Podcasts about Majesty

This new episode with Pastor Dan Burrell and LIFE's worship pastor, Jason Lanier, perfectly parallels our new sermon series, Majesty & Mystery: A Fresh Look at Worship, as they discuss Biblical worship in more detail. 

Fresh off WWE Crown Jewel, The MAJesty dives into the fallout including what looks like a legitimate injury to Seth Rollins. Should Rollins be forced to vacate the World Heavyweight Championship? And if so, who's next in line to carry the title?Peter breaks down his travel nightmare en route to Orlando, while we try to make sense of why Dip remains the most technically challenged man in podcasting.Listen to Cheap Heat Live Fridays 12pm- 2pm EST on Pro Wrestling Nation 24/7 on Channel 156.Call in at 844-344-4893Wanna stay MAJ?Join our PateronFollow @cheapheatpod on Instagram and subscribe to Rosenberg's Youtube Channel.Email the show Rosenbergwrestling@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part 2 of our series on the Best Skis of the Century, Luke Koppa and Sascha Anastas join Jonathan Ellsworth to dive into the best skis from 23 more brands, and we also discuss some of the best and most notable women-specific skis of the past 25 years.Note: We Want to Hear From You!Please let us know if there's a topic you'd like us to cover or a guest you'd like us to have on GEAR:30. Or if you'd like to nominate yourself for a ‘Gear Therapy' episode, let us know that, too! You can email us at info@blisterreview.comRELATED LINKS:Our Digital Buyer's Guide: Read NowBLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredDiscounted Summit Registration for BLISTER+ MembersNon-Member Registration: Blister Summit 2026Order Our 25/26 Winter Buyer's GuideGet Our Newsletter & Weekly Gear GiveawaysTOPICS & TIMES:New BLISTER+ Members (2:37)Sascha on Women's Skis from Part 1 (3:58)SCOTT (16:38)Armada (18:23)4FRNT (24:40)Zag (28:12)Moment (29:49)Liberty (33:26)Prior (37:30)DPS (38:54)Icelantic (45:33)Black Crows (47:58)Faction (49:25)Wagner (51:46)Majesty (55:31)ON3P (56:37)Folsom (1:04:38)RMU (1:07:14)Shaggy's (1:09:00)Meier (1:10:15)Whitedot (1:11:18)J Skis (1:12:20)Parlor (1:15:17)Coalition Snow (1:16:13)Renoun (1:18:39)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To get live links to the music we play and resources we offer, visit www.WOSPodcast.comThis show includes the following songs:Liv Fenton - Finding My Way FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYCaitlin Dykes - foot in my mouth FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYPJ Brunson - Promised Land FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYRändi Fay - Moonlight FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYThe Sirens - Texas GirlsHer Mountain Majesty - Echoes FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYGwendolyn Spire - Energy Vampire FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYKristin Chambers - Reconcile FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYMelissa D - Will I Be Bored in Heaven FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYSOLIE - SUMMERTIME SOUNDS FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYMoniq - Sunshine Baby Barbara Romanov - Make Me Stay FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYAnn Sweeten - Distant Clouds FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYmarylefthome - Princess and the Pea FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYSwamp Music Players - Car Wheels On A Gravel Road FOLLOW ON SPOTIFYFor Music Biz Resources Visit www.FEMusician.com and www.ProfitableMusician.comVisit our Sponsor Ed & Carol Nicodemi at edandcarolnicodemi.comVisit our Sponsor Melissa D Moorhouse at melissadmusic.com Visit our Sponsor Kolie Dee at koliedee.comVisit our Sponsor Collaborations at collaborationsmusic.comVisit www.wosradio.com for more details and to submit music to our review board for consideration.Visit our resources for Indie Artists: https://www.wosradio.com/resources

Preceding our new sermon series called Majesty & Mystery: A Fresh Look at Worship, Pastor Dan Burrell sits down with LIFE's worship pastor, Jason Lanier, to discuss worship. 

Send us a textThis podcast is of this past Sunday. I was not sure I would be preaching after a medical crisis on Thursday into Friday but God gave me strength. Ordinarly I just post podcast but this is a full sermon on Jesus Christ as our perfect and one Mediator between God and humanity. The concept of his unique person that qualifies him to be the Savior is unfolded in the sermon epistle of Hebrews 2, 5, 7,8.  Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent[a] that the Lord set up, not man. Hebrews 8:1 -2.Please share the podcast with others and let us hear from you by message or email. Bible Insights with Wayne ConradContact: 8441 Hunnicut Rd Dallas, Texas 75228email: Att. Bible Insights Wayne Conradgsccdallas@gmail.com (Good Shepherd Church) Donation https://gsccdallas.orghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJTZX6qasIrPmC1wQpben9ghttps://www.facebook.com/waconrad or gscchttps://www.sermonaudio.com/gsccSpirit, Truth and Grace MinistriesPhone # 214-324-9915 leave message with number for call backPsalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

 Go to sermon webpage: THE SEARCH FOR SALVATION

BON APPETIT, LEE CHAE-MIN….A lot can be said about this drama. It held its own on the U.S. Netflix Top 10. It consisted of MANY different genres. It had a (conveniently wrapped up) happy ending. But, at the end of the day, all that we need to say is: Lee Chae-min is hot. …..LIKE, REALLY HOT…..Did he and Yoona have good chemistry? What did we think about the 3-episode-long Ming County Cooking Showdown? Why was Elle's favorite character the dude that invented the airplane? The girls talk it all on this full review episode!…..We hope you enjoy this pod review even more than the King enjoys Yoona's food!!! (if that's even possible omg)…..P.S. now go watch Crushology 101. he's perfect in that drama too!! (luvvv, maddie)....If you're new to YA GIRL, we're so glad you're here!! I truly hope you enjoy listening to this podcast! …..Also, check out our sister-pod - THE KDROP: A KPop Podcast - if that's your thing. https://www.instagram.com/the.kdrop_kpop_pod/ ….. Before you do anything else, FOLLOW YA GIRL ON INSTAGRAM! For real, please come and say hey to us over the socials! @yagirl_kdrama pod (⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/yagirl_kdramapod?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr⁠⁠)….And Christina just started an exclusive BTS instagram, so give that a follow!   https://www.instagram.com/bts_express_the.kdrop?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== … Finally, jump on  YA GIRL's Discord!! It's where all the friends of YA GIRL gather and talk about hot Korean men. You really don't wanna miss it. ⁠⁠ https://discord.gg/rFmEgTJpJ8

The glory of God is displayed in the heavens, in the humility of Jesus to be a man and in the forever life we even now can live. Life, light and love are more than what we think or see or feel. They are the eternal presence of the everylasting, neverending, all powerful, always present God of the Universe. Daylight Meditations is a daily podcast from CFO North America. Please visit CFONorthAmerica.org to learn more about our retreats, and online courses. If you are encouraged by this podcast, please consider supporting us. Contributors: Michelle DeChant, Adam Maddock, Joy Peyton and Phil Reaser

In week two of the "Upon This Rock" series, Pastor Mike declares that Jesus is not just a relatable figure but the eternal Son of God—fully God and fully man. The sermon presents six biblical assurances of His deity, including His virgin birth, sinless life, and bodily resurrection, which validate His identity as the Messiah. This message calls us to build our lives upon the foundational truth of who Jesus is: the Christ, the Son of the living God.

The Majesty react to Dave LaGreca gifting The Rock his robe will he keep it, re-gift it, or toss it? Dip isn't feeling the current Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Asuka, and Kairi Sane story, saying WWE's been Misting too much. Plus, Roman Reigns returns, hopes rise for Jimmy Uso's next chapter, John Cena retirement talk, and the importance of fasting during Rosh Hashanah.Listen to Cheap Heat Live Fridays 12pm- 2pm EST on Pro Wrestling Nation 24/7 on Channel 156.Call in at 844-344-4893Wanna stay MAJ?Join our PateronFollow @cheapheatpod on Instagram and subscribe to Rosenberg's Youtube Channel.Email the show Rosenbergwrestling@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is our final week of previewing studies Media Gratiae has produced through the years. If you have been through Behold Your God: Rethinking God Biblically, or Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty, you have seen Jordan Thomas. He contributed to the interview segments of those two studies. When we started producing smaller studies, we knew we wanted Jordan to make one. We approached him and asked for a topic or passage he felt was needed in today's church. He unhesitatingly answered that a study on treasuring Christ corporately would be the topic of his choosing. The resulting study is Christ Our Treasure: Enjoying the Preeminence of Jesus in the Local Church. Jordan wanted to create this study based on the belief that many Christians in our modern, individualistic culture have lost their grasp on the value of the local church. Through this eight-week study, he aims to teach congregations —the local expressions of Christ's bride —how to treasure Christ as a body. As with our other studies, Christ Our Treasure consists of video sermons and a workbook. The workbook is the heart of this study. To learn more about the study, follow the links below: Show Notes: Christ Our Treasure: Enjoying the Preeminence of Jesus in the Local Church https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/christ-our-treasure The Nature and Practice of True-Hearted Discipleship https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/true-hearted-discipleship Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/behold-your-god-the-weight-of-majesty-media-gratiae-online-course Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty Workbook https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/behold-your-god-the-weight-of-majesty-workbook

Whatever trials have come your way, God is mightier and greater. He is able to lift you from despair this evening and show you something of His power through Psalm 93.No matter what kind of day you've had, rest in hope and peace tonight as you draw near to the heart of God. This short, uplifting meditation from His Word will create a space at the end of the day for you to refocus on the goodness and nearness of the Lord, entrust your burdens to Him and fill your mind with His promises and faithfulness towards you. Tonight's meditation is read by Howie. Meet the team at odb.org/meet-the-team.Send us a text message to let us know how we can make the Evening Meditations an even better experience for you!Support the showYou can now share the Evening Meditations through the updated Our Daily Bread app! If you've not done so already, download it for free from your app store.We hope that you have enjoyed this Evening Meditation from Our Daily Bread Ministries! You can find more exciting content from Our Daily Bread Ministries by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. You can even sign up to receive Our Daily Bread Bible reading notes sent straight to your door for free: ourdailybread.org/meditation. All our funding comes from our listeners, like you, who value what we do and want to help us reach more people. You can make a donation towards our mission at eveningmeditations.org.

