The Pastor Speaks
A Word From Our Pastor
THE SALT OF THE EARTH
Definition of Salt in the Bible
“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” Matthew 5:13
The Bible mentions salt at least 40 times. Salt at one time had religious significance, and was a symbol of purity. Among the Hebrews, it was a religious custom to rub newborn babies with salt to ensure their good heath. Among many peoples, salt is still used as a sign of honor , friendship, and hospitality. The Arabs say “there is salt between us,” meaning “we have eaten together, and are friends.”
Also dating back to the days when workers were paid either all or part of their wages in salt, is the modern expression “not worth his salt.” It literally meant that a man did not earn his wages.
“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Colossians 4:5-6
Salt Creates Thirst
· Speak in such a manner that others will desire to “ taste and see” that the Lord Jesus Christ is good.
· Tell what God has done for you, how He changed your life, and how much better life is.
· Talk about the Joy of the Lord…about the Peace of God in your soul.
Jesus said to the woman at the well, “Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.” John 4:13-15.
The woman was so excited she left her waterpot and went into the city witnessing to all of what Jesus had done for her. She seasoned her testimony with salt. And they went out of the city, and came unto him.
How to Stay Salty for the Lord.
1. Walk with God everyday.
2. Be obedient to His word.
3. Stay filled with the Spirit.
4. Let the fruits of the spirit be manifested in your life.
Phillip & Doris Dugas wedding on October 15, 1960
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:22-26
A WORD ABOUT OUR PASTOR
Phillip Dugas was born and raised in a minister's home. At an early age he heard the Word of God taught in church and discussed in the home. As a boy, he grew up in Prineville, OR. At the age of twelve, his family moved to Long Beach, CA. He graduated from Polytechnic High School of Long Beach, CA in 1951. He also attended Long Beach City College. After serving in the U.S. Army in Germany in 1953-55, he returned to Long Beach. In 1957 he committed his life to the Lord Jesus Christ and to the work of the ministry. Shortly thereafter he attended Western Apostolic Bible College (now Christian Life College) in Stockton, CA in 1957 through 1960. He graduated with a 3 year diploma in June 1960, and was ordained into the ministry of the United Pentecostal Church, Intl. in the latter part of June, 1960. He later went on to earn his BA Degree in English Bible, which was awarded on June 5, 1964.
On October 15, 1960 he married a classmate and fellow graduate, Doris Galpin. They traveled in Evangelistic work for two years, then settled down in the town of Oroville, CA to pastor a small Home Missions church that met in a Grange Hall. It wasn't long before a new church building was erected and dedicated to the work of the Lord. That building is still in use today. Phillip worked for the State of California Dept. of Water Resources as a Surveyor on the Oroville Dam Project. During the nine years they were in Oroville, three children were born to them - John, Deborah and Andrew.
In the years to follow, Phillip pastored churches in Ashland, OR, Salem, OR, and twice in Portland, OR. He also was called to serve on the Staff of his alma mater, Christian Life College two separate times. In 1973-76 he was Executive Vice President of Western Apostolic Bible College (now Christian Life College). In 1985-1996 he served as Dean of Students and Instructor at Christian Life College, majoring in the teaching of Eschatology (End-time Bible Prophecy). During this time, he attended the Western Seminary campus in San Jose, CA and graduated with an MA degree in Exegetical Theology on June 26, 1993. (Western Seminary headquarters are located in Portland, OR.)
In 1996 he became Pastor of Abundant Life Church of Portland and is continuing to serve in that capacity.
Below: Phillip Dugas Age 10 - Prineville, OR in 1943
