Get a Free Copy of the Common English Bible New Testament

Jeff from the Scripture Zealot is keeping me busy with some very helpful links.  The Common English Bible New Testament is due out this fall and the entire Bible will be out in 2011.  You can request a free copy of the New Testament by going here.  You can see a PDF of Matthew here.  Here's just a bit of info from their website:

About the Common English Bible

The Common English Bible is not simply a revision or update of an existing translation. It is a bold new translation designed to meet the needs of today’s Christians as they work to build a strong and meaningful relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

A key goal of the CEB translation team is to make the Bible accessible to a broad range of people; it’s written at a comfortable level for over half of all English readers. As the translators do their work, reading specialists from more than a dozen denominations review the texts to ensure a smooth and natural reading experience. Easy readability can enhance church worship and participation, and personal Bible study. It also encourages children and youth to discover the Bible for themselves, perhaps for the very first time.

Who Is It For?

The Common English Bible is committed to the whole church of Jesus Christ. To achieve this, the CEB represents the work of a diverse team with broad scholarship, including the work of over one hundred and fifteen scholars—men and women from twenty-two faith traditions in American, African, Asian, European and Latino communities. As a result, the English translation of ancient words has an uncommon relevance for a broad audience of Bible readers—from children to scholars.

The CEB will be at a 7th grade reading level with most books scoring at a 6th grade reading level.  "The CEB is sponsored and endorsed by the Common English Bible Committee, which is an alliance of mainstream Protestant denominational publishers, including Presbyterian (USA), Episcopalian, United Methodist, Disciples of Christ, and United Church of Christ representatives."