Is Logos 4 Too Much for Me?

I've been contemplating the purchase of Logos 4 but I'm concerned that, for me, it might be like drinking water from a fire hose. I'm not a scholar...not a college student...not a pastor. I have no interest in word studies or Greek or Hebrew. I'm a 60 year-old lay person who teaches an adult Sunday School class. I enjoy using commentaries, illustrations, and using discussion questions when pulling together a lesson. As I perused the Logos forum I found many of the topics way over my head. The Bible Study Library appears to be the best fit for me; I think the more advanced packages have resources that I would never, ever use.

I guess my question is this...are there many Logos 4 users out there like me? And, if you happen to be one, how about a few words that might push me to click the "Add to Cart" button.

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Mark Smith

Ralph,

Welcome to the forums.

Have you considered other Bible study software packages? If so how do you view Logos in comparison with them?

In our church I have an adult Sunday School teacher who uses Logos. He has the Bible Study Library but had added some inexpensive Nelson offerings and The Tyndale Commentaries (the Bible Study Library doesn't have much in the way of commentaries and the Tyndale is a good set for a lay person).

While you may not want to get directly involved in Greek and Hebrew you may find the ability to study the original languages in English a plus with Logos. The Bible Study Library has a number of Reverse Interlinear Bibles and tools to help you gain some benefit from the original languages.

Be prepared to spend time learning how to use Logos. It takes awhile. There are some good video tutorials available, and many word and graphical instructions on the Logos wiki (the link is at the top of this page).

Please ask specific questions. Remember, with Logos you have a 30 day full refund option if you just want to try Logos 4 out.

JT (alabama24)

Ralph - I would add something to what Mark wrote. I think the Bible Study package would be great for you. An added bonus of having Logos, is that you can incorporate Vyrso books into your Logos library. Vyrso is the new "trade" eBook store from Logos. These are the kinds of books you would find at your local "Christian" book store. In my opinion, it is very helpful to have all of your resources in a single, unified program. Logos helps you to do this.

Dave Hooton

Ralph

I'm not a scholar but I have upgraded over the years to Scholar's Silver. I think Bible Study is a good starting point but its bible commentaries are lacking - I only rate 3 of them better than "Bible Notes" and only 2 cover the whole bible (I don't rate Matthew Henry). So I'd recommend a commentary like Expositor's Bible Commentary at $130, but you might find the Abridged version would equally suit your needs at $56.

nicky crane

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/339740#Comment_339740

Also you can read Logos books on Vyrso, which is more comfortable if you have an iPad.

Paul-C

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/339783#Comment_339783

Another consideration to add to your collection of commentaries in the Bible Study Library would be Logos' community pricing. There are one or two sets going through at the moment that may be suitable for you. Do bear in mind (1) that these tend to be older out-of-copyright books, and (2) it can take many months for these resources to make it into production. That said, there are some great resources in there and they tend to go for an absolute bargain!

Bob

I guess my question is this...are there many Logos 4 users out there like me? And, if you happen to be one, how about a few words that might push me to click the "Add to Cart" button.

Well, I am a 60-some year old lay person who teaches Sunday school. I find the "Opening up" commentary series is great for class work. On the other hand, to get some other commentaries I have since upgraded from Scholar's silver to Scholars platinum and several other individual commentaries. When I study the NT I like to have the Septuagint available and it is not in the Bible Study version. As others have noted, the reverse interlinears are extremely useful. LOGOS is great for sermon prep (I am also a lay speaker).

The program is easy to start but will take a lot of work to learn to use all of its functionality. Also plan on upgrading, you probably will want to. There are a few owners who have put in thousands of dollars in upgrades. I have not yet heard of one who did not.

Shawn Drewett

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/339787#Comment_339787

Ralph, I am not a pastor, preacher, I don't teach a class, don't read Greek or Hebrew, am not a college student, and am not a scholar either.I simply enjoy bible study. I would say it all depends on your budget. I became a Logos user in March 1999 and since have accumulated about 1200 books. Today, after having married and having 3 children, I wish I had the money now that I have spent on Logos the last 13 years. Sure , it's a fantastic bible study software but there are free programs that are great for people like you and I. If you've got the extra money then go for it, but if you're on a budget think twice.

