Creekside Community Church

In this episode, Pastor Donny Coulter begins laying the biblical foundation for a theology of marriage. These truths can only be received through dying to self, and surrender is not the end of joy—but the beginning of it. Contrasting the modern low view of marriage with God’s high and holy design, this message draws from Genesis 1–2 and Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 19 to show that marriage originates with God, is approved by God, spoken into being by God, and joined together by God. Marriage is a sacred covenant meant to reflect His purpose, unity, and blessing. Episode 05 (2026) | Marriage God’s Way The Theology of Marriage: Part 1 Recorded live February 1, 2026

Marriage God’s Way: The Theology of Marriage Review: These things that we will be talking about will be almost impossible to receive without DYING TO SELF It is critical that you consistently have a mind that is focused of dying When we talk of submission or understanding you will not be able to do it. Dying is not the end of happiness and fulfillment but just the opposite. It is the beginning of fulfillment and joy! Low view versus High view of the covenant of Marriage Low view/High View of marriage Modern problem – we have a low view of the sanctity and the beauty of marriage We have allowed our view to be shaped by something OUTSIDE of God’s Word and His heart Worldly philosophy Sitcom marriage Temporary happiness/pleasure This low view effects how we process the things life throws at us Conflict Loss of feelings Financial burdens or success The Collapse in the Godly marriage I believe God has this massive high and holy view of marriage that we have been desensitized to. Jesus disciples had the same kind of problem - Matthew 19:10 Jesus response Matthew 19:11,12 Today we will begin to build a theology of marriage – God’s design, God’s way as described in the Word of God Genesis 1:27, 28; 2:18-25 Marriage Comes From God 1 – Comes from God by design in creation Gen 1:27,28 - He made male and female just for marriage He made a man and a woman to be together and in most cases to procreate He BLESSED them – blessed the union and Identity The process of creation Gen 2:18-22 God himself made the pronouncement “It is not good to be alone” and “I will make” A partner PERFECTLY FITTED – suitable to him Only what God made for him would do God in his design made us compliment one another 2 – By Bringing her to Him Gen 2:22 He brought the bride By doing this God is saying “This union meets my approval – this is how I desire it to be done 3 – By the Word of His own mouth Gen 2:24 Moses is writing this but look at Jesus words in Matthew 19:1-6 God spoke the design and the union into existence 4 – By Joining the two into one Matt 19:6 The two shall be one – no longer two but one The JOINING agent is God

George Reynolds speaker, Cliff Coverdale music

In Part 3 of Living in Brokenness, Pastor Donny Coulter unpacks the cost, blessing, and motivation of dying to self through John 12:20–26. Following Jesus will cost us self-rule, self-defense, and the pursuit of this world—but that cost is not joyless. This message reveals the paradox of the Kingdom: life springs from death. As we die daily to ourselves, we bear fruit, gain eternal perspective, walk closely with Christ, and receive the honor of the Father. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 4:7–12, Pastor Donny reminds us that dying to self is not about changing our spouse, but about allowing the resurrection life of Jesus to be displayed in us—powerful, visible, and victorious. This episode calls couples to lay down self-mastery and embrace the life Christ promises: abundant, fruitful, and filled with true joy. Episode 04 (2026) | Marriage God’s Way Living in Brokenness: Part 3 Recorded live January 25, 2026

Marriage God’s Way Cost, Blessing and Motivation of Dying to Self John 12:20-26 “Jesus’ death for our salvation becomes our design for imitation” (John Piper) Doing this will absolutely COST you. Cost: Die to self-mastery - a daily experience! 12:24 Luke 9:23 parallel passage – daily dying Choosing Death to self over SELF DEFENSE Hate (love less than Me) your life in THIS WORLD 12:25 This is not your forever place/home IF you spend your life ONLY preparing this life you have not found this principle Follow me (to Calvary!) on path to death 12:26a Follow where? To Calvary! Death Serve me – being a servant in a world of power HARD! 12:26b In a World of power and prestige - He is first Blessing - The cost is not to the detriment of your JOY in this life!! John 15 I say these things That your joy may be Full John 10 I have come so that you can have abundant life! John said that 3:29 therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled! Die – Bear much fruit John 15 12:24 Gain ETERNAL life II Cor 4:17 12:25 When we follow we are WITH HIM!! 12:26a No place we should rather be than with Him Infinite glory, Infinite grace, Infinite love The HONOR of the Father Luke 12:37 12:26b The Father lavishes on us HONOR – value Motivation For Dying to Self II Corinthians 4:7-12 Dying in this life will bring out the character of Christ that is formed in us in the here and now Conformed to His image Rom 8:29 The resurrection life of Jesus will be manifested – visible – put on display IN YOUR BODY This life living in you empowers you to walk through difficulty and be victorious Not crushed not in despair not forsaken not destroyed Our motivation cannot be to make the other person change The Peanut Butter story We cannot die to change her/him, we die to change US! That resurrection life of Jesus becomes attractive!! HOMEWORK Read the Calvary Road together and have discussion around ideas in the book

Leviticus 8 & 9 (with recap of Chapters 6 & 7) presented by Pastor Donny Coulter

In Part 2 of Living in Brokenness, Pastor Donny Coulter addresses why culture celebrates ease and pleasure while marriages struggle to reflect unity and humility. Speaking at Creekside Community Church in Pincher Creek, Alberta, this message centers on Philippians 2:1–11, showing that unity—whether in the church or in marriage—is only sustained through humility, selflessness, and dying to self. Scripture leaves no room for selfish ambition, pride, or rivalry. Instead, we are commanded to esteem others above ourselves and to adopt the mind of Christ. Before we can live this out in our actions, we must first live it in our hearts. Jesus did not cling to position, reputation, or rights—He humbled Himself, became a servant, and obeyed even unto death. His sacrifice becomes our pattern. This episode calls listeners to confront pride, lay down self-rule, and embrace the only path that leads to true unity: the death of self so that Christ may be seen.

In Episode 2 of the Marriage God’s Way series, Pastor Donny Coulter addresses the root issue behind marital conflict: the self-centered human heart. Speaking at Creekside Community Church in Pincher Creek, Alberta, this message unpacks God’s design for marriage from Genesis 2:24 and why unity is so difficult when two sinners become one. When self rules, it produces irritation, resentment, bitterness, unforgiveness, and a closed spirit that leads relationships toward brokenness. Pastor Donny teaches that true healing begins with death to self. While the world discards what is broken, God redeems it. Rooted in John 12:20–26, this sermon reveals a Kingdom truth: life comes through death. Surrendering self-rule, following Christ, and choosing the path of brokenness leads not to loss, but to joy and abundant life. Couple’s Reflection: What is one area of my life in our marriage where I need to die to self?