Eden's Top Pick of Gospels To Give Away

Ever since Jesus spoke his last words to the disciples – “go and make disciples” – humanity has been breathing, living and sharing the Gospel. With the invention of the printing press, the Great Commission evolved into ‘giving away’ the written Gospels as a small paperback copy of the story of Jesus Christ. Here are Eden’s top picks currently available helping you find the best suited Gospel giveaway for your church, outreach project, community event, new members class and wherever else you’re making disciples.

NIV Gospels from the Scottish Bible Society

Since 1809 the Scottish Bible Society has been putting the Bible into people’s hands. They went on to translate and distribute Bibles across the world including China, Malawi, Korea and Scotland with their purpose built Bibleworld Bus traveling the Highlands (a 14-ton bus which travels the Highlands teaching school children the Bible and its message).

With such a rich heritage of mission, the Scottish Bible Society are keen to equip churches here in the UK. These ultra-modern NIV Gospels are punchy – in both their vibrant colour and their stand-out titles. At first glance they don’t look like they contain scripture, they certainly break the Bibles dusty and lifeless exception. They seem to say, ‘I’m relevant and I have something to say, you’ll find the answers inside’. And for that I think they’re an ideal give-away gospel!

GNB Good News Gospels

The familiar and quintessentially British translation – the Good News Bible – is probably the most read, wide-reaching and accessible Bible available in the UK. Open a hotel draw or school cupboard you’ll most likely find the well-known Ichthus fish and the pencil drawings of Annie Vallotton. Perhaps it’s lost momentum over the past decade, but it reminds to be highly readable and relevant for today’s language.

This collection of paperback Gospels are simplistic, striking and very practical. They include the famous pencil drawings that made the Good News Bible so popular and feature a healthy 9.75pt font size. They’ll certainly brighten up every church resource table, evangelistic event and seeking heart.

NLT Gospels from the Scottish Bible Society

Another offering from the Scottish Bible Society, this time in the contemporary-yet-faithful New Living Translation. These ‘postcard’ style Gospels feature a crisp photo from Israel on the front, with a postcard backing introducing the story in handwriting font. Each Gospel uses the British Text Edition of the NLT, making them a popular choice for adults outreach.

Stamped with a photograph from the Holy Lands (Matthew: Bethlehem, Mark: Mount of Olives, Luke: Galilee, John: Golgotha), these paperbacks have a geographical and historical flavour. They look welcoming, honest and friendly – offering people the wisdom of these ancient writings in a razor-sharp translation this generation will make real connections with.

The Message Outreach Books

Classically, the church has focused its outreach efforts on placing a copy of the story of Jesus into the hands of the public. It makes perfect sense – it’s the story of our salvation and the linchpin of the Christian faith. But when you step back you realise that some people aren’t looking for a saviour, they might in fact be looking for advice, wisdom, spiritual rejuvenation or answers to big questions.

This collection of paperback books from the popular paraphrase – The Message – includes Proverbs, the Psalms, Job and the Gospel of John. With these four books you can give a book to people who aren’t necessarily interested in the Bible, but are seeking certain things: ‘I need some wisdom/advice’ (Proverbs), ‘I’m feeling spiritual dry’ (the Psalms), ‘why do we suffer’ (Job), and ‘why did Jesus die’ (John, including an exclusive chapter written by Max Lucado on Salvation).