David Ames

it might be like drinking water from a fire hose.

Try real hard to find someone in your church or local group of churches that uses Logos to show it to you and discuss one on one what to get.

Logos is the 2020 Cadillac of Bible software [as in it is ahead of its time]. and some drivers only need a 1969 Pinto [not sure they made Pintos in 1969 but hope you get the idea]

[[re the get your money back in 30 days - it takes more then 30 days to learn how to use the POWER - ""I have no interest in word studies or Greek or Hebrew"" Not now but what if they are only a few clicks away?]]

Have you ever wondered why God "hardened" Pharaoh’s heart? He DID NOT – He encouraged Pharaoh's heart just as He later did to David – the Hebrew uses the same word “chazaq”. But Pharaoh used his free will to void the will of God. – but to figure that out we need to research the Hebrew and how the Jews understood the actions of God.

Edwin Bowden

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/339789#Comment_339789

I guess my question is this...are there many Logos 4 users out there like me? And, if you happen to be one, how about a few words that might push me to click the "Add to Cart" button.

Well, I am a 60-some year old lay person who teaches Sunday school. I find the "Opening up" commentary series is great for class work. On the other hand, to get some other commentaries I have since upgraded from Scholar's silver to Scholars platinum and several other individual commentaries. When I study the NT I like to have the Septuagint available and it is not in the Bible Study version. As others have noted, the reverse interlinears are extremely useful. LOGOS is great for sermon prep (I am also a lay speaker).

The program is easy to start but will take a lot of work to learn to use all of its functionality. Also plan on upgrading, you probably will want to. There are a few owners who have put in thousands of dollars in upgrades. I have not yet heard of one who did not.

I am a 60+ Sunday School teacher. I bought the Bible Study Library 4 1/2 yrs ago. About 6 months later I attended Camp Logos and upgraded to Scholar's Gold. I upgraded to Platinum after Logos 4 came out. I now have over 2100 volumes in my Logos library (plus hundreds in my print library).

Logos was a paradigm shift for me. As Morris Proctor (Camp Logos) says, "You have a research assistant that can find every reference to a word or scripture in your library quickly." I have been able to do all kinds of things in teaching my SS class since adding Logos that would have been impossible otherwise.

When you look at the resources and see those that you don't think you would ever use. Look at all the resources that you will use. You'll also be surprised by how many of the others may have value to you on down the road.

Watch for the sales and Community Pricing titles from Logos. You can even create your own "wish list" as you look at the over 10,000 titles available. There are a number of titles that I would like to own "when the price is right." I have picked up some great bargains over the years.

Watch the free videos from Mark Barnes. Browse the forums. Ask questions when you have a problem. Someone will quickly respond.

Enjoy.

Ralph Wood

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/339792#Comment_339792

Thanks to all that provided input...I greatly appreciate it. Let me respond to some of the questions and comments...

I haven't spent any time looking into the details of other Bible software. I've heard about Logos for sometime and research using my friend, Google pointed to Logos 4 as the cream of the crop.

Maybe I overstated it when I said I have no interest in the original languages or word studies. I'm always ready to extend my skills and knowledge.

It's the wine more than the wine skin that gives me pause. I'm definitely not in fear of the software itself. I'm a capable learner and my livelihood over the past 30 years has centered around configuring and programming at the enterprise software level. I've viewed a number of the video tutorials already during my "contemplating" phase...and I'm not afraid to ask questions on the message board. Don't get me wrong...I recognize that it will take some time to go deep into the functionality but it appears to be like Microsoft Excel in that there is no end to learning it but you can do a lot with just a small amount of knowledge. It's the breadth and depth of the content that is a little overwhelming.

As pointed out, having all of "your resources in a single, unified program" is my biggest attraction to Bible software like Logos. I've collected a number of books and commentaries over the years but if I had a nickel for every hour I've spent browsing the indexes and table of contents looking for content that relates to the upcoming Sunday School topic, I could have retired years ago. One of my primary considerations for buying a book has become whether the book has a scripture cross reference in it. I really see Logos (and other Bible software) being a tremendous time saver in that regard.

