1) Petra is a Christia… Read Full Bio ↴There is more than one artist with this name:
1) Petra is a Christian Rock band formed in 1972 by Bob Hartman, Bill Glover, John DeGroff, and Greg Hough. "Petra" means "rock" in NT Greek, making the band name a triple pun. Rising from the Jesus music movement, and initially signed to [recordlabel]Myrrh Records[/recordlabel], they fought to gain acceptance and recognition in a church culture that at the time believed rock music to be off-limits. Over time they eventually won over most of their critics, thanks to a steady approach and some solid adult contemporary airplay hits like "The Coloring Song," outside of their usual rock fare. By the mid-80's, when lead singer Greg X. Volz left the band and was replaced by John Schlitt, Petra had solidified their place as the foremost Christian rock band in the industry with a string of hit albums and singles and strong touring. The release of Petra Praise: The Rock Cries Out marked a turn towards modern-sounding worship music that would soon explode into the modern worship movement.
Petra was nominated for and won numerous Grammy and Dove Awards. In 1991, after the release of their acclaimed Beyond Belief record, Petra became the first rock band ever to win for Group of the Year at the Dove Awards. They were also the first Christian rock band to be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
For three decades Petra continued to produce albums despite changes in their line-up as well as the genre and market. On May 24th, 2005 Petra announced their retirement after 33 years of ministry. They recorded one of their final performances in Franklin, Tennessee to release it as their last album, Farewell. Their last performance finished in the early hours of January 1, 2006 in Murphy, North Carolina. Bob Hartman and John Schlitt continue to tour under the moniker II Guys From Petra.
Lineups through the years:
Early 80's Captured in Time & Space lineup: Bob Hartman, Greg X. Volz, John Slick, Mark Kelly, Louie Weaver, John Lawry
Late 80's "Beyond Belief dream team" lineup: Bob Hartman, John Schlitt, John Lawry, Louie Weaver, Ronny Cates
Late 90's Petra Praise 2 - We Need Jesus lineup: John Schlitt, Louie Weaver, Lonnie Chapin, Pete Orta, Kevin Brandow
Farewell CD lineup: John Schlitt, Bob Hartman, Greg Bailey, Paul Simmons, with special appearances by Greg X. Volz and John Lawry
More members: Rob Frazier, Jim Cooper, David Lichens, Trent Thomason, Bryce Bell, Quinton Gibson, Justin Johnson
See also http://www.petraband.com/
Lift Him Up
Petra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're always under their investigation
They look at us to hear we got to say
They can't see Jesus when we stand in the way
They don't need no more elevated speeches
We're keeping Jesus just beyond their reaches
Can't see the forest for all of the trees
They won't see Jesus till we fall on our knees
[Chorus]
Lift Him up higher and higher
Lift Him up set the world on fire
It doesn't take much theology
Just lift Him up so the world can see
Lift Him up tell the gospel story
Lift Him up left them see His glory
It doesn't take any Bible degree
Just lift Him up so the world can see
Sometimes they just can't see beyond the haze
Or find their way through the religious maze
Just like Zaccheus they're trying to see
They got to somehow see beyond you and me
Oh, how the world needs to see him
So they can believe Him
Oh, how can we ever hide Him
As if we had denied Him
Oh, how could He ever draw them
If they never saw Him
Oh, how can they see His glory
Without you and me
The lyrics of Petra's "Lift Him Up" speak of the world's desperate need to see Jesus so that they may believe in Him. The world is always scrutinizing Christians, hoping to hear a message that could finally convince them of the truth. The song suggests that people won't be able to see Jesus if Christians are too busy giving empty speeches or if they are standing in the way. Therefore, it is up to Christians to lift Him up higher and higher, to set the world on fire with His love and glory. It doesn't take a fancy degree or deep theological knowledge to do this, just the willingness to share the gospel story and let the world see Jesus through our own lives.
The song's chorus reinforces the message that lifting Jesus up is the key to winning the world over. We need to tell the gospel story, let them see His glory, and do so without hiding Him or denying Him. The world needs to see Jesus, and Christians have the responsibility to make that happen. The lyrics acknowledge that the world is often lost in a religious haze or maze and can't see through it to find Jesus, but it is up to us to help them see.
Line by Line Meaning
The world is looking for a revelation
People are seeking a sign of truth and hope in this world.
We're always under their investigation
People are scrutinizing our actions and words, hoping to find something real and genuine.
They look at us to hear we got to say
People are waiting for us to speak up and share something of value with them.