On this episode of Currently Reading, Meredith and Kaytee are discussing: Bookish Moments: car picnics and even more bookshelves! Current Reads: all the great, interesting, and/or terrible stuff we've been reading lately Deep Dive: all about narrative POVs - do they matter? do we like one more than the other? The Fountain: we visit our perfect fountain to make wishes about our reading lives Show notes are time-stamped below for your convenience. Read the transcript of the episode (this link only works on the main site). .  .  .  .  1:29 - Our Bookish Moments of the Week 4:04 - Awake by Jen Hatmaker 4:44 - BookPeople 9:45 - Our Current Reads 9:53 - American Royals by Katharine McGee (Kaytee) 13:22 - Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston 13:26 - Currently Reading Patreon to access Popcorn in the Pages 14:03 - Majesty by Katharine McGee 14:53 - A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna (Meredith) 18:05 - Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree  18:06 - The Spellshop by Sara Beth Durst 18:16 - A Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna 19:24 - House of Frank by Kay Synclaire 19:41 - The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune 20:08 - These Truths by Jill Lepore (Kaytee) 20:32 - libro.fm 22:04 - The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon 25:07 - The Hounding by Xenobe Purvis (Meredith) 26:03 - Fabled Bookshop 29:39 - Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (Kaytee) 32:04 - David Copperfield by Charles Dickens 34:15 - The Carpool Detectives by Chuck Hogan (Meredith) 40:05 - Deep Dive: Narrative POVs 45:38 - Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros 45:43 - A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas 45:59 - A Good Neighborhood by Therese Ann Fowler 46:32 - Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes 48:28 - Sarah's Bookshelves Live 49:55 - Piranesi by Susanna Clarke 52:39 - Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver 52:42 - Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus 52:47 - The Color Purple by Alice Walker 53:05 - We Could Be Rats by Emily Austin 53:09 - Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin 53:30 - Yellowface by R.F. Kuang 53:32 - Everyone In My Family has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson 53:52 - Meet Us At The Fountain 53:55 - I wish to press Starling House into everybody's hands. (Kaytee) 54:00 - Starling House by Alix E. Harrow 54:08 - The Novel Neighbor 56:10 - The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow 56:29 - I wish everyone would try a book flight. (Meredith)   Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend | Grab Some Merch Shop Bookshop dot org | Shop Amazon Bookish Friends Receive: The Indie Press List with a curated list of five books hand sold by the indie of the month. September's IPL is brought to us from Words Matter in Pitman, NJ. Love and Chili Peppers with Kaytee and Rebekah - romance lovers get their due with this special episode focused entirely on the best selling genre fiction in the business.  All Things Murderful with Meredith and Elizabeth - special content for the scary-lovers, brought to you with the behind-the-scenes insights of an independent bookseller From the Editor's Desk with Kaytee and Bunmi Ishola - a quarterly peek behind the curtain at the publishing industry The Bookish Friends Facebook Group - where you can build community with bookish friends from around the globe as well as our hosts Connect With Us: The Show: Instagram | Website | Email | Threads The Hosts and Regulars: Meredith | Kaytee | Mary | Roxanna Production and Editing: Megan Phouthavong Evans Affiliate Disclosure: All affiliate links go to Bookshop unless otherwise noted. Shopping here helps keep the lights on and benefits indie bookstores. Thanks for your support!

Jesus' transfiguration on the mountain was one of the most important events in the gospel, and it's packed with meaning. After seeing it, Peter claimed he was an eyewitness to the Second Coming! We could go in many directions interpreting the meaning of this event, but a close look at the text makes it clear exactly what God says the meaning is.

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“Americans have…a new rule written into their mental operating systems: Do your own thing, find your own reality, it's all relative. …Today, each of us is freer than ever to custom-make reality, to believe whatever and pretend to be whoever we wish. Which makes all the lines between actual and fictional blur and disappear more easily. Truth in general becomes flexible, personal, subjective. And we like this new ultra-freedom, insist on it, even as we fear and loathe the ways so many of our… fellow Americans use it.”~Kurt Andersen, author of Fantasyland: How America Went Haywire  “…there is the view that God still speaks to us independent of the Bible. Drink this milk for a number of years and you will soon be attributing to God the inner voices coming from your fallen self.”~Conrad Mbewe, Zambian pastor “Truth is what your contemporaries let you get away with.”~Richard M. Rorty (1931-2007), postmodern philosopher “When people give up the search for truth, people turn to propaganda. And propaganda relies on emotional power.”~Jacques Ellul (1912-1994) French philosopher and sociologist “…we are not entitled to such license, I mean that of affirming what we please; we make the Holy Scriptures the rule and the measure of every tenet…”~Gregory of Nyssa (c. 335-c. 394), influential Christian leader, based in ancient Cappadocia                                                                                          “…we ought not to deliver even the most casual remark without the Holy Scriptures: nor be drawn aside by mere probabilities and the artifices of argument. Do not then believe me because I tell you these things, unless you receive from the Holy Scriptures the proof of what is set forth: for this salvation, which is of our faith, is not by ingenious reasonings, but by proof from the Holy Scriptures.”~Cyril of Alexandria, 5th century Christian bishop “[Christ] is everywhere, but he does not wish that you grope for him everywhere. Grope rather where the Word is, and there you will lay hold of him in the right way.”~Martin Luther (1483-1546), German reformerSERMON PASSAGESGenesis 1 (NASB95) 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.... Psalm 33 (NASB95)6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,And by the breath of His mouth all their host….9 For He spoke, and it was done;He commanded, and it stood fast. John 1 (NASB95) 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it…. 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.  John 5 (NASB95) 39 “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; 40 and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life…. 45 Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; the one who accuses you is Moses, in whom you have set your hope. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”  Luke 24 (ESV)25 And [Jesus] said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself…. 44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Galatians 1 (NIV) 11 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2 (NIV) 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Hebrews 1 (NIV) 1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 

 Go to sermon webpage: THE SEARCH FOR SALVATION

We dive into the second staza of the famous Isaiah 53 Servant Song, and we see incredible details concerning the Servant's life and how he externally appeared to others

Majesty & Lord, I Lift Your Name on High Opening Music September 28th, 2025 Worship Service Groveport UMC, Groveport Ohio To support the ministry of the church, please click here: https://groveportumc.org/give/

David Mathis | Those who cherish God's majesty become a certain kind of people: a commending, called, candid, conquering, and soon-to-be crowned church.

In 1932, Dr. William Amos Trivette opened a modern clinic in the rural farmlands of Hamptonville, North Carolina. His dream was to bring advanced medicine to his community—but just six years later, his untimely death closed the doors on that vision. Over the decades, the building became a supper club, a detox center, a nursing home, and even a nursery. Yet through every new chapter, the same question lingered: who—or what—never left? Today, the Trivette [TRI-vit] Clinic is one of North Carolina's most talked-about haunted locations. Visitors report phantom footsteps, doors that move on their own, icy cold spots, and the laughter of unseen children. Some say Dr. Trivette still walks the halls, joined by two little girls known as “Majesty” and “Nancy,” along with nurses and patients who never checked out. In this episode, we sit down with current owners Doug Galliher and Tim Trivette to uncover the history, legends, and very real paranormal activity inside the Trivette Clinic. For more information, find them on Facebook. This is Part Two of our conversation. #TrivetteClinic #HauntedHospital #NorthCarolinaHaunted #ParanormalPodcast #GhostStories #Ghosts #Paranormal #ParanormalActivity #ParanormalInvestigations #Spirits #Hauntings Love real ghost stories? Don't just listen—join us on YouTube and be part of the largest community of real paranormal encounters anywhere. Subscribe now and never miss a chilling new story:

In 1932, Dr. William Amos Trivette opened a modern clinic in the rural farmlands of Hamptonville, North Carolina. His dream was to bring advanced medicine to his community—but just six years later, his untimely death closed the doors on that vision. Over the decades, the building became a supper club, a detox center, a nursing home, and even a nursery. Yet through every new chapter, the same question lingered: who—or what—never left? Today, the Trivette [TRI-vit] Clinic is one of North Carolina's most talked-about haunted locations. Visitors report phantom footsteps, doors that move on their own, icy cold spots, and the laughter of unseen children. Some say Dr. Trivette still walks the halls, joined by two little girls known as “Majesty” and “Nancy,” along with nurses and patients who never checked out. In this episode, we sit down with current owners Doug Galliher and Tim Trivette to uncover the history, legends, and very real paranormal activity inside the Trivette Clinic. For more information, find them on Facebook. #TrivetteClinic #HauntedHospital #NorthCarolinaHaunted #ParanormalPodcast #GhostStories #Ghosts #Paranormal #ParanormalActivity #ParanormalInvestigations #Spirits #Hauntings Love real ghost stories? Don't just listen—join us on YouTube and be part of the largest community of real paranormal encounters anywhere. Subscribe now and never miss a chilling new story:

We are continuing our special series highlighting studies Media Gratiae has produced through the years, and this week, we are presenting to you one of our newer studies. Published in 2024, The Nature and Practice of True-Hearted Discipleship was written and taught by Dr. Ian Hamilton. If you are unfamiliar with Dr. Hamilton, we highly encourage you to seek out his books and preaching. His style is simultaneously direct and disarming. As with our other studies, there are two components: a workbook and eight video sermons. In each chapter, Dr. Hamilton guides us back to Scripture to examine what Jesus says about what it means to be his follower. The life of a disciple begins with a radically transformative new birth, and from that birth flows a life of following Jesus in obedience. We pray that this first session and the entire study may be a blessing to you. You can learn more about the study at the link below. Show Notes: The Nature and Practice of True-Hearted Discipleship https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/true-hearted-discipleship Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/behold-your-god-the-weight-of-majesty-media-gratiae-online-course Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty Workbook https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/behold-your-god-the-weight-of-majesty-workbook Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