Although my wife would beg to differ, I don't consider the expense an overwhelming issue...but there is a big difference between $264 and $999 (and higher) when it comes to what I'm willing to part with initially. It fascinates me to see all the posts on these message boards how you guys not only buy the expensive packages but are constantly on the lookout for other Logos-compatible books to buy. I mean how much can one absorb? [:D] The cost topic does lead to another question...

How much extra money is involved in purchasing a package and later upgrading vs buying the higher package to begin with?

I need to look into Vyrso a little more...it sounds interesting. I've been a Kindle owner since they first came out. I don't have an iPad, but I do have an Android phone and tablet (Motorola Xoom). In fact, I seldom read a book on my Kindle anymore...usually on the Xoom (unless reading outside).

Thanks for the input...greatly appreciated. I'll probably mull this over for another 24 hours or so....so feel free to keep it coming. [;)]

Ralph

JT (alabama24)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/339809#Comment_339809

How much extra money is involved in purchasing a package and later upgrading vs buying the higher package to begin with?

It is generally believed that it is cheaper to start with the larger package, but a discount is given to those when upgrading base packages. If a new user knows they want to be at silver, for example, it would be cheaper to purchase silver from the get go. However, if that user will take a year to acquire the funds, it might be good to purchase the smaller base package and upgrade at years end. This would provide the user the opportunity to have access to some of the resources in their desired package (the packages "build" upon one another). Another thing to consider is that Logos has installment plans. Technically there is no "interest," but I believe that you pay $5 for each installment. This makes sense in some cases

I need to look into Vyrso a little more...it sounds interesting. I've been a Kindle owner since they first came out. I don't have an iPad, but I do have an Android phone and tablet (Motorola Xoom). In fact, I seldom read a book on my Kindle anymore...usually on the Xoom (unless reading outside).

The mobile apps for android are behind in development than those for iOS. Recently, the Vyrso & Logos apps for iOS received a major upgrade and are VERY nice. Logos intends to have parity for Andriod, but iOS has a good head start.

Shawn Drewett

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/339809#Comment_339809

It fascinates me to see all the posts on these message boards how you guys not only buy the expensive packages but are constantly on the lookout for other Logos-compatible books to buy. I mean how much can one absorb?

[:$]

Michael

Ralph,

I am not a scholar, or a college student, or a pastor. I bought Logos and the Bible Study Library almost a year ago. I am a layperson who helps teach a H.S. bible study. If you allow it, it may be like drinking water from a fire hose. I chose instead to "drink from the puddles" around the fire hose. I am by no means a power user of Logos, but over time, I've begun to drink from the puddles a little closer to the fire hose. I still need to go back and watch Mark's videos as I try new things with the program, but it is time well spent. if you go into it with the expectation that you will not be an expert in a week, or a month, or like me, a year, then the program is well worth it. The biggest drawback that I've seen on the forums is that many get very frustrated witht he software package after a relatively short time.

As for the forums, most of the topics discussed here are over my head, but that doesn't prevent me from reading the forums daily. until I started reading the forums, I didn't know what dispensationalism was, I've had a desire to study baptism in more depth, and I've increased my overall knowledge of the Bible and theology. I owe a thanks to the many forum posters who have piqued my curiosity on various subjects and caused me to increase my knowledge and expand my thoughts.

As for the money you may spend in the future.............Logos can be addicting. I've purchased many commentaries and works of authors I've never heard of figuring I may "need" them in the future, almost exclusively through the community pricing program.. Many I've ended up refering to later and have found then to be well worth the investment. There is nothing you'll have to buy, but many things that you'll want to buy.

After almost a year, I would say that I am very happy I purchased the Bibly Study Library package, even as I have not yet unlocked most of what the program can do.

hope that helps,

Mike

JT (alabama24)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/339809#Comment_339809

It fascinates me to see all the posts on these message boards how you guys not only buy the expensive packages but are constantly on the lookout for other Logos-compatible books to buy. I mean how much can one absorb?

