The Remnant who loves

A Faithful Remnant: In a World of Compromise

Good morning everyone! I’m so glad to be able to finally preach at Hollywood church. This is my second time being here and my first time preaching here.

pray

I want to take you back to a pivotal moment in American history—the Greensboro sit-ins of the 1960s.

Imagine a group of college students at North Carolina A&T State University, deeply disturbed by the injustices of segregation and racism that plagued their society. On February 1, 1960, four young men—Ezell Blair Jr., David Richmond, Franklin McCain, and Joseph McNeil—decided they could no longer stand by and watch. They had a vision of a better world, one where all people would be treated equally, regardless of the color of their skin.

With nothing but their faith in God and a commitment to justice, these students boldly walked into a Woolworth’s lunch counter, took their seats, and ordered coffee. When they were refused service because of their race, they didn’t react with anger or violence; instead, they quietly remained seated, embodying a powerful testimony of peaceful protest.

As word spread, more students joined their cause. Day after day, they returned to the lunch counter, steadfast in their commitment to nonviolence and equality. They faced insults, threats, and even physical violence, yet they stood firm. They were a remnant—small in number, but mighty in purpose.

These students remind us of a profound truth: In the face of overwhelming societal pressure to conform, even a small group can create a ripple effect of change. Their courage and commitment to their cause inspired countless others to join the movement for civil rights. They showed that standing firm in one’s beliefs can lead to transformation, not just in individual lives, but in entire communities.

Even though the group was small, even though everywhere around them teaches to not love everyone, they stayed faithful to their beliefs.

In the Bible, In every generation, God always preserves a remnant who remains devoted to Him and have a kind of commitment that brings hope and purpose in our lives.

but first how do we define the remnant?

In the Bible, a remnant is that part of God’s people that remains faithful to Him, especially in times of crisis and apostasy.

Jon L. Dybdahl, ed., Andrews Study Bible Notes (Berrien Springs, MI: Andrews University Press, 2010), 1702.

"Have you experienced a crisis in your life that shook the very foundation of who you are? Perhaps it was a time when everything you thought was secure suddenly crumbled. Was it a moment when you felt alone, questioning your purpose, or facing fear and uncertainty that seemed impossible to overcome? How did that crisis impact your faith, your relationships, and your outlook on life? Did you find yourself searching for meaning or answers in the middle of that storm? Did it bring moments of doubt or times when you clung to hope more desperately than ever before? God sometimes leads us through this experience so that we can put our faith in Him. And as we walk through that valley with God, we come out changed—stronger, wiser, or with a deeper understanding of God's presence and promises"

there are many characteristics of the remnant, but we are going to be focusing on three of those characteristics. we are going to be looking at three passages this morning,

1. Elijah: Not Alone

1 Kings 19:14–18 “And he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; because the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” Then the Lord said to him: “Go, return on your way to the Wilderness of Damascus; and when you arrive, anoint Hazael as king over Syria. Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place. It shall be that whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, Jehu will kill; and whoever escapes the sword of Jehu, Elisha will kill. Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.””

"Elijah felt alone—truly and utterly alone. Despite being one of the greatest prophets of God, he experienced moments of profound isolation and despair. After standing boldly against the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel and witnessing God’s powerful display of fire from heaven, one might expect Elijah to be overflowing with confidence and faith. But soon after this triumphant moment, he found himself running for his life from Queen Jezebel, who sought to kill him.

In the wilderness, exhausted and overwhelmed, Elijah sat under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die, saying, ‘I have had enough, Lord. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors’ (1 Kings 19:4). This moment reveals a deeply human side of Elijah—a man who, despite his faith and the miracles he had witnessed, felt defeated, afraid, and abandoned. He believed he was the only one left who still worshipped the true God, thinking his work had been in vain and that no one stood with him.

Yet, in Elijah’s lowest moment, God did not leave him alone. An angel came to provide nourishment, and God’s gentle voice came not in the roaring wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a still, small whisper. In that whisper, God reminded Elijah that He was present, and that Elijah’s journey was not over. Perhaps most encouraging of all, God revealed that Elijah was not as isolated as he thought—there were 7,000 in Israel who had not bowed their knees to Baal or kissed his image (1 Kings 19:18). Elijah’s belief that he was alone was shattered by the truth: God had a remnant of faithful people, and Elijah was part of something far bigger than his fears.

