How important is Old Testament?

The New Testament relies on the Old Testament for people who "examine" the scriptures. The Old Testament made hundreds of references to Christ... (Messiah) including prophecies about the Messiah is about to come. The Old Testament taught me about GOD the Father. The Old Testament taught me God's wisdom through Proverbs. The Old Testament taught me examples of GREAT faiths (See Hall of Faith, Hebrews, Chapter 11 which made references to the Old Testament). When Jesus was on earth, Jesus made references to the Old Testaments. The Apostles, especially Paul, made references to the Old Testament. Our great gospel songs came from the Old Testament (i.e. Psalms). The bottom line... the Old Testament is just as important as the New Testament. When I read the New Testament, I refer back to the Old Testament for more details. It is AMAZING that MANY men wrote the Bible supported one another. The Old Testament should be read as well as studied just like we Christian study the New Testament. The Ten Commandments are still in effect... First 4 are about loving God Last 6 are about loving people The laws of God are to be in our hearts with LOVE.

Matthew 22:35-40 (New International Version) One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

There are two ways looking at the Ten Commandments 1. For those who are without Christ in our hearts, if we broke ONE law... we broke them all. We all are sinners and we need to be saved. 2. For those who are WITH Christ in our hearts, the Ten Commandments are about LOVE. Christians do not look at the Ten Commandments as laws but Grace of Love. We are to LOVE God first (first 4 commandments) and we are to love one another (last 6 commandments). Remember, Christ didn't come to destroy the law but to fulfill.

Matthew 5:17 Jesus said: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.