Welcome to the second installment of our Spinal Tap series. This time I'm speaking with Abby Travis, Chas West, and David Hakopyan. Due to a personal obligation, I had to record this differently than I normally do. I was in the middle of Amish country in PA and I used Zoom for the entire show. Somehow, it became the busiest place on the planet, but only while I was recording. I also discovered that Zoom gave me a lisp. Anyway, we discuss each person's  involvement in the Spinal Tap project and why they chose the songs they covered and David reveals the unfortunately abandoned take involving Sir Mix-A-Lot. Chas talks about wanting to rev up his track, Abby had a specific artist in mind when recording hers, and David had his idea turned down a step by John Dolmayan of System Of A Down. We also talk about personal Spinal Tap experiences and Abby tells her epic story for the final time! So you don't want to miss that! Follow each of these wonderful artists @abbytravis, @antennatheend, & @westboundofficial. Follow us @PerformanceAnx. Follow @teencanceramerica and go to https://teencanceramerica.org/product/spinal-tap/ or go to the website and hit the shop button. By donating, you're helping teens and young adults through the most difficult battle they can face. And in the process you'll get some great music. I hope you enjoy this episode. How much more Spinal Tap can this be? None. None more Tap. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mel interviews Anthony Diastello at the DCW Conference about how his role-playing game *Allies of Majesty* weaves faith and divine council concepts into immersive storytelling. They explore how games can foster spiritual awareness, personal agency, and deeper engagement with the unseen realm. You can find his game here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HqI9JVINeg https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/purefunmedia/allies-of-majesty-chronicles-vol-1 https://subscribepage.io/iCPswe

 Go to sermon webpage: TENETS: BAPTISM

Taylor Swift and her "swifties" nearly ruined AMC Stubs A-List members' movie theater experience, "Sinners" is going for gold at the Golden Globes, "The Long Walk" non-spoiler review, "One Piece" promos, "Avengers: Doomsday" wraps filming, local filming, and more!The Hub on Hollywood, hosted by Jamie and James, delves into the thriving film industry in New England. The podcast explores the production of various projects, including commercials, television shows, and full-length feature films.The podcast insights into New England's growing film industry, as well as entertainment news and reviews. Subscribers can access the podcast on the iHeartRadio app and follow the hosts on Instagram and TikTok for updates.

Hebrews 8:1-13 8Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,2a minister in the holy places, in the true tent[a]that the Lord set up, not man.3For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer.4Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law.5They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.6But as it is, Christ[b]has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.7For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second. 8For he finds fault with them when he says:[c] Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord,when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israeland with the house of Judah,9not like the covenant that I made with their fatherson the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt.For they did not continue in my covenant,and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord.10For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israelafter those days, declares the Lord:I will put my laws into their minds,and write them on their hearts,and I will be their God,and they shall be my people.11And they shall not teach, each one his neighborand each one his brother, saying, Know the Lord,for they shall all know me,from the least of them to the greatest.12For I will be merciful toward their iniquities,and I will remember their sins no more. 13In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

The MAJesty preview WrestlePlooza and dive into whether AEW should counter-program WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia. They also break down AJ/Punk vs Becky/Seth, and explore the real nuance in this feud. Plus, Drew McIntyre joins the show ahead of his WWE World Title match with Cody Rhodes this Saturday and he's got choice words for CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, and John Cena. Oh, and yes… we even rank the greatest “McIntyres” in pop culture.Listen to Cheap Heat Live Fridays 12pm- 2pm EST on Pro Wrestling Nation 24/7 on Channel 156.Call in at 844-344-4893Wanna stay MAJ?Join our PateronFollow @cheapheatpod on Instagram and subscribe to Rosenberg's Youtube Channel.Email the show Rosenbergwrestling@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We hope you enjoy this shiur. If you would like to sponsor or dedicate any of our shiurim or help with the running costs please do not hesitate to get in contact with us at office@rabbiroodyn.com or WhatsApp +447791221449May Hashem heal the wounded, free the captives and lead our soldiers to a swift and painless victory.#jew #jewish #torah #torahfortoughtimes #rabbiroodyn #bringthemhome #rabbi #torahanytime #Judaism #Israel #shiur #responsetotragictimes #jewishunderstanding #elul #elulvation

We are taking a break from our series on letters from Christian history to give Teddy James and his family a short break while they care for their new addition, Jack. During this time, we are presenting to you the first session from several studies that Media Gratiae has produced over the years. This week's special is Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty, which is a follow-up to our first study. After people went through the first Behold Your God study, they asked if we could recommend a study specifically focused on the attributes of God. These requests led us to create a 12-week multimedia study on God's attributes. These attributes are discussed in a specific order, allowing them to build upon one another. The study begins with God's incomprehensibility, self-existence, and independence, and then moves on to His holiness, wrath, and love. The order is intentional, as the beginning attributes add weight to the later ones. We have heard from many who have watched the videos and been blessed by them. When we asked for their thoughts regarding the workbook, they revealed they were unaware that the workbook existed. That reality is heartbreaking to us because the workbook is the heart of the study. It is where participants work through passages of Scripture and see how God's attributes are not just found in the Old Testament or the New Testament, but that he is the same throughout the entirety of Scripture. If you have been through Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty before, we pray this first session may remind you of the things God taught you through it. If you haven't been through the study, you can learn more about the videos and accompanying workbook at the link below. Show Notes: Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/behold-your-god-the-weight-of-majesty-media-gratiae-online-course Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty Workbook https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/behold-your-god-the-weight-of-majesty-workbook Learn more about Behold Your God: Rethinking God Biblically - https://shop.mediagratiae.org/collections/behold-your-god-series See the workbook here: https://shop.mediagratiae.org/products/behold-your-god-workbook Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

Does the murkiness of circumstances darken your view of the majesty of God?

Hey Kween hey!!! Lift yo head sit with U and hear yoself U deserv love U R worthy of LOVE…U owe LOVE 2 U!!!