Buying books can be addicting. [:S]

Let me defend the practice a little, however. The issue isn't always that I am going to read every book I purchase cover to cover. Rather, the issue is that I need the information when I am looking for it. Having more books allows the user to find what he/she is looking for on any given subject.

Ralph Wood

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/339819#Comment_339819

Thanks, Mike...definitely helps (and encourages) me!

Ralph

Dennis Parish

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/339820#Comment_339820

Would someone with more tenure explain to Ralph the periodic sales? (12 Days of Christmas is basically the only one I have experienced)

Ralph, IMO, if in Logos you acquire one strong (a) Bible commentary set, (b) Bible dictionary/encyclopedia, and (c) Hebrew and Greek dictionary/lexicons, you can spend the rest of your days in deep Bible study.

Rosie Perera

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/339833#Comment_339833

Would someone with more tenure explain to Ralph the periodic sales? (12 Days of Christmas is basically the only one I have experienced)

Logos has periodic sales. Dennis already mentioned the 12 Days of Christmas one. March Madness is another regular one which is coming up soon. These are sales that offer users a way to pick up some more books at a discount.

You can also usually (throughout the year) get a discount if you contact Sales directly and give them a list of books you are planning to buy all at once. They'll create a package deal specially for you. The amount of the discount will depend on how much you're planning to spend.

I can say with some authority (having spent tens of thousands over the years I've had Logos) that buying Logos books can be addictive. I get in on most of the pre-pub offers, as that's one of the cheapest ways to buy new books. Community Pricing is even cheaper but those are often books that are of less value/interest to me, but I usually get them anyway just in case.

Edwin Bowden

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/339833#Comment_339833

Would someone with more tenure explain to Ralph the periodic sales? (12 Days of Christmas is basically the only one I have experienced)

The 12 Days of Christmas has been the biggest annual sales event. A wide range of deals are offered.

Black Friday has become another annual tradition.

March Madness is just around the corner. It puts 64 Logos titles in a bracket (like the NCAA basketball tournament). Users get to vote weekly on which ones advance. The further a title advances, the larger the discount that it receives. I have picked up some nice bargains over the years.

Here's a link for finding Logos bargains:

http://blog.logos.com/2011/07/how-to-find-a-bargain-on-logos-com/

Titles (usually sets) are offered at special prices at least weekly on the home page and website. There are also daily Twitter specials (usually 50% off).

Hundreds of public domain titles are constantly available for bidding in the Community Pricing Program. These often go for $1-2 per volume. Buying at the CP level is usually the lowest price a title will ever be offered. http://blog.logos.com/2010/02/how_community_pricing_works/

I do not have an ebook reader, but the Vyrso titles are available for viewing along with the rest of the Logos library as one uses Logos.

http://blog.logos.com/2011/05/new-christian-ebook-store-to-launch-up-to-25000-books-in-2011/

Edwin Bowden

I guess my question is this...are there many Logos 4 users out there like me? And, if you happen to be one, how about a few words that might push me to click the "Add to Cart" button.

Logos has a 30 day moneyback guarantee. If you are not satisfied with any purchase, you have 30 days to get full credit for it. That eliminates any risk.

The BIble Study Library is a great place to start. Base pkgs offer the best value for resources. Others prefer to add particular titles/sets of interest instead of upgrading base packages. Some of the major reference sets are not found in any base package.

Here's a link to a related discussion: http://community.logos.com/forums/p/42199/314380.aspx#314380

http://community.logos.com/forums/t/42199.aspx?PageIndex=2

I would recommend that you call a Logos sales rep and they will be happy to answer any questions for you. They can become invaluable down the road as you inevitably see other things that you want to add or if you want to upgrade.

My rep is Dave Kaplan. He's an 18 yr Logos veteran.

Dave Kaplan

Logos Research Systems Inc.

1313 Commercial St, Bellingham, WA 98225

800-875-6467 ext. 2304

Direct Line - 360-685-2304

http://blog.logos.com/archives/2007/12/meet_dave_kaplan.html

Brother Mark

I guess my question is this...are there many Logos 4 users out there like me? And, if you happen to be one, how about a few words that might push me to click the "Add to Cart" button.

