Punta Gorda Seventh-day Adventist Church

Average reading time is about 4 and a half minutes

An Amazing Fact: Metamorphic rocks are created when other types of rocks are transformed due to great pressure and heat within the earth. The meaning of the term “metamorphic,” in fact, is “changed.” When igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, or even metamorphic rocks get buried very deep under the earth’s surface, they get changed into something else by the enormous pressure and heat inside the earth.

---

Metamorphosis is a word we often associate with caterpillars and butterflies or tadpoles and frogs. But rocks can change too. For instance, limestone can be changed into marble and shale can turn into slate. The process requires an intense amount of pressure.

Marble is a beautiful stone that can be polished. That’s why it is often used in elaborate buildings for bathtubs, floors, and counter-tops. Marble is also a popular stone used for carvings to make statutes. There are many different types of marble because of various elements present during formation. It also has different sizes of crystals, which make for a wonderful variety of this rock. And it all comes from sandstone, which is a soft stone that easily crumbles.

Paul urges the Christians in Rome, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). God wants you to be changed into something beautiful for the Lord’s temple, a pillar or a vessel that serves others. How does this happen? Often under pressure. Some of the hardest lessons in life come from difficulties. But as we persevere our hearts are changed. We become more like Christ, fit to be in a heavenly temple.

KEY BIBLE TEXTS
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1

---