Hello Youtube Members, Patreons and Pacific War week by week listeners. Yes this was intended to be an exclusive episode to join the 29 others over on my Youtube Membership and Patreon, but since we are drawing to the end of the Pacific War week by week series, I felt compelled to make some special episodes to answer some of the bigger questions. Why did Japan, or better said, why did Emperor Hirohito decide to finally surrender? It seems obvious on the face of it, but there is actually a lot more to it than bombs or Soviet invasions. I guess you can call this episode a teaser or a shameless plug for going over to my Youtube Membership or Patreon. There's honestly a lot of interesting subjects such as ‘why was the japanese army so brutal”, “Hirohito's war time responsibility”, “the 4 part Kanji Ishiwara series”. Thus if you liked this one please show some love and check out my other stuff on my Youtube Membership or over at www.patreon.com/pacificwarchannel.   Stating all of that lets just jump right into it.   We first need to start off briefly looking at Emperor Hirohito.    Upon taking the throne, Emperor Hirohito in 1926 Hirohito inherited a financial crisis and a military that was increasingly seizing control of governmental policies. From the beginning, despite what many of you older audience members may have been told, Hirohito intensely followed all military decisions. Hirohito chose when to act and when not to. When the Kwantung Army assassinated Zhang Zuolin, he indulged their insubordination. This emboldened them to invade Manchuria in 1931, whereupon Hirohito was furious and demanded they be reigned in. Attempts were made, but they were heavily undermined by radicals. Hirohito could have put his foot down, but he chose not to. On September 22nd, at 4:20pm Hirohito said to the IJA Chief of General staff, Kanaya Hanzo “although this time it couldn't be helped, the army had to be more careful in the future”. Thus Hirohito again acquiesced to the military, despite wanting them to stop or at least localize the conflict. The military had disregarded his wishes, they should have been severely punished. Why did Hirohito not take a firmer stance?    Again for older audience members you may have heard, “hirohito was a hostage at the whim of his own military”. This narrative made it seem he was some sort of hostage emperor, but this is not the case at all. In fact Hirohito was instrumental in many military decisions from 1931-1945. The reason this, I will call it “myth” , went on was because after Japan's surrender, the US basically rewrote the Japanese constitution and covered up the Emperor's involvement in all the nasty stuff, to maintain control over Japan. Yeah it sounds a bit conspiracy esque, but I assure you it was indeed the case. This narrative held firm all the way until Hirohito's death, when finally meeting notes and personal accounts from those close to him came out, illuminating a lot. Though to this day, many records are still red -tapped.   The reason Hirohito did not stamp his foot down has to do with the Kokutai.    The Kokutai   So before I carry on, I have to explain what exactly is the Kokutai.    The Kokutai, loosely translated as "national essence," refers to the qualities that distinguish the Japanese identity. However, this concept is remarkably vague and poorly defined; even Japanese historians acknowledge this ambiguity. In contrast to Kokutai is seitai, or "form of government." While the Kokutai embodies the eternal and immutable aspects of Japanese polity—rooted in history, traditions, and customs centered around the Emperor—Japan's seitai has evolved significantly throughout its extensive history. For instance, shoguns governed for over 700 years until 1868, when the Meiji Restoration reinstated direct imperial rule.   Nevertheless, Emperor Meiji's direct authority came to an end with the adoption of the Meiji Constitution in 1889, which established a constitutional monarchy, introducing significant complexities into the governance system.   Article 4 of the constitution declares: “The Emperor is the head of the Empire, combining in Himself the rights of sovereignty, uniting the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, although subject to the consent of the Imperial Diet.” Under this framework, the Emperor alone possessed the power to appoint or dismiss ministers of state, declare war, negotiate peace, conclude treaties, direct national administration, and command the army and navy.   A glaring flaw in this arrangement is the inherent ambiguity of the Meiji Constitution. While it established a democratic parliament, it simultaneously afforded the Emperor absolute authority to usurp it. The document failed to clearly define the relationships between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and its language was intentionally vague. Most critically, the military—the army and navy—were not directly accountable to the civilian government.    So with the kokutai, the Emperor is a divine figure who embodies the state's sovereignty. It was not necessarily the Emperor's job to surrender on behalf of the official government of Japan, but he most certainly could do so, given the Japanese people still remained faithful to the kokutai.    Now Hirohito did not live an ordinary life. According to the imperial custom, Japanese royals were raised apart from their parents, at the age of 3 he was placed in the care of the Kwamura family who vowed to raise him to be unselfish, persevering in the face of difficulties, respectful of the views of others and immune to fear. One thing that was absolutely indoctrinated into him was to defend the kokutai. It became his top mission as a monarch, it was the only mission in many ways. At the very core of how he saw the world and how he acted, it was always to protect the kokutai.    So when the Japanese military began these insubordinate acts, Hirohito's primary concern was to the kokutai, ie: anything that threatened his imperial authority and the imperial institution itself. Although the military usurped his authority, the operations had been successful. Hirohito was not at all opposed to seeing his empire expand. He understood the value of manchuria, he was fully onboard with the military plans to eventually seize control over it, but these radicals were accelerating things to quickly for everyone's liking. He turned a blind eye, dished light punishments and carried on. However the local conflict escalated. It traveled to Shanghai by 1932 and here Hirohito took action. He understood Shanghai was full of western powers. Nations like Britain and America could place economic sanctions on Japan if things were allowed to get out of hand here. So he ordered General Yoshinori Shirakawa to bring the Shanghai expedition to a close.    During this period, two factions emerged within the Japanese military: the Kodoha, or “Imperial Way,” and the Toseiha, or “Control” faction. The Kodoha was founded by General Sadao Araki and his protégé, Jinzaburo Masaki. Their primary objective was a Shōwa Restoration aimed at purging Japan of corrupt politicians and businessmen, especially those associated with the zaibatsu. Composed mainly of young army officers, the Kodoha espoused a romanticized and radical interpretation of Bushido, idealizing pre-industrial Japan, which Araki believed had been tainted by Western influences. To achieve their goals, they resorted to assassinations and planned a coup d'état.   In response, the Toseiha faction was formed, initially led by Lt. General Tetsuzan Nagata and later by Hideki Tojo. Like the Kodoha, the Toseiha sought a Shōwa Restoration but adopted a more moderate and conservative approach. They recognized the importance of preserving traditional values while integrating Western ideals, advocating for a balanced perspective. The Toseiha promoted pragmatic military strategies to navigate the complexities of modern warfare. Although they acknowledged the existence of corrupt politicians and zaibatsu, they preferred to work within the existing political system, anticipating that future total wars would necessitate a strengthened industrial and military capacity. Their ranks primarily included promising graduates from the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) Academy, Army Staff College, and select naval members. The most significant distinction between the two factions was that the Toseiha explicitly rejected the use of a coup d'état in pursuit of their goals.   Between 1932-1936 radical officers, mostly of the Kodoha faction assassinated politicians and military leaders trying to usher in a showa restoration. You might be led to believe this was in the interest of Hirohito, you would be mistaken. Hirohito did not want a military dictatorship at the whim of the cult of the emperor. Ironic to say, given how WW2 turns out mind you. This really would have been a hostage situation. Hirohito wanted to maintain the exact ambiguous situation that was Showa Era Japan pre 1945. He saw this as the most ideal structure to defend the kokutai, because blame could not be placed solely upon his shoulders. He always maintained a get out of jail free card one could say.    The February 26 incident of 1936, was the climax of the Kodoha faction. They performed a mutiny trying to usher in a SHowa restoration. They assumed when their messenger came to the emperor he would join them and take direct rule. Instead Hirohito was furious. His first thought was the mutineers were trying to enlist his brother Chichibu to overthrow him. He dragged his brother who was a fraternizer amongst the kodoha members mind you, into a meeting, demanding he never associate with them again nor attempt to challenge him. Then Hirohito furious demanded the mutineers be dealt with. At one point he even threatened to lead the imperial guards to put them down. The coup failed, the kodoha faction was destroyed. Ironically the toseiha faction were the ones to do it and thus they became the defacto ruling clique.    The military, especially the kwantung army did not stop with their insubordination.    On July 8th of 1937 the Kwangtung army performed the Marco Polo Bridge incident, ushering in the second sino-japanese war. This was one of many false flag operations they had pulled off over the years. Upon being told about this Hirohito's first response was whether the USSR would invade Manchukuo over the matter. This is what he said to Prime Minister Konoe and army minister Sugiyama “What will you do if the Soviets attack us from the rear?” he asked the prince. Kan'in answered, “I believe the army will rise to the occasion.” The emperor repeated his question: “That's no more than army dogma. What will you actually do in the unlikely event that Soviet [forces] attack?” The prince said only, “We will have no choice.” His Majesty seemed very dissatisfied. Hirohito furious demanded to know what contingency plans existed and his advisors told him before he gave his red seal of approval to invade northern china.   Henceforth he micromanaged a lot of the military decisions going forward and he oversaw the forming and dissolving of numerous cabinets and positions when things went his way or did not in the military and political scene.  Emperor Hirohito was presented with several opportunities to cause cease-fires or peace settlements during the war years. One of the best possible moments to end it all came during the attack on Nanking when Chiang Kai-sheks military were in disarray. On July 11 of 1938, the commander of the 19th division fought a border clash with the USSR known to us in the west as the battle of Lake Khasan. It was a costly defeat for Japan and in the diary of Harada Kumao he noted Hirohito scolded Army minister Itagaki “Hereafter not a single soldier is to be moved without my permission.” When it looked like the USSR would not press for a counter attack across the border, Hirohito gave the order for offensives in China to recommence, again an example of him deciding when to lay down the hammer.   By 1939 the US began threatening sanctions for what Japan was doing in China. Hirohito complained to his chief aide de camp Hata Shunroku on August 5th “It could be a great blow to scrap metal and oil”. Hirohito was livid and scolded many of his top officials and forced the appointment of General Abe to prime minister and demanded of him “to cooperate with the US and Britain and preserve internal order”.   Fast forward a bit, with war raging in Europe Hirohito, on June 19th of 1940 Hirohito asked if chief of staff Prince Kan'in and Army Minister Hata “At a time when peace will soon come in the European situation, will there be a deployment of troops to the Netherlands Indies and French Indochina?” This question highlighted Hirohito's belief at that time that Germany was close to achieving victory, which led him to gradually consider deploying troops to French Indochina and the Dutch East Indies since neither of those parent nations was in a position to protect their territories and vital resources. Regarding the war in China, the Japanese aimed to stop the flow of materials entering China from places like Hong Kong. Hirohito received reports indicating that Britain would not agree to block the shipment of materials into China via Hong Kong. The military recognized that an invasion of Hong Kong might be necessary, which would mean declaring war on Britain. When this was communicated to him, Hirohito responded, “If that occurs, I'm sure America will enforce an embargo, don't you think?” In response, Kido, the lord of the privy seal, reassured him by stating, “The nation must be fully prepared to resist, proceeding with caution and avoiding being drawn into events instigated by foreign interests.”   Hirohito went through countless meetings, but eventually signed order number 458 authorizing the invasion of French Indochina, knowing full well the consequences. The US,UK and Netherlands began embargoes of oil, rubber and iron. In the words of Admiral Takagai “As time passes and this situation continues, our empire will either be totally defeated or forced to fight a hopeless war. Therefore we should pursue war and diplomacy together. If there is no prospect of securing our final line of national survival by diplomatic negotiations, we must be resolved to fight.” Hirohito understood the predicament full well, that each day Japan was wasting its oil reserves, if they were to strike it had to be quickly.   On October 13th Hirohito told his closest advisor Koichi Kido “In the present situation there seems to be little hope for the Japan–U.S. negotiations. If hostilities erupt this time, I think I may have to issue a declaration of war.”   The reason I am bringing up all this stuff is to solidify, Hirohito had agency, he was micromanaging and forming decisions. After the war broke out with the west, Hirohito did have the ability to stamp his foot down. Of course there could have been wild repercussions, his military could have usurped him with Chichibu, it was definitely possible. But you need to keep this mind set, as far as why Hirohito acts or doesn't, its always to protect the Kokutai. Thus one of the levers for peace, solely rested on Hirohito's perception if the kokutai could be retained or not.    From the outset of the Pacific War, Hirohito believed Germany was going to defeat the USSR. In line with his military leaders, they all believed Japan had to seize everything they could in the asia-pacific and thwart off the US until a negotiated peace could be met. Hirohito committed himself to overseeing the war, determined to achieve victory at any cost. He was a very cautious leader, he meticulously analyzed each campaign, anticipating potential setbacks and crafting worst-case scenario predictions. He maintained a skeptical view of the reports from his senior officials and was often harshly critical of high commanders.   While he did not frequently visit the front lines like other commanders in chief, Hirohito wielded significant influence over theater operations, shaping both planning and execution whenever he deemed necessary. Similar to his approach during the war in China, he issued the highest military orders from the Imperial Headquarters, conducted audited conferences, and made decisions communicated under his name. He regularly welcomed generals and admirals to the imperial palace for detailed briefings on the battlefront and visited various military bases, battleships, and army and naval headquarters. His inspections encompassed military schools and other significant military institutions, adding to his comprehensive involvement in the war effort.   Now the war went extremely well for Japan until the battle of Midway. This was as major setback, but Japan retained the initiative. Then the Guadalcanal campaign saw Japan lose the initiative to the Americans. Upon receiving the initial report of the Ichiki detachment's destruction, Hirohito remarked, “I am sure it [Guadalcanal] can be held.” Despite the numerous reports detailing the devastating effects of tropical diseases and starvation on his troops, he persistently demanded greater efforts from them. Hirohito exerted continuous pressure on his naval and land commanders to retake the island. On September 15th, November 5th, and November 11th, he requested additional Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) troops and aircraft to be allocated to the cause.   General Sugiyama expressed concerns about dispatching more IJA pilots due to their inexperience in transoceanic combat, preferring to reinforce the North China Army for an attack on Chongqing instead. Hirohito pressed the issue again, but Sugiyama responded that the IJA had diverted its air resources to New Guinea and Rabaul. Undeterred by the objections from senior commanders, Hirohito persisted in his demands. By late November, it became evident that Guadalcanal was a lost cause.   At an Imperial Headquarters conference on December 31st, 1942, the chiefs of staff proposed canceling the attempts to recapture Guadalcanal. Hirohito sanctioned this decision but stated, “It is unacceptable to just give up on capturing Guadalcanal. We must launch an offensive elsewhere.” He insisted on this point, leading to the selection of new strategic targets in the Solomons, north of New Georgia, and in the Stanley Range on New Guinea. Hirohito even threatened to withhold authorization for withdrawing troops from Guadalcanal until a new plan was established. He later opposed the withdrawal from Munda Airfield, as it contradicted the newly defined defensive line.   As the defensive perimeter in the central and northern Solomons began to crumble, Hirohito continued to insist that the navy engage in decisive battles to regain the initiative, allowing for the transport of supplies to the many soldiers trapped on various islands. When he learned of the navy's failure to reinforce Lae on March 3rd, he asked, “Then why didn't you change plans immediately and land at Madan? This is a failure, but it can teach us a good lesson and become a source of future success. Do this for me so I can have peace of mind for a while.” The phrase “Do this for me” would come to be his signature rallying cry.   