Ralph, You will benefit greatly if you buy it, in my humble opinion. I didn't bother even reading the other responses, because I'm confident in advising you to use Logos 4 for your lesson preparation, AND for your personal studies and devotions. I've used Logos since Bob Pritchard was a cabin boy on the ark, and I've helped a dozen or so other teachers and preachers to see the benefits of Logos. Although all the original language capability is available, these features aren't required to do an amazing amount of Bible study with the incredibly sophisticated Passage Guide, Library searches, etc. If you haven't already seen it, I highly recommend investing four minutes in viewing Bible Study Reimagined to get an overview of how Logos will help you.

If you care to spend a little more time looking into the features of Logos and how to use them, Mark Barnes' training video series.

Doc B

I'm a 60 year-old lay person who teaches an adult Sunday School class. ...are there many Logos 4 users out there like me?

I'm not like you at all- I'm 47. The rest is pretty close.

Yes, Logos is too much for you. It's too much for me, and I'm pretty sure it's too much for just about everybody.

That's one reason we like it. You'll never get bored.

Start low, add specific resources you want, and build from there.

I don't regret the purchase one bit, and I don't use about 80% of what Logos can do (yet).

Ralph Wood

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/339914#Comment_339914

Thanks Doc and others. It's a done deal... I purchased the Leaders Library. Was going to get the Bible Study library but found a 15% off coupon so moved up one package. Have also installed Logos on my Android tablet. Let the learning (and questions) begin! [:D]

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/339943#Comment_339943

Let the learning (and questions) begin!

Wiki has Getting Started with Logos

Keep Smiling [:)]

Philana Crouch

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/339943#Comment_339943

Glad you did! And welcome to Logos! Remember to let your library to finished indexing! This will help in using the library.

Here are some video tutorials on Logos: http://wiki.logos.com/Logos_4_Video_Tutorials

Also here is a link for info on a tool you will want to take advantage of is Personal Books: http://wiki.logos.com/Personal_Books you can use this tool to create your own personal resource in Logos (and at some point you will be able to share these for free or to sell if you so choose at some point).

Blessings as you study the Word!

Philana

Matt Hamrick

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/339943#Comment_339943

Welcome to Logos Ralph. Have fun with your study.

Michael

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/339914#Comment_339914

I'm a 60 year-old lay person who teaches an adult Sunday School class. ...are there many Logos 4 users out there like me?

I'm not like you at all- I'm 47. The rest is pretty close.

So you're just like me! [:D]

Rod Bergen

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/339809#Comment_339809

I need to look into Vyrso a little more...it sounds interesting. I've been a Kindle owner since they first came out.

I am a late 50's worship leader, business executive and I must say that Logos 4 has really opened up general Bible study for me. My spiritual life is the most important aspect of my life and Logos has enriched it immensely since I got on board the past summer.

One thing that I do enjoy is being able to copy and paste the book to a Word file and then export it to the Kindle. Reading on the iPad hurts my eyes, which does not happen on the Kindle. Being able to read the Logos books on my Kindle has been great.

Having said that, I have blown a ton of money on Logos in the last 8 months, much more than I initially intended. I don't regret it as I now have an unbelievable research library and my spiritual life has benefited greatly. I also had the money to spend.

It is possible to start out small and then upgrade to some of the larger base packages if you decide to later. However, the best advice I received on these forums is that if you plan to spend any significant amount, phone sales and talk to a good rep. They can save you a lot of money.

JJ Miller

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/339809#Comment_339809

Just to reassure you, Ralph: I find the single biggest savings in time with Logos (over my print library) is simply being able to "GET" to my commentaries and theological books. You mention going through your indexes to find whether a passage is talked about... how about the time it takes to grab that book(s) and flip it open and find the right section and etc. and put it all away? I find I read MUCH MORE when preparing because Logos has opened up everything right to the right spot and has given me a better way to find information.

