Paul is writing to the Roman church, in advance of his arrival there. The church primarily consisted of Jews who had gone to Rome as a part of spreading the Good News.

Paul starts by trying to establish his authority as someone chosen by God. In verse 6, though, he recognizes the calling upon the lives of those to whom he is writing.

Paul expresses that he is praying and pulling for those in Rome, but also that he is highly encouraged by all he hears about them. This is a great example of the power of Christian community -- those joined together for common cause, praying for one another and also encouraged by one another. There is no room for arguing with one another over petty differences if we're truly together under God's banner.

Paul says in verse 19 that the truth about God is known to people instinctively but, blinded by the world and our humanity, we push God away. Do you agree with that? I do believe that we are all born with a sense of justice ... a sense of right and wrong ... a type of inborn morality that has to come from a greater source ... but we do indeed try to stuff it away. And we get misguided. For many years, even though I considered myself a Christian, I was misguided as to what that meant and, of course, even today I am still growing and learning.

Verse 30 says that we are forever inventing new ways of sinning ... when you look at society, 2,000 years later -- wow -- isn't that still the truth?

Ultimately, as pointed out in Romans 1, God leaves us to a choice. It is up to us -- follow Him or follow the ways of the world. Inherent in that statement is that following the ways of the world would include NOT following God. But that is an interesting thing to think about ... can a person NOT follow God but yet still live within the confines of His morality and teachings? I believe that is possible but yet that person still falls short of bring God's word to others ... to the corners of the earth ... and glorifying Him.