BREAKING STRONGHOLDS
Season 2 - Study Guide
Episode 1: The Mission
MEET THE CHARACTERS:
DAMON DUPRE
In flashbacks, we meet the grandfather of Redmond Quinn, Damon Dupre. He was a member of a secret ancient organization called The Golden Order of the Ancient Light. For generations, Dupre’s family passed down “The Book,” describing a series of levels that members must pass through to achieve “apotheosis,” a state of divine, God-like knowledge. With this knowledge, their bloodline could become permanently all-powerful. “The Book” was handed down to a male heir who was considered strong enough to resist emotional attachments and do whatever it took to advance through all the levels. The final level, which has never been passed, requires the lifeblood of the “Spirit of Love” to be given willingly. Damon believed little Erzulie (who now goes by “Grace”), Ella’s young daughter, to be that Spirit of love. As Damon lay on his deathbed, however, Ella stole the vital pages describing the final ritual from The Book. She buried the pages. When she got back to her home, she was arrested and allowed her young daughter to be taken by CPS and “lost in the system,” thus protecting little Zulie (Grace) from Damon and his heirs for over 20 years.
PEYTON
Peyton has known Ryan and Rylie James since they were all children together playing in the woods at what they called “The Place.” Through the years, Ryan has always been able to count on Peyton as a calm and stable “safe” friend. As he dealt with the death of his mother and his depression, Peyton was a steady presence for both Ryan and Rylie. Now that they are getting older, Ryan has developed more feelings for Peyton. In the past, he hoped they could date, but she made it clear that he is “like a brother” to her. She does care deeply for Ryan, however, and when she realized he might be in danger of suicide, she bravely reached out to him. As she watches him face the darkness head-on and get help, she begins to see him in a different light.
BRANDON
Though he and his sister, Ashley, are still in high school, Brandon has thought deeply about the purpose and meaning of life. He is a believer and loves to study the Bible. Because of that, he can see that the philosophy being taught by Mr. Robinson at the Level Up Club is the antithesis of God’s Word. Many of the young people in the club are convinced that the world will end soon. They like the idea that they can create a new pragmatic order of humanity that worships human potential and power as the ultimate source for salvation. Brandon sees it as lies that are keeping people from true salvation that comes through trusting in Christ as their Savior. Brandon likes Sophie, and Brandon’s solid convictions inspire her. She admires his willingness to stand for what is true and not be swayed.
JOURNAL PROMPTS:
As you watch Episode 1, look for the answers to these questions. Keep a journal of your 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. Aunt Hazel sees a television interview with Alex Robinson, Montgomery's “Teacher of the Year.” What is Mr. Robinson’s core message that he has learned from Redmond Quinn’s teachings and is now passing on to the youth of Montgomery?
2. After Mr. Robinson describes his message, Pastor Owen Chamberlain presents the opposing view. What are the two messages being presented in this episode? Give your thoughts on the opposing messages of Mr. Robinson and Pastor Chamberlain. Which is true? Why?
3. Write Colossians 2:8 in your journal or on an index card... "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ." - Col. 2:8
Underline the word “captive” in Col. 2:8. In what way is a person held “captive” by hollow and deceptive philosophy (ways of thinking)?
Underline the words “human tradition” in Col. 2:8. As Mr. Robinson teaches the students in the Level Up Club, he presents ideas that he says will “save humanity.” What are these ideas? Are they in line with what Jesus said are the greatest commandments?
"Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." - Matthew 22: 37-39
4. What is the conflict between Mr. Robinson’s teaching and Matthew 22:37-39?
5. Underline the words “elemental spiritual forces of this world” in Col. 2:8. This refers to demonic forces in the spiritual realm. Attempting to gain power or knowledge through things like witchcraft, tarot, astrology, and other occult practices invites these spiritual forces into one's life. In Breaking Strongholds, Ella was living a life immersed in this world. What attracted her to that world? How did it benefit her for a time?
6. Who is Damon Dupre, and how is he related to Redmond Quinn? What is Damon trying to accomplish by visiting Ella for spells and potions?
7. In Genesis 3 of the Bible, Satan tempts Eve by convincing her that God is not loving and protecting her, but is holding her back. “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” - Genesis 3:4-5
8. How does Damon’s goal relate to this incident in Genesis?
9. What causes Ella to cry out in prayer to God finally? How was that prayer answered? Did God completely solve her problem when she turned to Him? What did He do that helped?
FINAL THOUGHTS:
God answers prayers in many ways. -Sometimes immediately, and other times after a long wait. -Sometimes supernaturally and other times through natural means. -Sometimes He completely solves the problem, and other times we are only shown what we need for the next step.
No matter our motives in prayer, we can trust that His motives in answering them are always the same–His love for us. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8: 38-39. How can the waiting, searching, and “one step at a time” answers to prayer bring us closer to God? Write out your thoughts.
WITH GOD: Write a prayer thanking God for revealing truths to you through Breaking Strongholds and this Study Guide. Write out Colossians 2:8 again. Challenge yourself to memorize this scripture and share it with someone else. Ask God to help you take time each day to read His word. Ask for wisdom and discernment when hearing convincing speakers and when reading things that sound good but that may be an attempt to deceive you. Pray that you can find a community of other believers to talk with when decisions must be made on who to trust and what information is true. Finally, if you find yourself caught up in a lie and far from God, do as Ella did and cry out to Him anyway. He is waiting for you to call on Him. He hears your prayers and loves you.
"Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can not overcome it." John 1:5