BETTER TOGETHER FOR THE GOSPEL

St. Charles | Bob Ingle
March 1, 2026

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (ESV)

* We Are Better Together for the Gospel Because…

1. Partnership Multiplies the MISSION.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 (ESV)

“Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.” Acts 13:2-3 (ESV)

2. Partnership Strengthens the WORKERS.

“For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” Ecclesiastes 4:10 (ESV)

“It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.” Philippians 1:7 (ESV)

We don’t plant churches because it’s EASY, but because it’s ESSENTIAL.

3. Partnership Amplifies the IMPACT.

“And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him.” Ecclesiastes 4:12a (ESV)

“It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known.” Romans 15:20 (NIV)

Church multiplication is not about EGO; it’s about ETERNITY.

4. Partnership Anchors Us in CHRIST.

“…a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12b (ESV)

“I will build My church…” Matthew 16:18 (ESV)

“And I am sure of this, that HE who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 (ESV)