included a chapter on the New Age Movement, and defined it as:

The NAM is quite literally a movement of spirituality, health, politics, education, and business that encompasses countless groups seeking to direct the path of society. [p. 16, emp. theirs]



Behind all of its twentieth-century packaging, terminology, and sociopolitical agendas, the nuts and bolts of the NAM's worldview is a mix of ancient occultism, Eastern religious philosophy, and in some segments of the NAM, psuedo-Christian ideas. [p. 17]

Within the book, Abanes references: Zen Buddhism, Norman Vincent Peale, positive thinking, Robert Schuller, cults and the occult, paganism, psychic phenomena and, ironically, the late Paramahansa Yogananda.



How ironic that years later Abanes would be faced with issues surrounding Ken Blanchard and his direct ties to Buddhism, Norman Vincent Peale, New Age occultism, paganism, psychic phenomena and, Paramahansa Yogananda.



Furthermore, Richard Abanes' pastor, Rick Warren, isn't blind to the New Age Movement. His endorsement on the back cover of Abanes' Cults, New Religious Movements, and Your Family reads: "'If you are interested in cult-proofing your family, this is the book to read.'"



Ironically, years ago--in one article and one book alone--Richard Abanes demonstrated his knowledge on the New Age Movement. Yet, when provided with the documentation on Ken Blanchard, which included links and hyperlinks to simplify his research and save time, Abanes states that:

I have received information (c. March 24, 2008) that seems to suggest, at least at first glance, that there might indeed be an ongoing serious problem with Blanchard's ability to discern biblically sound individuals from persons who are known enemies of the cross of Christ. Therefore, in the coming months, I plan on carefully reviewing the material I have obtained. My findings will be made public after a careful examination of these documents. [ http://abanes.com/LTRP_PressRelease.html ]

While it may take Richard Abanes "months" to examine the information, in light of his membership at Saddleback church and Rick Warren's ties with Ken Blanchard, one wonders what his findings will be.



As for now, Ken Blanchard remains an active member of the New Age Hoffman Institute and its Advisory Council. This fact alone should have unfurled Abanes' red flags of discernment instantaneously, and instilled in him an immediate sense of urgency to rectify his position on Blanchard's New Age spirituality in a timely manner.



Ken Blanchard's continual in-your-face participation in the New Age Movement is enough to disqualify him, his Lead Like Jesus staff, and his Lead Like Jesus board members from speaking in any Christian-related event or format (Titus 1:16; Ephesians 5:11-12; Romans 16:17-18; Colossians 2:8; 2 John 1:9-10; 2 Corinthians 6:14-15).



The worst form of deception isn't concealed or camouflaged, it is within easy reach, before your very eyes, in-your-face.



Wolves come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and personalities. But like a swift kick in the pants, their words always return to haunt them.



Final comments...



He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep (John 10:12-13).



As with untold thousands worldwide, Abanes has been slowly conditioned by the deception that is Purpose Driven. Upfront, he bills himself as a "nationally recognized expert on cults" who "specializes in defense of the Christian faith."

But behind-the-scenes he avoids telling the whole story, especially when the truth could have an adverse effect on his public personna, book sales, and his investment in Ken Blanchard's friend and colleague, Rick Warren.



On his website and various internet blogs, Abanes has gone to great lengths to belittle, ridicule, and unfairly criticize numerous ministries that expose Ken Blanchard and other New Age wolves in sheep's clothing. His immature, obnoxious demeanor is directed towards those who strive for truth and truly care about the precious souls for whom Jesus Christ suffered and died for.



But in the midst of persecution, Jesus' words bring comfort, joy, and strength:



Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute

you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Matthew 5:10-12).



Defending the faith requires a deep, abiding love for Jesus Christ, a fearless determination to stand for truth in the midst of compromise, and a willingness to lose everything--even one's own life--for the cause of Christ:



For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).



Finally, there is another side to this story that is easily overlooked. There is a big difference between using Jesus as a leadership role model and trusting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The Ken Blanchard's of this world are among those who Jesus Christ died for. They desperately need the real Jesus Christ, Who sets the captives free from years of New Age baggage. His love, mercy, and forgiveness is beyond human comprehension.



Christians need to pray that God will be merciful to them, and open their blinded eyes, according to His will:



The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us (1 John 5:10-14).



Related articles:



Letters to Richard Abanes Concerning Ken Blanchard... (Part 1) 3/24/08

March 28, 2008 letter to Richard Abanes (updates on Ken Blanchard provided to Richard Abanes at his request)

Ken Blanchard/Lead Like Jesus research page

Watchman Fellowship Identifies Ken Blanchard as New Age 1997

Letter to Ken Blanchard: With Love and Concern 7/21/05

Update on Ken Blanchard: Actions Speak Louder than Words 8/21/05

UPDATE ON KEN BLANCHARD: You Will Know Them By Their Fruits 9/20/05

Ken Blanchard Still Endorsing the New Age (6 Months later) 2/11/06

An Open Letter to James Walker and Watchman Fellowship 2/26/06

Ken Blanchard Endorses Book 'Inspired' by Hindu Guru 11/26/07

Statement on Accusations and Criticisms Against Discernment Ministries 2/13/08





















© Christian Research Service 2008