"Have you ever felt alone in your faith, as though you were the only one holding onto hope when everyone around you seemed indifferent or distant? Were there moments when you wondered if anyone truly understood your convictions, your prayers, or the struggles you faced in maintaining your beliefs? Did you ever sit in a room full of people, perhaps even at church or with friends, yet feel isolated in your spiritual journey? What emotions did those times stir within you—doubt, loneliness, or perhaps a longing for deeper connection? Did you wrestle with questions like, 'Am I the only one who feels this way?' or 'Does anyone else hear God’s voice the way I do?' And during those times, where did you turn for reassurance, comfort, or community? What did it take to remind you that even in solitude, you were never truly alone, and that God’s presence was with you in every quiet, unseen moment?"

"When you feel that you are alone, remember that God is with you, surrounding you with His unfailing love and guiding you through every step, even when you can’t see the path clearly. In those moments when loneliness grips your heart and you question whether anyone else shares your journey or understands your struggles, pause and remind yourself that you are not the first to feel this way. There are countless others, both past and present, who have stood in faith through times of isolation and doubt. The Bible reminds us that even the great prophets and followers of God experienced moments of loneliness—Elijah thought he was the only faithful one left until God revealed there were 7,000 others who had not bowed to idols.

Remember, too, that around the world and within your community, there are people who share your love for God and have not turned away from Him. They may be quietly enduring their own trials, upholding their faith even when it’s difficult, just like you. Seek comfort in the unseen fellowship of believers and the stories of those who persevered before you. Reach out, share your journey, and find that you are part of a much larger family of faith. Most importantly, let the assurance that God is ever-present, even in silence, fill your heart. He promises never to leave or forsake you, and He stands by you, steadfast and true, through every moment of your life. So, when the shadows of loneliness creep in, let His presence be your light, and know that you are part of a greater community of believers who continue to walk with Him."

So, when we feel like Elijah—alone, discouraged, or that our efforts are unnoticed—let us remember that God is with us in every moment, both mighty and still. Let us also take comfort in knowing there are others who remain faithful, even if we cannot always see them. God’s work continues, and His people are never truly alone."

2. Isaiah: A Returning Remnant

Isaiah 10:20–23 “And it shall come to pass in that day That the remnant of Israel, And such as have escaped of the house of Jacob, Will never again depend on him who defeated them, But will depend on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. The remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, To the Mighty God. For though your people, O Israel, be as the sand of the sea, A remnant of them will return; The destruction decreed shall overflow with righteousness. For the Lord God of hosts Will make a determined end In the midst of all the land.”

"The remnant will return—a powerful and hope-filled promise that has echoed throughout the pages of Scripture. This phrase, often used by prophets such as Isaiah, speaks to a deeper truth about God’s unending faithfulness and His plan to restore His people, no matter how far they have strayed or how dire the circumstances seem. In the context of ancient Israel, the remnant referred to the small group of faithful believers who, despite the nation's widespread rebellion and the harsh consequences that followed, would be preserved by God and ultimately restored to their land and their covenant with Him.

When Isaiah spoke of the remnant, he was addressing a people who faced exile, destruction, and a loss of identity. The Assyrian and Babylonian captivities were times of great despair, when hope seemed distant and the future uncertain. Yet, God promised that a faithful few would remain—those who clung to Him in the midst of chaos and held fast to His commands. ‘A remnant shall return, the remnant of Jacob, to the Mighty God’ (Isaiah 10:21). This promise was not just about physical restoration to their homeland but a spiritual renewal, a return to God’s presence, worship, and blessing.

The message of the remnant is timeless and applies beyond the pages of Israel’s history. It reminds us that no matter how broken a community, church, or individual may be, God’s plan includes redemption and renewal. The remnant is a symbol of hope for all believers that, even in times of spiritual decline, there will always be those who are steadfast in faith. They are the ones who will rise again, not by their own strength, but by the sustaining grace of God.

In our own lives, the promise of the remnant reassures us that when everything seems lost—when faith appears to be dwindling in the world, or we feel surrounded by challenges—God’s faithful ones will endure and return to Him. It’s a call to hold onto hope and continue steadfast in belief, knowing that God preserves His people and keeps His promises. The remnant will return, and with them comes the light of renewal, rebuilding what was broken, and the reassurance that God’s covenant stands unshaken."

