Here is a list of the things I’m thinking about & working on, my current “research agenda”.

1. Pastoral Implications of the Atonement

One of my main interests is the pastoral use of the different atonement “theories”. The New Testament presents several different pictures of how Jesus’ death saves & impacts us. Those presented in the NT are all in harmony with the overarching theology of the Bible. (There are other theories that are either not in harmony or have critical weaknesses & are best “folded” into other theories.)

I will be lecturing on this topic (the pastoral implications of the atonement) in English in Zagreb in spring 2026.

2. Human Nature & Law-Keeping

Paul’s view of human nature, as presented in his letters, is pessimistic as to law-keeping. In other words, Paul doesn’t believe we can perfectly keep God’s commands in our daily lives.

Matthew and James (?), on the other hand, seem to believe that law-keeping is possible, even not too uncommon.

How do we navigate the apparent contradiction? And again, what are the pastoral implications?

3. Disciplemaking in the Pastoral Epistles

The letters to Timothy & Titus are RICH with suggestive teaching about how Christians grow in maturity & Christlikeness. What can we take from these oft-neglected letters & apply to disciplemaking in our churches?

4. Loving Enemies

Jesus commands us to love our enemies & to pray for those who oppose us, even those who oppose us with violence. What does “enemy love” look like in America in 2025? How can this help us understand our place in a pluralistic country?