Further Study: Read Ellen G. White, "John the Beloved," pp. 539-545 in The Acts of the Apostles.
"In the terrible persecution that followed, the apostle John did much to confirm and strengthen the faith of the believers. He bore a testimony which his adversaries could not controvert and which helped his brethren to meet with courage and loyalty the trials that came upon them. When the faith of the Christians would seem to waver under the fierce opposition they were forced to meet, the old, tried servant of Jesus would repeat with power and eloquence the story of the crucified and risen Saviour."—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 568.
"John lived to be very old. He witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and the ruin of the stately temple. The last survivor of the disciples who had been intimately connected with the Saviour, his message had great influence in setting forth the fact that Jesus was the Messiah, the Redeemer of the world. No one could doubt his sincerity, and through his teachings many were led to turn from unbelief."—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 569.
Discussion Questions: 
Go through the three Epistles of John again. What other elements of John's character can be found there? What strong words can you find there for those who are not following truth? How does this help us understand what love is all about?
What is your understanding of the idea of character development? How does it work? How does Jesus change our character? Though the Bible does relate many supernatural events, is there any event in which a person's character is changed immediately, supernaturally, in the same way the blind were given sight or the lepers cured? If not, why not? What does the answer tell us about the process of character development?
As a class, talk about the answers to these questions: How loving and accepting is your local church? What things can you do to help your church become more loving and accepting of others?
Summary:
Having experienced firsthand the life-giving love of His Savior, the apostle John let that experience flow into all his words and actions. His life and writings remind us of the primacy of love in the Christian life and how it must be the basis of all our mission activity.
I N S I D E Story
Midnight Cry in Malawi
by MIKE NYONDO
A group of lay men and women in northern Malawi have a passion for souls. Although they lack equipment and supplies, they are making an impact on unreached areas of Malawi.
In one prison where they serve, they held evangelistic meetings, baptizing 100 prisoners. Among those who responded was Samson, a robber. Some prisoners doubted his sincerity, for he had attended only a few of the meetings. But Samson testified, "Even though I did not attend the meetings, I listened from my cell. I heard God's voice calling me, and I have answered."
Several of the newly baptized prisoners have been released and live in northern Malawi, where they faithfully attend church. The lay evangelists continue to work in the prison and have held subsequent baptisms.
Few Adventists live along the shores of Lake Malawi, an area dominated by another Protestant denomination. When Midnight Cry held meetings there, opposition was strong, and few came the first week. But then attendance picked up.
When 16-year-old Viyezgo (vee-AY-joh) responded to the first altar call, his parents were angry and locked him out of the house. He was forced to sleep outside. But he kept coming to the meetings. His parents tried to send him to stay with his aunt in Lilongwe, but on his way to the bus station, he met his aunt, who was coming to visit the family. He walked home with her then hurried to Lake Malawi to be baptized. When he returned home that evening, his parents again locked him out of the house. They sent him to Lilongwe with his aunt, where he attends the Adventist church.
The group is energized as they see God working through them. God invites every believer to become a lay evangelist and share His love in their corner of the world.
GABRIEL ZANCHIOR is a lay evangelist in Benin, West Africa.
Produced by the General Conference Office of Mission Awareness.
email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org
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