After Guadal canal, it was loss after loss for Japan. By February of 1944, Hirohito forced Sugiyama to resign so Hideki Tojo could take his position as chief of the general staff, note Tojo was prime minister and army minister at this point. Hirohito worked alongside Tojo to plan some last ditch efforts to change the war situation. The most significant one was Operation Ichi-Go. As much damage as they did to China with that, Chiang Kai-Shek's government survived. Hirohito watched as island by island fell to the Americans. When the Americans were poised to take Saipan he warned Tojo “If we ever lose Saipan, repeated air attacks on Tokyo will follow. No matter what it takes, we have to hold there.” Saipan fell, so Hirohito stopped supporting Tojo and allowed his rivals to take down his cabinet by june 18th of 1944.    Hirohito remained resolute in his determination to wrest victory from the Allies. On October 18th, the Imperial Headquarters ordered a decisive naval engagement, leading to the Battle of Leyte Gulf. After the war, Hirohito publicly stated, "Contrary to the views of the Army and Navy General Staffs, I consented to the showdown battle at Leyte, believing that if we launched an attack and America hesitated, we might find an opportunity to negotiate." Leyte Gulf didnt work. The military began the kamikaze program. On new years day of 1945 Hirohito inspected the special last meal rations given to departing kamikaze units. Iwo Jima fell. Okinawa remained, and Hirohito lashed out “Is it because we failed to sink enemy transports that we've let the enemy get ashore? Isn't there any way to defend Okinawa from the landing enemy forces?” On the second day of Okinawa's invasion Hirohito ordered a counter landing by the 32nd army and urged the navy to counterattack in every way possible. It was a horrible failure, it cost the lives of up to 120,000 Japanese combatants, 170,000 noncombatants. The Americans lost 12,500 killed and 33,000 wounded. An absolute bloodbath.    The Surrender time   Now we come to the time period where Japan seriously began looking for ways to surrender. In Europe Germany was heading to its defeat and Japan knew this. As for Japan, their army in Burma had been annihilated. Their forces in China were faring better after Operation Ichi-go, having opened up a land corridor along the main railway from Beiping to Wuhan and from throughout Guangdong but still stuck in a deadlock stalemate, facing a guerrilla war that was costing them 64% of their military expenditures. They deeply feared once the Soviets finished up with Germany, they would undoubtedly turn east against Manchuria. With the Soviets attacking from the north, the US would attack from the south, perhaps landing in Shanghai and the home islands. The Kamikaze tactics were proving formidable, but not nearly enough. By 1945, 43% of the IJA were now stationed in Japan, Korea and Formosa, bracing for the final stand. Former prime minister Reijiro Wakatsuki came out of retirement in may of 1945, having heard Germany collapsed, to urge Hirohito and the Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki to open negotiations with the US as soon as possible. However he also said “the enemy must first be made to see the disadvantages of continuing the war”. To this Hirohito's chief counselor Makino Nobuaki said that “the ultimate priority is to develop an advantageous war situation.” Advisor admiral Kesiuke Okada said Japan should wait for “a moment favorable for us,” then make peace. Advisors Kiichiro Hiranuma and Koki Hirota advised the emperor to fight on until the end.   Now I want to bring in a key player to the surrender decision, that of Prince Konoe. Konoe was very close to Hirohito and understood the emperors mentality, especially how he viewed things in relation to the kokutai.    The senior statesman Prince Konoe had been consulting with Hirohito for over 18 months at this point trying to convey the message that if the war continued it would threaten the kokutai. Many months prior, he confided in the emperor's brother, Prince Takamatsu, that the army was suffering from “a cancer” in the form of the Toseiha faction. However, he noted that “Kido and others” did not share his perspective, while “his Majesty is relatively unconcerned with ideological issues.” For the past four years, he continued, the emperor had been advised and still believed that “the true extremists are the Kodoha faction.” In reality, the greater threat to the kokutai arose from the Toseiha faction. Konoe further asserted that if the war escalated, they would attempt to alter the kokutai.   Konoe speculated that whether the threat originated from communists within the nation, primarily referring to left-wing radicals in the Toseiha faction, or from the “Anglo-American enemy,” both would seek to preserve the emperor while pushing towards the country's communization.In his written report to the emperor on February 14, which Kido listened to attentively, Konoe elaborated on his conspiracy theory. He asserted that the Soviet Union regarded Japan as its primary threat in East Asia. The Soviets had allied with the Chinese Communists, the largest and most formidable Communist party in Asia, and were collaborating with the United States and Britain to drive Japan out of China. He warned that they would enter the war when the opportunity arose.   Defeat, he cautioned the emperor, was inevitable if the conflict persisted. However, he emphasized that a far greater fear was the potential destruction of the kokutai. The ongoing war was eroding the domestic status quo, unleashing forces that threatened Japan and its imperial institution from within as much as from external adversaries. The real danger lay in the emperor's and Kido's trust in the generals of the Toseiha faction, who were unintentionally facilitating the communization of Japan. Konoe implored for a swift peace settlement before a Communist revolution emerged, making the preservation of the kokutai impossible. Hirohito agreed with Konoe but stated “ To end the war would be “very difficult unless we make one more military gain.” Konoe allegedly replied, “Is that possible? It must happen soon. If we have to wait much longer, . . . [a mere battle victory] will mean nothing.” Hirohito replied “If we hold out long enough in this war, we may be able to win, but what worries me is whether the nation will be able to endure it until then.”   On February 15th of 1945, Hirohito's intelligence warned the Soviet Union would likely abrogate its Neutrality Pact with Japan. Even Tojo conceded there was a 50/50 chance the USSR would invade Manchuria. In March, the US began B-29 incendiary bombing raids over Tokyo, turning 40% of the capital into ash. On March 18th, Hirohito with some aides drove around the capital to witness the devastation. The civilians looked exhausted and bewildered to Hirohito. Factory production was collapsing, absenteeism was rising, instances of lese majeste were running rampant. For the next 5 months imperial family members and senior statesmen all began speaking to Hirohito about the “crises of the kokutai”. The threat Konoe had warned about for months was becoming the main talking point. It seemed like the Japanese people within the countryside and urban areas remained steadfast in the resolve to obey their leaders, work and sacrifice for their nation, but for how long would they feel so?    It was only after the battle for Okinawa was lost and 60 Japanese cities had been leveled by American incendiary bombs that Hirohito openly indicated he wanted to negotiate a surrender.   Kido's diary reveals the first clear indication that the emperor might be urged to consider an early peace on June 8, 1945, when Kido drafted his “Draft Plan for Controlling the Crisis Situation.” This marked a pivotal moment. It followed the unintentional bombing of the Imperial Palace, the complete loss of hope for saving Okinawa, and coincided with the day the Supreme War Leadership Council adopted the “Basic Policy for the Future Direction of the War.” With the fighting in Europe concluded, Japan found itself entirely isolated. Kido's plan, although vague, proposed seeking the Soviet Union's assistance as an intermediary to help Japan gain leverage in negotiations with its adversaries. By drafting this plan, Kido signaled the end of his long alliance with the military hard-liners. Hirohito's acceptance of it indicated his readiness for an early peace.   Hirohito was moved to an underground bunker in the mountains of Matsushiro in Nagano prefecture where upon those around him noted he fell into a deep depression. On June 22nd  Hirohito informed the Supreme War Leadership Council he wanted them to open diplomatic maneuvers to end the war. In early July Soviet Ambassador Jacob Malik broke off inconclusive talks with Hirota. Hirohito stepped in immediately and ordered a new special envoy be sent to Moscow. However Hirohito nor the Suzuki government had concrete plans on how to mediate a surrender through the Soviets. The only things they did prioritize was a guarantee of the emperors political position and retainment of the imperial system, ie the kokutai. This was taken into consideration rather than ending the war as quickly as possible to save the lives of millions.    From April 8, 1945, until Japan's capitulation, the Suzuki government's chief war policy was “Ketsugo,” an advanced iteration of the “Shosango” (Victory Number 3) plan for defending the homeland. The hallmark of this strategy was a heavy reliance on suicide tactics, including deploying a massive number of kamikaze “special attack” planes, human torpedoes launched from submarines, dynamite-stuffed “crash boats” powered by truck engines, human rocket bombs carried by aircraft, and suicide assaults by specially trained ground units.   While preparations for Operation Ketsu progressed, the Imperial Diet convened on June 9 to pass a Wartime Emergency Measures Law, along with five additional measures aimed at mobilizing the entire nation for this final battle. On the same day, the emperor, who had yet to initiate efforts to end the war, issued another imperial rescript in conjunction with the Diet's convocation, instructing the nation to “smash the inordinate ambitions of the enemy nations” and “achieve the goals of the war.” Concurrently, the controlled press launched a daily die-for-the-emperor campaign to foster gratitude for the imperial benevolence and, from around mid-July onward, initiated a campaign to “protect the kokutai.”   The Americans countered with their own propaganda aimed at breaking Japan's will to fight. B-29 bombers dropped millions of leaflets written in Japanese, announcing the next scheduled targets for bombing raids and urging surrender, while using the emperor to challenge the militarists. Leaflets bearing the chrysanthemum crest criticized the “military cliques” for “forcing the entire nation to commit suicide” and called on “everyone” to “exercise their constitutional right to make direct appeals [for peace] to the Emperor.” They asserted that “even the powerful military cliques cannot stop the mighty march for peace of the Emperor and the people.” One notable batch of seven million leaflets conveyed the terms of the “joint declaration” issued by the United States, Great Britain, and China. “Today we come not to bomb you,” they stated. “We are dropping this leaflet to inform you of the response from the United States government to your government's request for conditions of surrender.... Whether the war stops immediately depends on your government. You will understand how to end the war if you read these two official notifications.”   Amid pressures from imperial edicts to continue preparations for a final battle and focus solely on victory, the Japanese people were also subjected to an intense American psychological warfare campaign in addition to aerial bombardment. During late July and August, prefectural governors, police chiefs, and officers of the “special higher police” submitted reports to the Home Ministry detailing the rapidly deteriorating national morale.    Now on the other side, Roosevelt made it known back in January of 1943 at the Casablanca conference, the allies would only accept unconditional surrender. By 1945, the allies understood the predicament this left Japan with. On May 8th of 1945, Truman added “Japan's surrender would not mean the extermination or enslavement of the Japanese people” trying to indicate a non vindictive spirit. However the Kokutai question always remained ambiguous. State Department Joseph Grew, the former ambassador to Japan, began arguing to Truman they needed to make public a clear definition of the terms to persuade Japan to surrender. As he argued to Truman: Emperor Hirohito was seen as the key figure in Japan's surrender, likened to a "queen bee in a hive... surrounded by the attentions of the hive." Throughout the war, he was characterized in various ways—as a “puppet” of the militarists, a constitutional monarch, and a pacifist. Grew had immense faith in the influence exerted by what he referred to as the “moderates” surrounding the Japanese throne.    However many of Grew's colleagues argued the future existence of the monarchy was intolerable as it was akin to fascism. Many wanted to punish the emperor. Truman was in a tug of war. The Potsdam declaration issued on July 26th of 1945 came in the form of a ultimatum aiming to quicken japans surrender. Truman clarified the terms for the unconditional surrender at the end of its terms: "We call upon the government of Japan to proclaim now the unconditional surrender of all Japanese armed forces, and to provide proper and adequate assurances of their good faith in such action. The alternative for Japan is prompt and utter destruction." Zero mention of the emperor. Grew had argued to add “this may include a constitutional monarchy under the present dynasty.” But it was deleted from the article. The status of the emperor was not guaranteed, the kokutai was thus up in the air.    The next day, the Suzuki cabinet rejected the terms. The Japanese leadership and Hirohito were still banking and awaiting Soviet replies to their terms.    Lets talk about the Soviet talks now   Back on July 12th ambassador Naotake Satō sent this message to the Soviets: “His Majesty the Emperor, mindful of the fact that the present war daily brings greater evil and sacrifice upon the peoples of all the belligerent powers, desires from his heart that it may be quickly terminated. But so long as England and the United States insist upon unconditional surrender, the Japanese Empire has no alternative but to fight on with all its strength for the honor and existence of the Motherland”.  However the Soviets had made commitments to their allies, promising in fact to invade Japan to aid them.    As for the Soviets their primary objective was to ensure unrestricted access to the Pacific Ocean. The year-round ice-free areas of the Soviet Pacific coastline, particularly Vladivostok, could be blockaded by air and sea from Sakhalin Island and the Kurile Islands. Securing these territories to guarantee free access to the Soya Strait was their main goal. Secondary objectives included acquiring leases for the Chinese Eastern Railway, the Southern Manchuria Railway, as well as gaining control over Dairen and Port Arthur.   To achieve these aims, Stalin and Molotov prolonged negotiations with the Japanese, creating a false sense of hope for a Soviet-mediated peace. Simultaneously, in their discussions with the United States and Britain, the Soviets insisted on strict adherence to the Cairo Declaration, which had been reaffirmed at the Yalta Conference. This declaration stipulated that the Allies would not accept a separate or conditional peace with Japan; thus, the Japanese would need to surrender unconditionally to all the Allies. The Soviets aimed to prolong the war by opposing any efforts to dilute this requirement. This approach would provide the Soviets with the necessary time to complete the transfer of their troops from the Western Front to the Far East and to conquer Manchuria, Inner Mongolia, northern Korea, South Sakhalin, the Kuriles, and potentially Hokkaidō, starting with an assault on Rumoi. AUGUST 1945   Thus we come to at last the critical point, August of 1945.    The Americans prepared for the deployment of atomic bombs and for an invasion of southern Kyushu, known as Operation Olympic, scheduled to commence on November 1. At 8:15 A.M. on August 6, a single B-29 bomber, the Enola Gay dropped little boy, devastating much of the undefended city of Hiroshima, instantly killing an estimated 100,000 to 140,000 people and leading to the deaths of possibly another 100,000 over the next five years. At the epicenter of the explosion, “a light appeared 3,000 times brighter than the sun,” creating a fireball that emitted thermal radiation capable of “instantly scorching humans, trees, and houses.” As the air heated and rushed upward, cold air surged in to ignite a firestorm. Hours later, a whirlwind escalated the flames to their peak until more than eight square miles were virtually reduced to cinders. Subsequently, black, muddy rain filled with radioactive fallout began to fall. Two days later, using Japan's rejection of the Potsdam Declaration as a pretext, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan. Then on August 9, the United States dropped a second atomic bomb on Nagasaki, resulting in the immediate deaths of approximately 35,000 to 40,000 people and injuring more than 60,000.   Meanwhile, in Tokyo, during the critical period between the Potsdam Declaration and the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Emperor Hirohito remained silent about accepting the Potsdam terms. However, on July 25 and 31, he explicitly conveyed to Kido that the imperial regalia must be defended at all costs. The three sacred objects—a mirror, a curved jewel, and a sword—symbolized the legitimacy of his rule through the northern court and were integral to his identity as the divine sovereign. Hirohito's focus was on protecting these symbols of office, as he insisted on having them brought to the palace. This fixation on maintaining his symbols occurred during a pivotal moment when the pressing issue was whether to accept immediate capitulation. Reflecting on this, he was unprepared to seize the opportunity to end the war himself.   Prime Minister Suzuki, following his initial rejection of the Potsdam ultimatum, also saw no need for further action. His Cabinet Advisory Council, which included the president of Asano Cement, the founder of the Nissan consortium, the vice president of the Bank of Japan, and other representatives from the nation's leading business interests that had profited significantly from the war, convened on the morning of August 3. They recommended accepting the Potsdam terms, arguing that the United States would permit Japan to retain its non-military industries and continue participating in world trade.    