For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. - Romans 2:28 –29 (ESV)

'God Bless You' says an anonymous stranger after I blew out a thunderous sneeze. It's a weird custom, but in polite company you hear it still uttered. Did you know it has odd, even superstitious origins? In the Middle Ages people had a much more active view of the supernatural world. For some reason, it was believed that a sneeze represented a demonic assault on an individual. (It probably started when someone thought they were cursed for having hay-fever.) The only way to ward off that spirit was with a specially uttered and timely blessing. Thus a custom was born.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” -- Romans 1:16 –17 (ESV)

Have you ever been ashamed of your faith? Maybe not outright shame, but maybe just a bit of hiding? Unwilling to mention it or make it an issue? Have you hoped that someone didn't bring up religion so you that you weren't obligated to enter the conversation? Did you feel guilty afterwards?

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. - Romans 2:1 (ESV)

This is the equation we live out most of the time. We live on a sliding scale of righteousness. We compare ourselves to those around us and somehow we always seem to end up on the better, cleaner, holier side of the scale. This is a church-people problem, but it actually has ancient roots. This week we step into Romans 2 . In this chapter, Paul continues to lay out the problem of our condition. Last week it might have been easy to look around and point at 'those people' but this week points squarely at us - 'good people'. Take a few minutes to read through the chapter to prepare your heart for worship.

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. -- Romans 1:11 –12 (ESV)

We often think of the gospel as something we need to share with unbelievers. It is the message through which they find peace with God. It's the story of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ and the implication and application of His actions. This is the message that unbelievers need.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. - Romans 1:18 –19 (ESV)

You go to see the doctor. Over the course of the last few months you have been plagued with chronic stomach issues. Some days are better, but most end in pain and nausea. Alongside these symptoms, you have a pulsing headache most of the time. Your feet seem to go numb occasionally. As you describe your symptoms, the doctor nods. As you finish, he makes a few notes. Without looking up he says, 'Well, I think you should take some Pepto for your stomach. Tylenol is good for headaches, and I would get some 'Support Socks' that promote better blood flow. I hope you feel better!' With that he turns and heads out of the room.

To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. -- Romans 1:7 (ESV)

This Sunday we begin the book of Romans. To be honest, I'm both scared and excited. I'm scared because this book stands out among the New Testament books not only because of it's size, but also because of its depth and scope. To tackle something of it's magnitude is scary. I want to get it right.