Also, you can prioritize resources so that you can open up those items first. This helps when you are pressed for time so that you are referencing, first and foremost, the resources and authors that you trust most. And though I still have a sizable print library (things not in Logos or things that I can't really justify getting in Logos form), I will almost always prefer to get a resources in my Logos Library rather than in print. Why? Do I like reading on my screen better than a book? No. I love books! But I don't have the time to get to everything in print form. So, I buy almost all my commentary and theological books in Logos format. The time savings means that I will actually read more of those resources if they are in Logos. (And sometimes I have had no idea that XYZ resource had something to say about ABC, but Logos opened up that item for me. (as you learn more, you learn more ways to unearth these hidden gems).

Hope that helps some.

Michael A. Lasley

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/340036#Comment_340036

Hi Ralph,

I am 70 and just a Sunday School teacher, but I do work hard on each lesson. And because I don't trust my memory in class, I write everything down in at least outline form so that I have the notes to talk from. Logos 4 is great for helping to put together a lesson and the more resources the better it is. The way I view my Logos library is that I am building it for someone else who will get it when I either cross over or get too dense to continue to use it. And the deeper study helps me more than those I try to teach.

I used PC BibleSoft for a few years and then heard that Logos was the best and decided to try it. First I bought the Bible Study level, and then 3 weeks later I increased it to Scholar Silver. Then 2 months after that I increased it to Scholar Platinum. I thought I would stay at this level, but then I decided 10 months later to increase it to Portfolio to avoid paying for the same resources twice as I added other collections to my account.

With the resources available in Logos, I have a better understanding of those people through history that have given their lives and themselves to God's plan. This is also a way to advance God's work, by giving people better tools to study God's Word.

In addition to my own Logos account, I have now purchased one for my wife, and given 6 others as gifts to others. So I recommend it highly and support the way the license works. It would be nice if you could loan others one of your books from time to time like you do with physical books, but the other side is that my wife's account will also eventually be able to be a gift for another person.

My primary system is on an fast iMac 27" and I do most of my reading of resources on my iPAD wherever I happen to be. This is a great combination. And the ability to install the software on any computer you own, with Logos keeping everything in sync whatever you are using is great. I also have my software on a portable MacBookPro and on a PC that I have in another location. In an emergency, it is available on my iPhone as well.

So try it, you'll like it. And if you don't like it, gift it to someone else.

J Hale

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/339899#Comment_339899

I’m like most of you, I’m not a scholar, a preacher, or anything else. I have bought several different commentary sets, and other multi-book sets, spent over a thousand dollars, and find myself hardly ever using any of those books. When the question of if Logos is a good deal or not, there is no question that it is with reference books, I can have thousands of books in my library, and can search all of them in seconds. Try doing that with paper books. If you are reading books for fun, then I guess it’s up to you if you want paper or e-book, just keep in mind that you can search the ‘popular’ books just like the reference books in Logos.

Mark Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/340057#Comment_340057

Lots of good responses to what has to be a common question. Maybe Logos could make this up into a Blog article with permission from the respondents??

Ron

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/339797#Comment_339797

I have been able to do all kinds of things in teaching my SS class since adding Logos that would have been impossible otherwise.

Hey Edwin,

Would you be willing to give some examples?

I guess my question is this...are there many Logos 4 users out there like me?

Hi Ralph,

I see that you've made the purchase (congrats and enjoy!), but I just wanted to add one more voice to the chorus...yes, there are lots of users like you. I am not a scholar, pastor, or a student. I am a 33-year-old deacon and adult Sunday School teacher and I get tremendous benefit out of Logos both for personal study and for lesson prep. I started with the Bible Study package about 2 years ago and have since upgraded to Platinum and purchased NUMEROUS other collections, sets and books...I can't sing the praises enough.

Sam West

I'm not a scholar...not a college student...not a pastor.

I guess my question is this...are there many Logos 4 users out there like me? And, if you happen to be one, how about a few words that might push me to click the "Add to Cart" button.

I am 77 years old and not any of the above that you have mentioned but love studying Gods Word. I have been using logos for several years and love it and would like to pass this along to you, if you are considering using a bible program o any kind for your studying and preparing your Sunday School Lesson there is none finer than Logos and most are not in the same league with it.