They can't see Jesus when we stand in the way
Our own selfish motives, lack of love, or prideful attitude can hinder others from seeing Christ clearly.
They don't need no more elevated speeches
People don't want to hear empty words or religious jargon that has no meaning.
We're keeping Jesus just beyond their reaches
Our inaction, hesitation, or silence is preventing people from encountering Jesus Christ.
Can't see the forest for all of the trees
People are so distracted with the details and distractions of life that they can't see the bigger picture or reality.
They won't see Jesus till we fall on our knees
Only when we humble ourselves, confess our sins, and seek God in prayer will others truly encounter the person of Jesus Christ.
Lift Him up higher and higher
We need to exalt, honor, and worship Jesus Christ with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Lift Him up set the world on fire
As we lift up Jesus Christ, His love and truth will spread like wildfire and change lives for eternity.
It doesn't take much theology
Sharing the Gospel doesn't require complex theories, theological debates or philosophical arguments.
Just lift Him up so the world can see
Our primary task is to lift up Jesus Christ and allow Him to draw all people to himself.
Lift Him up tell the gospel story
Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ is our responsibility as believers and witnesses of His grace and mercy.
Lift Him up let them see His glory
As we magnify Jesus Christ, His character, power, and beauty will be revealed to those who seek him.
It doesn't take any Bible degree
We don't need to be scholars or experts to share the message of Jesus Christ with others.
Just lift Him up so the world can see
Our mission is to elevate Jesus Christ above all things and point people to Him as the source of life and salvation.
Sometimes they just can't see beyond the haze
People can be blinded by their own doubts, fears, or sins, and need a clear vision of God's truth and grace.
Or find their way through the religious maze
People can be confused, misled, or deceived by false teachings or wrong beliefs about God, and need someone to guide them to the truth.
Just like Zaccheus they're trying to see
People are searching for a glimpse of hope and meaning in life, like the tax collector Zaccheus who climbed the sycamore tree to see Jesus.
They got to somehow see beyond you and me
People need to see the love, power, and presence of Jesus Christ, not just our good deeds, words, or personality.
Oh, how the world needs to see him
The world is desperate to see the real and living Jesus Christ, who alone can satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart.
So they can believe Him
As people see Jesus Christ for who He really is, they will put their faith and trust in Him alone for their salvation and purpose in life.
Oh, how can we ever hide Him
We have no right to keep Jesus Christ to ourselves, or hide Him behind our fears, doubts, or selfish desires.
As if we had denied Him
When we fail to share the love and truth of Jesus Christ with others, we are actually denying who He is and what He has done for us and for them.
Oh, how could He ever draw them
Jesus Christ is the only one who can draw all people to Himself, but He chooses to use us as His instruments to proclaim and demonstrate His love and truth to the world.
If they never saw Him
If people don't see the reality of Jesus Christ in our lives and in our message, they will miss the chance to know Him and be saved by Him.
Oh, how can they see His glory
Only when we reflect the glory of Jesus Christ in our words, deeds, and character, will people be able to see the amazing grace and truth of God in Him.
Without you and me
We have a unique role and responsibility as believers and witnesses of Jesus Christ, to lift Him up and make Him known to all people, until He returns in glory.
Lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
durianrules
petra is an incredibly anointed band.. the words are still So relevant today!!
Flashlite Striker
Amen!! And STILL relevant TODAY!!
Lil Winged
They're so great .. the lead singer came to our church and sang by himself. I think he was about 60 at the time. I'm not sure but he was just as amazing singing if not better. I was just amazed how good he could sing and what a heart for God. I also found I enjoy The Emperials , they're older and I'm always looking to older Christian music because it's so much better than today's.
Tommie Wimberly
Lift up the name of JESUS CHRIST. It doesn't take any Bible degree just lift him up for the World to see. Well said Petra i love this CD. Years ago i had the tape in the 80s. Great and powerful memories.
Flashlite Striker
This is another one of the songs that helped the actual LIGHT of the gospel to start SHINING upon my heart's actual "REAL TIME" understanding... years ago!
rocky4432901
It doesn't take a Bible Degree, just Lift him up so the world can see!!!
Awakened Won
The problem with the modern church stems from "a Bible degree."
George Martinez
Why can't this album be on sale on Amazon? Love this album so much!
Márcio Rockmaster
A guitarra conversando com o teclado no solo curto mais bonito que já ouvi!
Bill Grumling
I love this song. It is about evangelism and it strips down all the names and titles that the world is impressed with (Pastor Deacon Doctor) and shows the average everyday christian can be a witness for The Lord " It dosent take much theology you dont need a bible degree"