Here are some reactions to the two bombs and invasion of Manchuria.    Yonai Mitsumasa said to admiral Takagi Sokichi, on August 12, that “I think the term is perhaps inappropriate, but the atomic bombs and the Soviet entry into the war are, in a sense, gifts from the gods [tenyu, also “heaven-sent blessings”]. This way we don't have to say that we quit the war because of domestic circumstances. I've long been advocating control of our crisis, but neither from fear of an enemy attack nor because of the atomic bombs and the Soviet entry into the war. The main reason is my anxiety over the domestic situation. So, it is rather fortunate that we can now control matters without revealing the domestic situation”.    Konoe's characterized the Soviet involvement in the war as “a godsend for controlling the army,”. Kido viewed of both the atomic bombings and the Soviet entry into the conflict as “useful” elements for ensuring a smooth transition. A nascent power struggle was unfolding, rendering the potential death toll—whether one hundred thousand or two hundred thousand—immaterial to those involved, as long as their desired outcome was achieved: an end to the war that would leave the monarchy intact and capable of managing the discontent that defeat would inevitably provoke. Throughout the final acts of this wartime drama, the Japanese “moderates” found it easier to capitulate to external pressures than to take decisive action on their own to conclude the war.   Another illuminating looks at Japan's elite's perspective on surrender terms was the document titled “Essentials of Peace Negotiations” (wahei kosho no yoryo). Drafted by Konoe and his adviser, retired Lt. Gen. Sakai Koji, after Konoe had reluctantly accepted a mission to Moscow, this document, stipulated the preservation of the emperor system, along with most of the imperial prerogatives, as the absolute minimum condition for peace. It defined the “original” or “essential homeland” as including the southern half of the Kurile Islands but showed a willingness to concede all overseas territories to the enemy, including Okinawa and the American-occupied Bonin Islands, as well as the southern half of Sakhalin. The “Essentials” also accepted complete disarmament for an unspecified period, thereby compromising on the issues of demobilizing and disarming the armed forces. More significantly, an “explanation” attached to the “Essentials” emphasized that “the main aim is to secure the imperial line and maintain the political role of the emperor.”    Why Japan surrendered   We come to it atleast after a long podcast. Why did Japan ultimately surrender?   The twin psychological shocks of the first atomic bomb and the Soviet entry into the war, combined with Kido's and the emperor's concern over escalating public criticism of the throne and its occupant, fueled an almost paranoid fear that, sooner or later, the populace would react violently against their leaders if the war persisted much longer. These factors ultimately led Hirohito to accept, in principle, the terms of the Potsdam Declaration.   At the first meeting of the six member constituents of the Supreme War Leadership Council, held from 10:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on August 9, Army Minister Anami Korechika, Chiefs of Staff Umezu Yoshijiro, representing the army, and Yonai, representing the navy, along with Tōgō, from the Foreign Ministry, were expected to discuss the acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration. Instead, the conversation revolved around whether to attempt a conditional surrender—specifically, should they insist on one condition, the preservation of the kokutai, or four?   After Suzuki addressed the assembly regarding the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and the Soviet attack, Yonai, as recounted by Navy Chief of Staff Toyoda, was the first to speak, framing the issue in terms of four conditions. “Let's start to talk, Do we accept the Potsdam Declaration with no conditions? If not, and we wish to insist on attaching hopes and conditions, we may do so this way. First, preservation of the kokutai; then for the rest, the main items in the Potsdam Declaration: treatment of war criminals, method of disarmament, and the matter of sending in an army of occupation.” Thus, the participants identified what they perceived to be the ambiguous points within the Potsdam Declaration and used them as the foundation for their discussions.   The army insisted on four conditions: First, the preservation of the kokutai, which they considered distinct from the Potsdam Declaration itself. The other conditions proposed were, second, that the Imperial Headquarters assume responsibility for disarmament and demobilization; third, a prohibition on occupation; and fourth, the delegation of the punishment of war criminals to the Japanese government. The army equated the kokutai with the emperor's right of supreme command. Their self-serving desire for autonomous war crimes trials was based on the belief that the Allies would use such trials to politically indict the military. Consequently, army leaders aimed to preempt the activities of any international tribunal by conducting their own trials—similar to the approach taken by the uninvaded and unrepentant Germans after World War I.   Supporting the military's views during cabinet meetings that day were three civilian members of the Suzuki cabinet: Justice Minister Matsuzaka Hiromasa, Home Minister Yasui Toji, and Minister of Health Okada Tadahiko. At the imperial conference that night, which extended into the early hours of the tenth, Foreign Minister Tōgō's interpretation of the “preservation of the kokutai” referred solely to the safeguarding of the Imperial House or dynasty, rather than the continuation of Hirohito's reign.   Hiranuma, another advocate for the single condition, interpreted the kokutai as the “emperor's sovereign right to rule the state [not] deriving from national law. Even if the entire nation is sacrificed to the war, we must preserve both the kokutai and the security of the imperial house.” This discrepancy illustrated that there was no completely unified understanding of what the kokutai entailed; the debate over one condition versus four represented conflicting visions for the future of the Japanese state and masked the competition for political power that was already unfolding.   It remains doubtful whether the emperor and Kido initially sided with Tōgō against the four conditions proposed by the senior military leaders. A more likely inference is that both men retained sympathies for the hardliners, both military and civilian, who preferred to continue the futile war rather than surrender immediately and unconditionally. This may explain why, on August 9, Konoe had Hosokawa Morisada approach Navy General Headquarters to urge the emperor's brother, Prince Takamatsu, to pressure Hirohito (through Kido) to accept the Potsdam terms. Later that afternoon, Konoe enlisted the help of diplomat Shigemitsu Mamoru to persuade Kido to reconsider his stance on the four conditions. Ultimately, at the urging of Takamatsu and Shigemitsu, Kido did shift to support Tōgō's position.   At the end of the war, as at its beginning and throughout every stage of its progression, Emperor Hirohito played a highly active role in supporting the actions carried out in his name. From the very beginning of the Asia-Pacific war, the emperor played a significant role in the unfolding events around him. Prior to the Battle of Okinawa, he consistently advocated for a decisive victory. Afterward, he acknowledged the necessity of pursuing an early peace, although he did not favor an immediate cessation of hostilities. Instead, he wavered, steering Japan toward ongoing warfare rather than direct negotiations with the Allies. When the final crisis fully unfolded, the only option left was unconditional surrender. Even then, he continued to procrastinate until the atomic bomb was dropped and the Soviets launched their attack. The wartime emperor ideology that once sustained morale made it exceedingly difficult for Japan's leaders to accept the act of surrender. Aware of their objective defeat, yet indifferent to the suffering the war inflicted on their own people—as well as on the populations of Asia, the Pacific, and the West whose lives they had disrupted—the emperor and his military leaders sought a means to lose without appearing to lose. They aimed to mitigate domestic criticism following surrender while preserving their power structure.   Blinded by their fixation on the fate of the imperial house and committed to an overly optimistic diplomacy toward the Soviet Union, Japan's leaders missed several opportunities to end their lost war. Would Japan's leaders have surrendered more promptly if the Truman administration had “clarified” the status of the emperor before the cataclysmic double shocks of the atomic bomb and the Soviet entry into the war? Probably not. However, it is likely they would have surrendered to prevent the kokutai from being destroyed from within. The evidence suggests that the first atomic bomb and the Soviet declaration of war led Hirohito, Kido, and other members of the court to believe that continuing the war would inevitably result in that destruction. They recognized that the populace was war-weary and despondent, with rising hostility toward the military and the government, accompanied by increasing criticism of the emperor himself. More specifically, Kido and Hirohito were privy to Home Ministry reports, which contained information from governors and police chiefs nationwide. These reports indicated that citizens were beginning to label the emperor as an incompetent leader responsible for the deteriorating war situation.   This is the third variable, never spoken about. Many first look at the atomic bombs. Bigger brain people turn to the Soviet Invasion of Manchuria. But hardly anyone reads about how the collapse of Japan's social fabric, scared the shit out of the Emperor and his closest advisors. You can't have a kokutai, without a populace that worshiped you.    When the emperor expressed in February, “What worries me is whether the nation [could] endure” long enough to achieve victory, he was not merely voicing concern for the suffering of his subjects; rather, he feared that such suffering could lead to social upheaval—in short, revolution. At that time, he referred to the ordinary, war-related hardships of food shortages, air raids, devastated cities, destruction of homes, and the omnipresent grief from the loss of loved ones. The atomic bomb escalated death, pain, and suffering to unimaginably higher levels, intensifying the threat from within. After the bombings of Japan and two atomic bombs, Hirohito was in a dark way, given a golden get out of jail free card. Hirohito could now save his suffering people from further anguish by surrendering, allowing him to deflect responsibility for leading them into misery while adopting an air of benevolence and care. Indeed, Hirohito did care—though not primarily for the Japanese people, but rather for the survival of his own imperial house and throne.   After the bombing of Hiroshima, Hirohito delayed for a full two days before instructing Kido, shortly before 10 A.M. on August 9, to “quickly control the situation” because “the Soviet [Union]” had declared war. Kido immediately communicated with Prime Minister Suzuki, who began arrangements for an Imperial Conference scheduled for later that night. Following the seidan of August 10, Chief Cabinet Secretary Sakomizu took charge of drafting the “Imperial Rescript Ending the War” based on Hirohito's directives. Assisted by two scholars of the Chinese classics, Kawada Mizuho and Yasuoka Masahiro, Sakomizu worked tirelessly for over three days before submitting a version of the rescript to the Suzuki cabinet. After six hours of contentious discussion on the night of August 14, the cabinet modified and approved the document. Hirohito promptly signed it, and Shimomura and Kido persuaded him to record a suitably opaque final version for broadcast to the nation.   On the night of August 14, the Suzuki government notified the United States and other Allied nations that it had accepted both the Potsdam Declaration and the Byrnes letter of August 11. Accelerating the emperor's actions during this climactic moment of the unconditional surrender drama was the American psychological warfare campaign. When a leaflet dropped from B-29 bombers came into Kido's possession on the night of August 13 or the morning of the fourteenth, he conferred with the emperor and explained the gravity of the situation. The latest enemy leaflets were informing the Japanese people of the government's notification of surrender under one condition, along with the full text of Byrnes's response. If this continued, it would undermine the imperial government's reliance on secrecy to obscure the true nature of the lost war and the reasons for the prolonged surrender delay.   Given Kido's and the emperor's concerns about rising signs of defeatism, including criticism of the throne, immediate action was necessary to prevent the populace from acting on their own initiative. Thus, the second seidan was convened. At noon on August 15, the Japanese people gathered around their radio receivers and heard, for the first time, the high-pitched voice of their emperor telling them:    “After pondering deeply the general trends of the world and the actual conditions obtaining in Our Empire today, We have decided to effect a settlement of the present situation by resorting to an extraordinary measure. We have ordered Our Government to communicate to the Governments of the United States, Great Britain, China and the Soviet Union that Our Empire accepts the provisions of their Joint Declaration. To strive for the common prosperity and happiness of all nations as well as the security and well-being of Our subjects is the solemn obligation which has been handed down by Our Imperial Ancestors and which lies close to Our heart. Indeed, We declared war on America and Britain out of Our sincere desire to ensure Japan's self-preservation and the stabilization of East Asia, it being far from Our thought either to infringe upon the sovereignty of other nations or to embark upon territorial aggrandizement. But now the war has lasted for nearly four years. Despite the best that has been done by everyone—the gallant fighting of the military and naval forces, the diligence and assiduity of Our servants of the State, and the devoted service of Our one hundred million people—the war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan's advantage, while the general trends of the world have all turned against her interest. Moreover, the enemy has begun to employ a new and most cruel bomb, the power of which to do damage is, indeed, incalculable, taking the toll of many innocent lives. Should we continue to fight, not only would it result in an ultimate collapse and obliteration of the Japanese nation, but also it would lead to the total extinction of human civilization. Such being the case, how are We to save the millions of Our subjects, or to atone Ourselves before the hallowed spirits of Our Imperial Ancestors? This is the reason why We have ordered the acceptance of the provisions of the Joint Declaration of the Powers... The hardships and sufferings to which Our nation is to be subjected hereafter will be certainly great. We are keenly aware of the inmost feelings of all of you, Our subjects. However, it is according to the dictates of time and fate that We have resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all the generations to come by enduring the unendurable and suffering what is unsufferable”.   Clearly Hirohito sought to justify his decision to surrender by citing the dropping of the atomic bombs. He wanted to become the saviour of the Japanese people. Hirohito wanted to obfuscate the issue of accountability, to prevent expressions of strife and anger and to strengthen domestic unity around himself, to protect and raise the kokutai.  Interestingly, the surrender declaration to the civilian population was not the same one sent to the military. On August 17th Hirohito issued a second “rescript to soldiers and sailors” throughout the asia-pacific.   “ Now that the Soviet Union has entered the war against us, to continue . . . under the present conditions at home and abroad would only recklessly incur even more damage to ourselves and result in endangering the very foundation of the empire's existence. Therefore, even though enormous fighting spirit still exists in the Imperial Navy and Army, I am going to make peace with the United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union, as well as with Chungking, in order to maintain our glorious national polity”.   The lesser-known August 17 rescript to the army and navy specified Soviet participation as the sole reason for surrender, while maintaining the kokutai as the primary aim. Dissembling until the end—and even beyond—it was noted that the emperor presented two different justifications for his delayed surrender. Both statements were likely true.   Months later Hirohito's said this about his decision to surrender “The main motive behind my decision at that time was that if we . . . did not act, the Japanese race would perish and I would be unable to protect my loyal subjects [sekishi—literally, “children”]. Second, Kido agreed with me on the matter of defending the kokutai. If the enemy landed near Ise Bay, both Ise and Atsuta Shrines would immediately come under their control. There would be no time to transfer the sacred treasures [regalia] of the imperial family and no hope of protecting them. Under these circumstances, protection of the kokutai would be difficult. For these reasons, I thought at the time that I must make peace even at the sacrifice of myself.”    There exists this sort of childish argument today whether it was the atomic bombs or the Soviet Invasion that caused Japan to surrender. However, this overlooks as I think I've explained in 9000 words jeez, the influence of the kokutai. Defending the kokutai was Hirohito's number one priority. The Soviets threatened it. Communism threatened it. What Japan perceived to be “democracy” threatened it. American victory threatened it. And the destruction of Japan's social fabric threatened it. I love this one piece of history, that I have only come across in one book, that being the main one I am using here.   On August 12th, Hirohito came to the imperial family to tell them he had made the decision to surrender. His uncle Prince Yasuhiko Asaka asked him whether the war would be continued if the kokutai could not be preserved. Hirohito replied “of course”.