"What if we go through trials—will the remnant return? This question echoes the doubts and fears many believers experience in the face of suffering, uncertainty, and hardship. The story of the remnant is a testament to the truth that, even through the most severe trials, God’s promise remains unbroken and His people will not be forsaken. Trials have always been a part of the journey of faith, not just for individuals but for entire communities. They test resolve, purify motives, and deepen dependence on God. But will those who are faithful endure, and will they return from the trials that threaten to overwhelm them? The answer, rooted in the very heart of Scripture, is a resounding yes.

The Bible is full of examples that affirm this truth. Think of the Israelites in captivity, driven from their land and stripped of their freedom. Their identity as God’s chosen people was tested, and the question arose: would they ever return? Yet, even after years in Babylon, God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah with the assurance, ‘For I know the plans I have for you... plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’ (Jeremiah 29:11). Despite the trials, the remnant did return—rebuilding Jerusalem, reestablishing worship, and renewing their covenant with God.

In the New Testament, this idea is further illuminated through the early church. The believers faced persecution, scattering them and testing their faith under fire. But instead of faltering, the church grew stronger, proving that even under immense trials, God’s people would not only survive but thrive. ‘We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed’ (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). These words remind us that God sustains His people through every hardship, ensuring that the remnant—the faithful—will endure and return.

In our present-day challenges, the same promise holds true. When we face trials that shake our faith to its core, we can trust that God is with us, refining us like gold in the fire. The remnant will return, not through their own strength, but through the steadfast love and power of God. Even when the world around us appears to be losing hope, God is at work, preserving those who remain true to Him. Our trials may be daunting, but they are not the end. They are often the prelude to renewal, rebirth, and revival.

So when you ask, ‘Will the remnant return?’ know that the answer lies in God’s faithfulness. Yes, they will return. They will come back stronger, with a deeper faith and a testimony that speaks to God’s unwavering commitment to His people. The trials may be fierce, but they are not permanent; God’s promise is."

3. Paul: Grace-Preserved Remnant

Romans 11:1–5 “I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life”? But what does the divine response say to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.”

In the context of Paul’s letter to the Romans, he speaks to both Jewish and Gentile believers, assuring them that God has not abandoned His covenant with Israel. Despite the rejection of the Messiah by many, there remained a faithful remnant—a group chosen and upheld by God’s grace. This grace is unearned and reflects the very nature of God’s mercy. It is a gift that no human effort or merit can claim, showcasing that the existence of the remnant is solely due to God’s gracious decision.

The concept of a remnant according to the election of grace has deep roots in the Old Testament as well. From the time of the prophets like Isaiah and Elijah, who felt isolated in their faith and believed they were the last of God’s faithful, God assured them that there were still thousands who had not bowed to idols. This continuity of a remnant shows that God’s purpose cannot be thwarted, and His people are never fully abandoned.

At this present time, Paul’s declaration rings true for believers as well. Despite a world that often turns away from spiritual truths and embraces darkness, God’s grace ensures that there are still those who hold fast to His Word and remain faithful. It serves as a reminder to believers that their calling and endurance are rooted not in their own strength but in the unmerited favor and choice of God. This election of grace is a call to humility, recognizing that it is not by works or status that one is part of this remnant, but by the boundless mercy and love of God.

Furthermore, this verse invites reflection on what it means to be part of the remnant today. It is a call to stand firm in faith, embody the hope and light of God in a world that can seem increasingly distant from Him, and trust that His grace is sufficient. The existence of a remnant serves as a beacon of God’s promises fulfilled and His continued work in the lives of His people, ensuring that even in challenging times, there is hope, purpose, and a steadfast remnant according to His grace.

God is seeking a faithful remnant—a community of believers who will continue to love Him and love others, even in a world that often strays from the truth. in a world that often does not love.

Application:

"God encourages Christians to stay committed to their faith and love for others, even when the world seems to pull them in a different direction. In an age where values and beliefs are constantly challenged and redefined, holding onto faith can feel like swimming against a powerful current. Temptations, pressures, and the voices of the world can create doubt, making it difficult to remain steadfast. Yet, throughout Scripture, we find God’s call for His people to persevere and remain true to Him and His teachings. This call is not just a directive but an invitation into a deeper relationship, where trust in God surpasses the noise of the world.

