The Proof Is In the Pudding

I grew up hearing folks say, “The proof is in the pudding.” Actually, being from Kentucky, the majority of them may have said, “The proof is in the puddin’.” What does this statement actually mean? According to the online dictionary.com, it means,

The proof is in the pudding is an expression that means the value, quality, or truth of something must be judged based on direct experience with it—or on its results. The expression is an alteration of an older saying that makes the meaning a bit clearer: the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

In other words, you determine the value based upon experiencing the product you receive.

Someone can say they have the best dessert in the county, but you will not know that to be true or not until you have tasted it.

Another may claim to be the best singer in the world, but you will not know if their claim is true until you have heard him or her.

For today’s post, let me take a moment to express gratitude for those who spoke in our senior chapel yesterday at Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary. We had the opportunity to taste the pudding, and it was good.

 

Senior Chapel

We have Senior Chapel two times per year, once in the fall and once in the spring. During this chapel, the faculty choose graduating seniors to speak to their fellow classmates. As their time as students draws to a close, we ask the guys and girls to share their testimony with us about their time at Baptist Bible College. We invite them to shape their 10-15 minutes around a lesson they have learned, an experience they had, or a particular text that has meant so much to them. These testimonies encourage and challenge their classmates, the underclassmen, and the faculty.

Yesterday, Logan Emmerth, Cody Gaeta, and Makala Finks all shared their testimonies with us. I found all three of them to be challenging and encouraging. In all three, they pointed us to specific passages that have helped them through their time as a student, and also prepares them as they embark on their future.

 

Logan:

Logan explained how God used 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 to help him realize that God does not want him or any of us to live for fame, to make ourselves great, or anything similar; but instead, to live for Jesus Christ alone and Him crucified. Specifically, he challenged us to answer the question, “What is our focus?” He went on to ask, “Is it on your kingdom and being known by others? Or is your focus on Jesus Christ?” Further, he challenged us to depend upon Christ and the power of the cross.

And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (1 Cor 2:1-5)

It was especially rewarding to listen to Logan since I first met him as one of his fourth-grade football coaches in Ozark. I’ve known him now all those years. Since then, he became a follower of Jesus Christ, and now he finished his preparation to become a fellow church planter.

 

Cody:

Cody discussed some pressure-filled circumstances that he had experienced both in high school and after beginning Baptist Bible College. He explained to us that one particular passage had radically transitioned the way he handled and experienced these trials or pressures. Using James 1:2-4, Cody also helped us think through how we may also be helped in the midst of these pressures. He explained how God used the pressure in his own life to better become more like Jesus Christ, and how we can also respond to the pressures in our life for growth as well.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4)

 

Makala:

Makala shared her testimony around the dual realities of suffering and sin as a student. In other words, the demands of go,go,go and do,do,do can distract us from being openly thankful to God for where we are in life to a diminished view of God, our circumstances, and gratitude. However, she used Psalm 138 to describe how her own heart had been challenged to keep her feet firmly planted in worship, gratitude, and a firm confidence in God’s work in and for you. As one of her professors, it was especially encouraging to hear her emphasize God’s covenant faithfulness.

The Lord will perfect that which concerns me;
Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands. (Psalm 138:8)

What about the pudding?

As a professor at BBC, we like to see demonstrations of good, quality learning. Yesterday was just that. All three students both challenged and encouraged us through their testimonies. They explained how God’s Word had provided them the necessary insight and perspective to honor God in their lives. Each one also explained these passages that mean so much to them personally with a careful eye for context and meaning.

Our pudding tasted good yesterday.

Our goal for all our students as they enter Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary is simple:

Enter to Learn

Go forth to Serve 

As yesterday is evidence of the preparation for that, They entered to learn, which they demonstrated. I’m thankful for the opportunity to help make that happen. What a joy (and a prayer) to consider how God may use these three seniors and the rest of their class for His glory as they do go forth to serve.

 

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