In this week's episode, Dennis Jernigan shares the story behind his song,  “The Rhythm of Life” from the recording, "A Mystery of Majesty." That mp3 is available at https://www.dennisjernigan.com/store/product.php?c=24&p=661 You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month. Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Today's episode is a new Ramblings and Musings! In this one, we do a light run through all the dramas I've recently finished, I'm currently watching, and the ones I'm hoping to watch. There's even a short discussion at the end of the episode on a drama that I also recently dropped. So, if you want to find out where I've been in Kdramaland, please join me on this new episode.Could you let me know your thoughts on any of the dramas I talked about and fill me in on what you're watching as well?

This week we'll be full of Christmas cheer and COUNTing our blessings one more time, as we go out on the piste with Blofeld and find out if he's allergic to a bit of the other fella. Yes, it's On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Joining me to feel a light stiffness coming on as we Rigg the system, is award winning Welshman, Dan Thomas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Go to sermon webpage: EQUIPPED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK

We begin today with a prayer for our brothers and sisters in Russia and Ukraine. Most of all, a worldwide revival might even start there, in the midst of turmoil.The conversation in John 4 is as astonishing as our prayers. To the woman, a Jew talking to a Samaritan woman was unthinkable. The holy God of the universe initiating communion with us is just as inconceivable. Yet He does:Moses sees the burning bush; the Hebrews tell us He has spoken in various and sundry ways. At one point, all I knew of the Bible was Romans 6:23, from a billboard.Hebrews also tells us that now He is speaking to us through His son. "in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. 3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high; 4 having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they." Hebrews 1:2-4And as Jesus is turning the woman from water to eternal life, He tells us in this passage: "…made purification of sins…" Eternity is His message.Our So What?We ask this question: Knowing that the spiritual is so much more critical than the physical. How might that change the content of our prayers? "What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more." Robert Murray M'Cheynee Donation link:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab.Assistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossard.www.freerangepreacheronprayer.comfreerangeprayer@gmail.comFacebook - Free Range Preacher MinistriesInstagram: freerangeministriesAll our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.comOur podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 InstagramSeason 007Episode 072