God’s encouragement is evident in the stories of countless faithful individuals. Daniel, who stood firm in prayer despite the threat of the lion’s den, and Esther, who risked her life to save her people, are profound examples of unwavering faith in the face of immense pressure. These stories remind Christians that staying committed to their faith is not without its challenges, but it is always met with God’s presence and reward. 'Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain' (1 Corinthians 15:58). This verse is a beacon for those who feel the strain of holding on when the world calls them in different directions.

Staying committed also means nurturing a genuine love for others, even when it goes against society’s norms of self-preservation and individualism. Jesus taught that love for God and love for neighbor are the greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-39). This love is not conditional or selective but reflects the sacrificial love Christ showed on the cross. It is through this steadfast love that Christians bear witness to the transforming power of God’s grace. Even when faced with hostility or indifference, believers are called to respond with kindness, patience, and compassion, demonstrating that their commitment is rooted in something far greater than human opinion—it's anchored in divine truth.

God’s promise to honor those who remain faithful is woven throughout His Word. 'Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him' (James 1:12). This assurance fuels perseverance and hope, reminding Christians that God sees and values their faithfulness, even when it is not recognized by the world. It’s a reminder that the ultimate reward is not found in earthly accolades but in the eternal promise of God’s presence and peace.

In moments when it feels like faithfulness is a lonely path, God whispers His reassurance: ‘I am with you always, to the end of the age’ (Matthew 28:20). This promise affirms that believers are never alone in their commitment. God honors those who stay true, and their faithfulness becomes a testimony of His enduring grace and strength, inspiring others to hold fast to their convictions and love, no matter what challenges they face."

How this passage could point to Christ:

"Throughout the Bible, Jesus represents the ultimate faithful remnant, the embodiment of perfect devotion and steadfast love. He is the fulfillment of God’s promise that, no matter how bleak the circumstances, there will always be One who remains faithful to the Father’s will. From the beginning of creation to the final redemption, Jesus stands as the central figure who demonstrates that God’s love and commitment to humanity endures through all generations.

In His life on earth, Jesus faced every conceivable challenge: temptation, betrayal, rejection, and unimaginable suffering. Yet, He remained unwavering in His mission, upholding truth, mercy, and love even when surrounded by hostility and disbelief. When He prayed in Gethsemane, sweating drops of blood as He anticipated the cross, we see the depth of His faithfulness. He could have chosen to walk away from the pain and suffering, but His words resound with commitment: 'Not my will, but yours be done' (Luke 22:42). This moment is a testament to His perfect obedience and dedication to the Father, showcasing that He is the true remnant who holds steadfast to God’s plan, no matter the cost.

Jesus’ journey on earth was not just a demonstration of His faithfulness but an assurance to us that God’s love is relentless. In Him, we see that the promise of the remnant—a faithful, unyielding presence in the face of adversity—has been fulfilled. Jesus embodies the truth that even when the world turns away, God’s covenant endures. He bridges the gap between humanity and God, proving that His love is stronger than any force that seeks to separate us from Him. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus affirms that God’s commitment to His people is unfaltering, spanning from the time of the patriarchs and prophets to the present day and beyond.

Because of Jesus’ example, we find the strength and courage to maintain our own faithfulness, no matter what challenges we face. The world may shift, values may change, and trials may come, but the unchanging presence of Christ is our anchor. He understands the weight of our struggles, having endured them Himself, and He offers us His strength. 'Take heart; I have overcome the world' (John 16:33) are words that remind us that we are not alone in our battles; the One who has already overcome stands beside us.

In Christ, the ultimate faithful remnant, we see that our faith is not in vain. His life is a call for us to persevere, not in our own power, but through the power He imparts to us. As we look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, we are encouraged to stand firm, knowing that His love will sustain us, and His victory ensures that God’s promise of redemption and steadfastness remains true for all who believe. Through Him, we are part of a greater story of grace, one that assures us that faithfulness will be rewarded and that God’s love indeed perseveres across the ages."Today, we are called to be a faithful remnant, just like those courageous students. We are called to stand firm in our faith, to love others, and to advocate for justice in a world that often turns a blind eye. Just as the Greensboro sit-in students took action for what they believed in, we, too, are challenged to live out our convictions, trusting that God can use our faithfulness to inspire change and bring hope to those around us.

Let us be reminded that God honors those who remain faithful, even when the world around them compromises. Together, we can be that remnant, shining brightly in the darkness, and standing firm for truth and justice in a world that desperately needs it.