Paul writes to the church in Rome
Paul is bold enough to claim apostleship (he didn't travel with Jesus) but admits he is a slave (we translate this "servant") to Christ as well. "Apostle" means sent with a mission. This is a calling for Paul. The Call: to encourage Gentiles to faith (investment) in the resurrected Jesus and, out of that trust, to be obedient to Christ. Faith causes obedience. Obedience (you can see this in Jesus' teachings) may not lead to faith but may lead to self-righteousness.
The gospel (Good News) Paul preaches has power for anyone who invests in it. Those who do not invest will see a side of God that has always been there, his wrath. God loves but God also has expectations. Foolish people trust in themselves and make up their own "religion." A footprint of foolishness is lustful acts that are no grounded in God or true love. The ancient nature religion the Jews encountered (and often bought into) is still alive, even to this day. People worship stuff and their own selves before they worship God. Paul then list other footprints self-centered people leave behind (verses 29-30.)
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