BREAKING STRONGHOLDS
STUDY GUIDE

Episode 2: The Advocates

MEET THE CHARACTERS:

Pastor Justin Ulmer

Justin works with the youth at Montgomery Community Church where Pastor Owen Chamberlain serves as Head Pastor. Because of the spike in teen suicides in the area, Justin has been working to meet the problem head-on. He notices that young people are uncertain about their identity and purpose. They are not looking to God to answer life’s biggest questions: “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?” Instead, they are listening to people like Redmond Quinn and their teacher, Alex Robinson. They are being told that their identity is defined by their changing feelings and the prevailing opinions of the time. They are hearing that their purpose is to “follow their hearts” and listen to their “inner guide.” Moral relativity is being taught rather than objective truth and it is leading to despair. Justin has a story of his own that we will hear in Season 2, Episode 2.

Pastor Owen Chamberlain

Owen is the pastor of Montgomery Community Church. He has witnessed the town of Montgomery change over the last few months as followers of Redmond Quinn have flocked to the area. People are being drawn away from his church by Quinn’s ideas. Owen knows that Quinn’s philosophy deceives people into believing they don’t need to know God because they are god. This deception is the same as that found in Genesis 3 of the Bible. It causes people to worship themselves rather than their Creator. Owen is a widower, and Hazel has caught his attention as a potential wife and partner in ministry. He has his work cut out for him as he works to win her heart, but he’s up for the challenge!

Alex Robinson

Alex is one of the many people who have moved to Montgomery to follow Redmond Quinn. He teaches at the high school and leads an after-school club that promotes Quinn’s ideas. Because he is young and dynamic, the kids are naturally drawn to him. Much of what he tells them sounds good and even hopeful, but underlying his messages are lies. Lies such as: “Church and parental authority are harmful and outdated.” “People are a means to an end and only useful if they help move humanity forward toward a new order.” And, “Survival of the fittest.”

JOURNAL PROMPTS:

As you watch Episode 2, look for the answers to these questions. Keep a journal of the answers to get the most out of what God may be teaching you through Breaking Strongholds. If possible, watch the episode with others and discuss your answers.

1. In this episode, we meet Benjamin. What impression do you have of him from this episode? Do you feel he can be trusted? Why or why not?

2. What evidence do we see that Ethan cares deeply for his son, Ryan? Does Ryan know this? Why or why not?

3. As Redmond Quinn is being interviewed on television, a new teacher at the high school named Alex Robinson enters the coffee shop. What kind of after-school club is he promoting, and why doesn’t the youth pastor, Justin, like it?

4. As Chaplain Vic tells the kids about the SafeTalk course, Peyton had concerns about talking with someone about suicide. What are her concerns? What concerns do you have about speaking honestly to someone/others about suicide? What would make you feel more comfortable talking to someone you are concerned for?

5. Copy John 1:5 into your journal: "Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it."

Memorize this key verse.

Describe a time in your life when being honest about a hidden sin (shining light in the darkness) brought relief to your mind and peace. If you can’t think of one, is there something hidden in the dark of your life right now that can be brought into light to bring healing? Describe.

6. Why do you think Ryan began to confide in Benjamin?

7. Write Proverbs 1:5 into your journal. "A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel."

An older, wiser friend who is strong in their walk with Jesus is vital. What characteristics do you look for in a mentor? Where can you look to find a mentor to help you process hard events and grow?

PRAYER:

Ask God to bring to your mind things hidden in darkness in your life that should be brought into the light. Ask Him to show you if you need to ask for forgiveness or forgive someone, so that the healing light of Jesus can shine into the darkness. Ask God to give you the strength to ask for forgiveness or to forgive so that past wounds and harmful secrets can be healed. Finally, if no one comes to mind who can be a mentor for you, ask God to bring that person into your life.