GodBuzz

Eugene Patterson, a pastor of some 35 years and a student of the original Greek New Testament manuscripts, became disenfranchised at the available American English Bible's ability to convey the fire and passion of Paul's letter to the Galatians. So, when faced with the challenge of leading a bible study on the subject, he took it upon himself to transcribe Paul's letter as if he were speaking to the audience of today. The result was quite remarkable. That was back in 1991, and since then, "The Message", a full "paraphrase" translation of the Old and New Testaments of the Bible in comtemporary language, has sold millions of copies worldwide and is currently the hottest selling translation of the Bible today.

U2's Bono has hailed it's author and his work in numerous interviews and has called "The Message" "the most important book I've ever read".

From ChristianBook.com: "Translated directly from the ancient Hebrew and Greek texts into today's contemporary American idiomatic speech, The Message is designed as a reading Bible. With no verse numbers or stiff, formal language, the Scriptures unfold like a gripping novel. Passages we've read many times before come alive, revealing the vibrant energy and passion of God's Word. From the mysterious Old Testament stories to the straightforward teachings of Jesus, to the encouraging early church letters, reading The Message will jump-start hearts, challenge minds, and forever change lives."

You can read this vibrant and relevant translation online here.