The Blindspots Podcast: Recent Episodes
Rolo Bernales and Corey Williams
A podcast dedicated to helping First Baptist Church of the Lakes in Las Vegas, NV identify it's spiritual blind spots and more faithfully walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.
What does it really mean to be a disciple of Jesus? The pastors have a candid Q&A recorded at a men’s breakfast and they explore what discipleship is and what it isn’t. We look at how Jesus modeled obedience, why church attendance is not the same as faithfulness, and how following Christ always costs something...
In this episode, Pastor Rolo pulls back the curtain on his ministry journey, the early days of his calling, the burdens that almost broke him, and the joys that still keep him going. From church planting heartbreaks to unexpected encouragements, this conversation is raw, real, and rich with gospel hope. As he looks back on what it means to be a shepherd under Christ, Rolo reminds us that pastoral ministry isn’t about polish, it’s about perseverance.
In this episode of The Blindspots Podcast, Pastor Ed Romero shares his reflections on what it means to truly love your local church. From misconceptions about membership to the sacrifices that build up the body of Christ, this conversation offers both challenge and comfort for anyone who’s ever felt disillusioned, burdened, or blessed by church life.
Pastor Ed opens up about his own journey through discouragement, the beauty of covenant commitment, and why loving your church isn’t just about staying. Whether you're a long-time member or just starting to wrestle with the church membership, this episode invites you to see the church as Christ sees her and to love her accordingly.
“We will, if possible, unite with a church…” Church membership is not a season—it’s a calling. This final episode unpacks the closing lines of our covenant, urging believers to carry the spirit of faithfulness wherever God leads them. Whether you move, you don’t retire from covenant life. The blindspot? Treating membership like a location instead of a lifelong identity.
In episode 9 we discuss what we agree to do when conflict arises. How we handle it reveals what we truly believe about Christ’s rule over His church. This episode addresses the covenant call to resolve disputes under gospel authority, not worldly systems. We explore how Matthew 18, 1 Corinthians 6, and godly mediation form a roadmap for peace. The blindspot? Trusting human courts over Christ’s wisdom.
Episode 8 invites us into the sacrificial heart of biblical church life with this covenant line: "…to watch over one another… to aid in sickness… to be ready for reconciliation…” This episode exposes the spiritual blindspot of treating reconciliation and compassion as optional, sentimental, or one-sided. We explore how covenant love means presence during suffering, patience during conflict, and initiative in making peace. True covenant love imitates the love of Christ, who pursued us while we were enemies and bore our burdens to restore us.
Episode 7 explores the revised language of our covenant: “…to avoid drunkenness, intoxication, gluttony, or any practices that may jeopardize our own or another’s faith.” Here, we explore the biblical and theological rationale behind this amendment and unpack Christian liberty. While some may treat liberty as an absolute right, Scripture frames it as something exercised in love for others.
In Episode 6, we unpack the line in our covenant that calls us: “…to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment…” This episode explores how Christians are called to integrity in everyday life: at work, in business, in speech, and even in our online presence. This episode reminds us: integrity is not just a private virtue, it’s a public testimony to the lordship of Jesus Chris
In Episode 5 of What We Said Amen To, we reflect on the covenantal commitment: “We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions…”
This line reminds us that Christian faithfulness doesn’t begin when we walk into the church building, it begins at home. We ask: What does Scripture teach about private prayer, family worship, and instructing our children in the faith? Why are these often neglected? And what happens to a church when its members neglect their private walk with Christ?
“To contribute cheerfully and regularly…” Why does our covenant call for giving, and how has our church clarified that commitment through a recent amendment? In this episode, we explain why grace-driven giving matters, how it’s shaped by the gospel, and why members should view generosity as worship, not obligation. This episode also addresses a practical blindspot: treating giving legalistically or ignoring it altogether.
“To sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines…” Church life doesn’t run on autopilot. In this episode, we explore the weighty privilege of helping preserve the spiritual health of the body. Members aren’t passive observers, we are called to uphold worship, sound doctrine, biblical discipline, and the ordinances of Christ. We expose the blindspot of outsourcing theology to the pastors and recover the shared stewardship of truth.
“We engage… to walk together in Christian love.” In this episode we unpack what it means to walk in covenant love. Not as a vague sentiment, but a Spirit-empowered responsibility. We look at how the New Testament describes love in action, and why this kind of commitment exposes our blindspot: treating love as optional or passive. Christian love doesn’t just feel: it endures, corrects, forgives, and labors together for the glory of the Lord and the benefit of the saints
What does it mean to enter into covenant with a local church? In this opening episode, Pastors Rolo and Corey walk through the first line of our Church Covenant and show why church membership is far more than attendance. It’s a Spirit-led, joyful, and solemn commitment rooted in Scripture and in the shared life of God’s people. We explore biblical covenants, New Testament examples, and the historical wisdom of the 1689 Confession to answer one question: Is it right to make a promise like this?
This series is for the members of First Baptist Church of the Lakes, and for anyone wondering what it really means to belong to a local church. In What We Said Amen To, Pastors Rolo and Corey walk phrase-by-phrase through the church’s membership covenant, helping listeners rediscover the promises they made before God and one another.
These commitments flow from Scripture, reflect our confession of faith, and expose the spiritual blindspots that keep us from walking faithfully with Christ.
Each episode includes theological insight, biblical reflection, honest application, and a call to return to covenantal faithfulness. Not by guilt, but by grace.
