SBC News

FORT WORTH (BP) – Imagine being a child at the mall asking Santa Claus for a wish he cannot possibly fulfill. Now imagine watching as Santa bows his head in prayer to ask God to make your wish come true.

RICHMOND, Va., (BP) -- Sending people to the nations is what we do as Southern Baptists. We go to those who have yet to hear the Gospel. This year has been filled with stories of how, together, we address lostness as the world’s greatest problem.

Most have heard the ancient proverb, “Familiarity breeds contempt.” Some trace the pithy premise back to Aesop’s fable of a fox that lived in such proximity to a lion that he was terribly afraid. Over time, though, the interaction between the animals became more casual. Soon, the fox strolled up to the lion, only to be devoured as a result.

NASHVILLE (BP) – Southern Baptists looked back 100 years to commemorate the adoption of their unifiedgiving plan and their statement of faith. They looked back 15 years to examine the impact of the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force. And they are looking forward as several entities are poised to name new leaders in 2026. These are Baptist Press’ selections for the most significant stories of 2025.

WAKE FOREST, N.C. – For Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Judson College, the year 2025 brought with it significant milestones and a season of reflection and gratitude for all that God has done over the past many years.

MOUNTAIN PINE, Ark. – First Baptist Church in Mountain Pine received a sweet surprise on their security camera this month when a young boy stopped at the church’s manger scene. 

Colson Brooks learned the importance of taking just one step during the two years he spent as a Missionary Explorer for the International Mission Board.

NASHVILLE (BP) – No matter how many times Michael York preaches on Christ’s incarnation, it never ceases to amaze him.

ASHLAND, La. (LBM) – A deacon and treasurer from Ashland Baptist Church have been arrested for alleged theft of more than $156,000 from the church.

A well-known podcaster recently brought the topic of hell to the forefront by advocating for annihilationism or conditionalism, the belief that the soul of the nonbeliever ceases to exist at the final judgment. A stir of responses followed! The doctrine of hell has always been a controversial one. The traditional view of hell as eternal conscious torment has so often been accused of being cruel, and even dare I say, unjust? Add to this medieval depictions of souls in agony burning forever in literal fire and it's a topic to offend even a passive skeptic. It may be helpful to consider the Bible’s teaching on hell again, with some help from C. S. Lewis.