We are familiar with the Seven Churches as found in Revelation 2 and 3; however I’d like to look into why each church was either alive or dead, and what can be learned about each one.

Now a church is a group of people attending together worshiping God, so the churches themselves fall into these groups when the members themselves do the same.

Sixth warning: The charge to remain faithful until death.

This warning comes from the church of Smyrna in Revelation 2: 10

Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Unfortunately sometimes bad things do happen to good people. Churches themselves have difficulties sometimes, so why would we expect any different in our lives, however how those difficulties are dealt with determines their- and our- health spiritually. We must remember that the "10 days" referenced isn't real, it just means that difficulties are temporary.

This persecuted church was called “rich” even amidst others blaspheming them. They were rich even when in poverty and tribulation. So too can we be. Spiritually rich. And how are we spiritually rich during trials? 1 Peter 1: 6-9

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

This was true for the saints in the first century, it was true for the church, it is true for both even today. Including ourselves, of course. 

So we must remember during our own trials the blessings that come from overcoming them.