In this episode of Blindspots, we take a serious look at the role of corporate prayer in the life of the church. God has ordained that His people not only pray individually but come together to lift up their voices in unison before His throne. There is power when the church prays together—a power that aligns us with the will of God and binds us together in His purposes.
As shepherds of the flock, pastors must lead the charge in fostering a culture of corporate prayer. We’ll open the Scriptures to see how God works through the unified prayers of His people and discuss the pastor’s role in igniting a passion for prayer among the congregation. Corporate prayer isn’t just an activity; it’s the lifeblood of the church’s relationship with God, and through it, the church is strengthened and emboldened to carry out the Great Commission.
If we’re going to see revival in our churches and communities, it will be because we’ve come together as one body, on our knees before God, pleading for His will to be done. Join us as we dive into this crucial topic and offer practical steps for cultivating corporate prayer in your church.
In this episode of Blindspots, we explore the importance of discipleship groups within the church and the vital role pastors play in guiding these groups. We discuss how discipleship groups foster community, provide a sense of belonging, and offer members the opportunity to walk together in faith. As pastors, our responsibility goes beyond preaching to personally investing in the lives of our congregation through these groups.
We dive into how discipleship groups help fulfill the Great Commission by equipping believers to make disciples in their local communities. Practical advice is given on how pastors can lead by example, provide training and resources for group leaders, and support their groups through prayer.
In this opening episode of the Blindspots Podcast's newformat, "Stories of Grace," Pastor Rolo and Pastor Corey interview members Tyler and Esmerelda who have experienced the heartache of two miscarriages.Through their story, we witness not only their pain but also the unwavering trust they place in God's sovereign care.
This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and hope that can be found during suffering. Through Tyler and Esmerelda's story, we are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that even in ourdeepest pain, His grace abounds.
On this episode of The Blindspots Podcast, Pastors Corey and Rolo tackle the issue of our emotions. Through a biblical perspective and real-life examples, they reveal the devastating impact that these blind spots can have. We pray it blesses you.
On this episode of The Blindspots Podcast, Pastor Corey Williams and Rolo Bernales tackle the issue of insider trading and political corruption, exposing the ugly truth behind these unethical practices. Through a biblical perspective and real-life examples, they reveal the devastating impact that these blind spots can have. We pray it blesses you.
Join Pastor Corey Williams and Rolo Bernales on The Blindspots Podcast as they confront the controversial issue of The Respect for Marriage Act and its challenge to traditional biblical understandings of marriage. We pray it blesses you.
Pastor Rolo and Pastor Corey are in studio with our wives discussing the roles, responsibilities and fears associated with being the wife of a pastor. We pray it bless you.
Pastor Rolo and Pastor Corey are in studio with our wives discussing the roles, responsibilities and fears associated with being the wife of a pastor. We pray it bless you.
We talk with the deacons of First Baptist Church of the Lakes to discuss thier roles, responsibilities and how they function in cooperation with the Pastors. We pray this episode blesses you.
Pastor Corey & Pasotr Rolo talk with Pastor Briggs about how he and his pastoral team at Immanuel Baptist Church deal with the topic of racism in the local church.
In this episode of the podcasst Pastors Rolo and Corey chat with Pasotr Briggs about his call to the ministry. Be blessed
Pastors Rolo and Corey interview Pastor Robert Briggs. He talks about his coming to faith and call to ministry.
The Pastors of First Baptist Church of The Lakes discuss plurality of elders, if such a model is biblical and the practial benefits of have multiple pastors in a local church.
The entire pastoral team from First Baptist Church of The Lakes is in studio discussing the call to pastoral ministry and their personal testimonies.
Pastors Rolo and Corey speak with a special guest Patrick K, about the pros and cons of traditional theological training.
We continue our ongoing conversation about godly fathers and spiritual leadership in the family.
In this episode we continue our discussion on godly father's and spiritual leadership. Links mentioned in episode: Accountability Software: Covenant Eyes How to secure home routers and devices: https://www.opendns.com/setupguide/#familyshield
In this episode we discuss the family's role and responsibility to be the primary religious teacher in their child's life. We also talk about how influential the father's role is discipling children.
Pastor Rolo and Deacon Corey comments on Nancy Pelosi's statement on Derek Chauvin's murder conviction and increasing amount of religious language being used by politicians and unbelievers.
Pastor Rolo and Brother Corey discuss Tim Keller's recent comments and discuss the claim of Jesus using a racial slur. ***
Tim Keller comments - https://onenewsnow.com/church/2021/03/15/evangelical-churches-incubators-for-christian-nationalism-keller *** Jesus used a racial slur - https://twitter.com/protnonsense/status/1368945170654367746
Pastor Rolo and Brother Corey talk about death, its inevitability and how it should influence believers. Sermons: https://fbclakes.podbean.com Contact us at: fbclakes.org
Pastor Rolo & Corey talk about the cost of sin. Sin does not stay in place, it spreads to all those around you.
Sermons: https://fbclakes.podbean.com/ Contact us at: fbclakes.org
Pastor Rolo & Corey discuss the irony of the failed attempted at inclusivity in the opening prayer of 117th session of the United States Congress.
Sermons: https://fbclakes.podbean.com/
Contact us at: fbclakes.org
The SBC recently sent an email saying SBC churches should be encouraged by the ethnic diversity numbers. We disagree, listen to the episode to find out why. Also, we discuss church membership and church discipline.