“That's the majesty of rock / The mystery of roll / The darning of the sock / The scoring of the goal / The farmer takes a wife / The barber takes a pole / We're in this together…and ever.” These lyrics ring as true today as they did back in 1992, when Spinal Tap penned them for their song “The Majesty of Rock,” from the classic album Break Like the Wind. Centering around the core trio of frontman David St. Hubbins, lead guitarist Nigel Tufnel, and bassist Derek Smalls, Spinal Tap have exerted a significant amount of musical force since the early '60s, when St. Hubbins and Tufnel first linked up as young rockers in the rough-and-tumble London neighborhood of Squatney. After trying on a few different styles and names—including The Originals, then the New Originals, then the Thamesmen—the group eventually settled into their now very-well-worn position as the elder statesmen of rock.  But now, after a long, peaceful silence, Spinal Tap is back with a new film, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, in theaters on September 12. With noted filmmaker Marty DiBergi returning to the director's chair, the movie follows the band as they prepare for a triumphant reunion concert, offering an intimate view of the Tap working through festering interpersonal conflicts, rehearsing material and potential new drummers, and dealing with interruptions from the likes of Paul McCartney and Elton John. As with all things Tap, there's more: on September 16, the Criterion Collection will release a new special edition of the 1984 classic This Is Spinal Tap. Film Comment Editor Clinton Krute spoke with St. Hubbins, Tufnel, Smalls, and DiBergi about the new movie, which the band hasn't seen yet, and the old one, which they hate. They also discussed their long careers in music and film, the influence of cinema on their chosen art of music (including formative encounters with “good violent Westerns” like Run of the Arrow and sci-fi fare like The Tingler), and much more.

We're back with Alexandre Dumas' incredible immortal heroic tale "The Three Musketeers" with Chapter 6- "His Majesty King Louis XIII"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this message, Peter closes out The Majesty of the Gospel series by awakening hope in the return of Jesus. Drawing from scripture and real-life testimony, he calls the church to anchor their faith in the blessed hope of Christ's coming — a hope that purifies, strengthens, and sustains us through trials. What would it look like for the Bride to live in purity, power, and love as we await the marriage supper of the Lamb?THE BRAVEHEART SUMMIT REGISTRATION IS LIVE! SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY! The Summit is a rallying point for Bravehearts. If you're hungry for God, eager for true connection with others, and ready to grow deep in the faith of the gospel, this Summit is for you. The Summit is not an end point, it's a launching point. We purpose to gather, to magnify Jesus, to uplift the body of Christ and to return home on mission refreshed, radiant and ready to run.Details - November 6th-8th in San Antonio, Texas Click here to register.Click here to pay it forward. Send us a textSupport the show

Today is the first of a few special episodes. We're talking Spinal Tap with Scott Reeder of Kyuss, Kellii Scott of Failure, Dizzy Reed of Guns N Roses, and Jason Achilles, who's put microphones on Mars with NASA's JPL. What brings all of these amazing people together? A charity album for Teen Cancer America that I started three and a half years ago. It's coming out on Sept 16th and the only way to get over 30 tracks of Spinal Tap covers is to follow the show and Teen Cancer America's social media.  In this episode we talk about what the movie means to each of us, favorite scenes, favorite songs, and how these guys chose the song they covered. They also discuss some real life Spinal Tap moments in their own careers, the key to singing comedic songs, and pro tips on buying the best rubber chickens.Keep following here and Teen Cancer America for covers by these amazing musicians, Robyn Hitchcock, Crippled Black Phoenix, Alain Johannes, members of Soul Asylum, Tool, Foo Fighters, Mastodon, and so many more, as well as a very special song performed by cancer survivors who've been helped by  TCA. Follow us  @PerformanceAnx and @teencancereamerica or go to teencanceramerica.org to learn more. Here's Scott Reeder, Kellii Scott, Dizzy Reed, and Jason Achilles on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a messageIn a commentary written for “Endure” Ministries they write: “As believers, it is important that we learn and study the Names of God as revealed by His Word. In Psalm 9:10, it is written that: “And those who know your name, put their trust in You. For You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.” And while “Jehovah” or “Yahweh” is the most common and important Name for God, there are hundreds more Names for Him in Scripture. Each one describes a particular characteristic or attribute of God. Therefore, they help us to understand more fully His power, wonder, and might. They describe Who He is,  what He does, and how He moves in our lives. But most of all, it brings us more fully into worship of Him – the Great I AM – the Mighty and Everlasting God – our Savior, Master, Lord and King!Support the showVisit our website: https://agapelightministries.com/

Join us as our guest speaker Adam Knapp brings a word on the value of pursuing the presence of the Lord. Let's seek to go deeper into the depths of His love and glory. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

 Go to sermon webpage: EQUIPPED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK

In this lecture, Don Carson examines Revelation 5 to underscore Christ's unparalleled worthiness to open the scroll, symbolizing God's sovereign plan for redemption and judgment. Carson emphasizes that only the Lamb—Jesus Christ—can enact God's purposes, highlighting His central role in the cosmic narrative. Carson calls believers to respond with worship and adoration, recognizing Christ's supremacy and victory over evil.He teaches the following:Why Jesus alone is worthy to open the scroll, signifying His unique authorityChrist's worthiness to open the scroll signifies His final triumph over sin, evil, and deathHow the scroll represents God's sovereign purposes for judgment and redemptionHow the Lamb symbolizes complete power and knowledgeJesus has established universal dominion, making believers a kingdom and priests to serve GodChrist's redemption is not limited to one group, but extends to all peoples, nations, and tonguesThe significance of angelic praise of the Lamb, acknowledging His eternal worthHow Christ bridges the gap between God and humanity, fulfilling God's redemptive purposes

Henry VIII is famous for marrying 6 wives, abandoning 2 of them and beheading another 2. Some might say he ruined their lives! And though they may have briefly been Queens, they also likely cursed they met the royal tyrant. In his Majesty's search for new brides there were a handful of ladies whom he considered, but either turned down, or rejected him. Let's meet the 8 lucky ladies who managed to avoid a fateful walk down the aisle with the murderous monarch. And consider how their lives, and history might have been different if they had married Henry VIII. Potential 1st Wives: Marguerite de Angoulême, Queen of Navarre Eleanor of Austria, Queen of Portugal & France Potential 4th Wives: Mary of Guise, Queen of Scotland Maria of Portugal, Duchess of Viseu Christina of Denmark Amelia of Cleves Potential 7th Wife: Katherine Willoughby (Catherine Brandon), Duchess of Suffolk Real Wives: Catherine of Aragon Anne Boleyn Jane Seymour Anne of Cleves Catherine Howard Catherine Parr Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091781568503 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyteatimelindsayholiday/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@historyteatime Please consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday and help me make more fascinating episodes! Intro Music: Baroque Coffee House by Doug Maxwell Music: Journey in the New World by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://www.twinmusicom.org/song/258/journey-in-the-new-world Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org #HistoryTeaTime #LindsayHoliday Please contact ⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠ if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sermon preached by Jonathan Lormier at the Evangelical Christian Church of Dubai on Psalm 93.

Rosenberg hits the City of Lights to co-host WWE's Clash pre- and post-show, diving deep into Sunday's card. The Majesty debate the ultimate Chris Jericho entrance theme Judas or Break Down the Walls and discuss Becky Lynch's heel promo, including Kelly Osbourne's reaction to her Ozzy reference. Was a line crossed, or just part of the show? Plus, Dip shares his unexpected love for Trick Daddy.Listen to Cheap Heat Live Fridays 12pm- 2pm EST on Pro Wrestling Nation 24/7 on Channel 156.Call in at 844-344-4893Wanna stay MAJ?Join our PateronFollow @cheapheatpod on Instagram and subscribe to Rosenberg's Youtube Channel.Email the show Rosenbergwrestling@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.