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.

Second warning:  The danger of compromise.

This warning comes from the church of Pergamos in Revelation 2: 14-16

 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.  Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

 Pergamos became known as a dead church because of their allowing false doctrine to be taught in the church

Disaster comes when a church allows just any teaching or doctrine to creep into the church, but that's not love, it's hate. Hate for the members and the church's reputation. What message are we teaching those weaker in the faith [and those around us] if we allow just anything to be seen as doctrinal as what is spiritually sound?

Let's consider the warning given to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 12: 29-32

“When the Lord your God cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land, take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way; for every abomination to the Lord which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.

 “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.

So how are we to prevent this from creeping in? Romans 16: 17-18

 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.  For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. 

We are to notice those trying to destroy the church. If there are any contradictions or uncertanties, they must be squashed immediately. After all, those who may not be as mature or spiritually strong may doubt or be lead away, or not even that, there may be some division, which has killed [or just about] good churches.

If we allow these things within the church, our reputation and all the good we do can and will quickly fall away