Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
This was probably the first Christian rock song I ever heard, back in 1983. I had borrowed the LP from the youth director at church, and was instantly a Petra fan! Not Of This World, Beat The System, and Captured In Time And Space are the pinnacle of their catalog for me. I expect I will cover a few more Petra tunes in the future! #petra #christianrock
Performed, recorded, and programmed from scratch in Propellerhead Reason. Mastered in Adobe Audition. #propellerhead #reason #adobe #audition #homerecording #homerecordingstudio
DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN NEW SONGS ARE RELEASED!
Go listen to the original! youtu.be/BmwG1-Vf6xM?si=iK8qUKFzbW6c8oOT
Petra’s “Not of This World” (title track of their 1983 album) is special for several reasons—musically, lyrically, and historically for the band. Here’s what sets it apart:
1. A defining moment in Petra’s classic era
The Not of This World album is widely viewed as the peak of Petra’s early-80s lineup (Bob Hartman, John Slick, Louie Weaver, and powerhouse vocalist Greg X. Volz). The title track helped cement Petra as the leading Christian rock band of the time.
2. A strong biblical theme wrapped in rock energy
The song draws heavily from passages like John 17:14–16 and Romans 12:2, expressing the idea that believers live in the world but are not defined by it. Petra was known for bold Scripture-based lyrics, and this track summarizes their mission statement in one song.
3. Greg X. Volz’s signature vocals
Volz delivers one of his most iconic performances—soaring, theatrical, and passionately expressive. Fans often cite this track as one of his standout moments before his eventual departure.
4. A perfect blend of rock, synths, and melody
“Not of This World” features:
• driving guitar riffs from Bob Hartman
• layered 80s keyboards from John Slick
• tight rhythms from Louie Weaver
• a melodic, anthemic chorus
It’s a quintessential example of Petra’s fusion of rock guitar and radio-friendly synth-rock production.
5. It helped shape Christian rock’s identity
In the early 80s, Christian rock was still controversial in many churches. Songs like “Not of This World” showcased how rock music could deliver spiritually rich messages with just as much passion as any hymn. The album became one of Petra’s most influential works.
6. A fan-favorite with enduring legacy
Even decades later, the song is frequently cited as:
• one of Petra’s most important tracks
• a thematic centerpiece in their catalog
• a foundational Christian rock anthem
This was probably the first Christian rock song I ever heard, back in 1983. I had borrowed the LP from the youth director at church, and was instantly a Petra fan! Not Of This World, Beat The System, and Captured In Time And Space are the pinnacle of their catalog for me. I expect I will cover a few more Petra tunes in the future! #petra #christianrock
Performed, recorded, and programmed from scratch in Propellerhead Reason. Mastered in Adobe Audition. #propellerhead #reason #adobe #audition #homerecording #homerecordingstudio
DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN NEW SONGS ARE RELEASED!
Go listen to the original! youtu.be/BmwG1-Vf6xM?si=iK8qUKFzbW6c8oOT
Petra’s “Not of This World” (title track of their 1983 album) is special for several reasons—musically, lyrically, and historically for the band. Here’s what sets it apart:
1. A defining moment in Petra’s classic era
The Not of This World album is widely viewed as the peak of Petra’s early-80s lineup (Bob Hartman, John Slick, Louie Weaver, and powerhouse vocalist Greg X. Volz). The title track helped cement Petra as the leading Christian rock band of the time.
2. A strong biblical theme wrapped in rock energy
The song draws heavily from passages like John 17:14–16 and Romans 12:2, expressing the idea that believers live in the world but are not defined by it. Petra was known for bold Scripture-based lyrics, and this track summarizes their mission statement in one song.
3. Greg X. Volz’s signature vocals
Volz delivers one of his most iconic performances—soaring, theatrical, and passionately expressive. Fans often cite this track as one of his standout moments before his eventual departure.
4. A perfect blend of rock, synths, and melody
“Not of This World” features:
• driving guitar riffs from Bob Hartman
• layered 80s keyboards from John Slick
• tight rhythms from Louie Weaver
• a melodic, anthemic chorus
It’s a quintessential example of Petra’s fusion of rock guitar and radio-friendly synth-rock production.
5. It helped shape Christian rock’s identity
In the early 80s, Christian rock was still controversial in many churches. Songs like “Not of This World” showcased how rock music could deliver spiritually rich messages with just as much passion as any hymn. The album became one of Petra’s most influential works.
6. A fan-favorite with enduring legacy
Even decades later, the song is frequently cited as:
• one of Petra’s most important tracks
• a thematic centerpiece in their catalog
• a foundational Christian rock anthem
