At first I thought a better title might be, "How to Get a Free Bible without Stealing it from a Hotel Room." But, I didn't want to offend anyone, especially my Gideon friends. The truth is, the Gideons don't mind if you take those hotel Bibles. They are actually placed there for travelers who might need one. (It's a good idea, however, to ask the hotel for permission before you take the Bible!) So, there's one very easy way to obtain a free copy of the Bible.

Here's How:

1. Contact a Local Church.
   One of the easiest ways, and actually the very best way to obtain a free Bible is to call a local church. Most large churches have a surplus of "left behind" Bibles in their lost and found. My church has so many unclaimed Bibles that we ask a local prison outreach to come and distribute them to prisoners. Some churches will even give away a new Bible if you don't have one. Don't be shy! If you truly need a Bible, most Bible teaching churches will be happy to set you up.
2. Download Free Bible Software.
   Here are a few options for free Bible software programs to download:
   

   · E-SWORD

   · BiblePro for Windows - Download or request a free CD.

   · Theophilos Bible Software - Download or request a free CD.

   • The SWORD Project
3. Use a Free Online Bible.
   

   · BibleGateway.com

   · CrossWalk.com

   · BlueLetterBible.org

   • SearchGodsWord.org
4. Request a Bible from FreeBibles.net.
   FreeBibles.net promises to send a new or gently-used Bible to anyone in the U.S. who cannot afford to purchase one. Requests are limited to one per person and one per address, but other than these simple rules, there are no catches! Most ministries will only send a New Testament, or the "free" offer comes with strings attached. Not only does FreeBibles.net send a complete Bible, they also cover shipping and promise not to contact you with any solicitation. They cannot guarantee a specific translation and they only mail Bibles to the needy and imprisoned.
   • FreeBibles.net
5. Philippines and Africa Residents.
   GetYourFreeBible.com promises to send a New Testament Bible in the English, Tagalog of Hiligaynon language to anyone in the Philippines and Africa who cannot afford to purchase one. Requests are limited to one Bible per person. GetYourFreeBible.com will also take requests from small churches or ministries (Philippines & Africa only) who need Bibles for their ministry. And the best part? Absolutely no strings attached!
   • GetYourFreeBible.com  
6. Contact a Bible Society.
   If you're looking for a large quantity of Bibles for ministry distribution, consider one of these societies. They offer reasonable pricing for bulk quantities. Obtaining free Bibles may be possible, however, not guaranteed.
   

   · International Bible Society

   · American Bible Society

   · The Gideons accept requests for Bibles in the following areas of need: hotels & motels; hospitals, nursing homes & domestic violence shelters; schools, colleges & universities; military, law enforcement, firefighters & EMTs; prisons & jails.

Michael Carter, Realtor Greenville, SC www.beachboyrealestate.com