David Ames

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/339943#Comment_339943

NEXT: maybe the first thing to learn about is collections (and priorities). You will find that some of the commentaries (and other resources) are very helpful. Add them to collection HELPFUL. Others will teach doctrines that you do not accept. Add them to collection AVOID. There are ways to HIDE (that is REMOVE) these but you may want them latter when asked about those ideas and you need to address them. [Or you can do as I sometimes do and read everything – and take three or four weeks to review the weekly lesson] Be sure to review http://wiki.logos.com/ the Logos Bible Software Wiki [then learn to search by collection]

Edwin Bowden

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/340094#Comment_340094

I have been able to do all kinds of things in teaching my SS class since adding Logos that would have been impossible otherwise.

Hey Edwin,

Would you be willing to give some examples?

I print out the text for each week's study with parallel Bible versions. I can easily line up the parallels, line by line. I can highlight key differences.

I frequently print out maps, charts, outlines and background articles for the class.

I spent 3 years teaching through the Gospel of Mark. Although my intention was to only deal with Mark's account, I found that there were times that I wanted to bring in the information from parallel accounts. I would print out my own Harmony of the Gospels. The accounts would be lined up phrase by phrase. I would highlight each accounts additional information and highlight the differences. When we got to the last week of the life of Christ, I broadened the study to follow through the harmony to fully cover all the events of that final week through the resurrection.

I will soon begin teaching through the pastoral epistles. I am planning on teaching them using the Pastoral Parallel Passages feature in Logos done Rick Brannan.

I am usually weak in practical application. I can quickly locate and printout illustrations for a point from Lucado, Wiersbe, etc. Their works are not indexed in print. Logos makes the non-indexed materials searchable.

I would not have attempted any of those things without Logos software.

BTW--a quick check of my library shows about 40 commentaries on the PE.

Mike S.

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/339899#Comment_339899

I'm going to suggest something even more basic:

1. Create an account on Logos.com

2. Get the Lexham English Bible

3. Try out the core features of Logos

Search, graph your results, create a visual filter from your search (do plenty of these)

Notes/Highlighting - Take some and make some

Create a Passage List, add some Clippings

Note: this will not show you the "power" of Logos, but it pretty much distills the basic bible study tools.

The differentiated power of Logos is directly correlated to the number of resources that these tools can use. For example, you'll see when you search with just the one bible you are missing the value of comparison of translations. If you're still feeling not-so-sure, pick up one or more of the current $10 translations (ESV, HCSB, NASB..). Then run through the same playbook. You'll quickly notice a few things showing up that weren't there before.

I think one of the things that you're seeing is that, while the value of the Logos engine and tools is directly related to the number relevant resources to that tool, there's a point of diminishing returns that is dependent on your training, your interest/passion/calling, and time you can spend. I think I remember someone saying they had 20 commentaries on the Pastoral Epistles in their library; that sounds excessive! But you'll find that commentaries come in SO many different kinds! This is where, of those 20, for what you're grappling with in the text right now, there are only 2 of the twenty that are relevant. Logos can really help you sort that out. The use of tagging and collections, search, parallel resource help you to glean what you can actually use now to answer the question you have, be it application (sounds like your focus), dealing with a theological difficulty, an apologetic point, painting historical background, or understanding theological context, etc..

To sum it up, start slow and cheap and find out if Logos suites you. You have 30 days to return those $10 bibles and buy a package. IMHO, if you are consulting more then two commentaries in your current study process, you'll find Logos will amplify and bring your study to a completely different level.

Mike Childs

Ralph,

Logos can meet you where ever you are in your study. You don't have to be a Greek or Hebrew scholar to benefit from Logos.

The Opening Up Commentaries, the Tydale Commentaries, The Warren Weirsbe Commentaries, The Bible Knowledge Commentary, and many more will benefit you. I think - believe it or not - the Preachers Commentaries are great for Sunday School teachers, and they are not expensive.

God bless you.

BillS

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/339914#Comment_339914

I'm a 60 year-old lay person who teaches an adult Sunday School class. ...are there many Logos 4 users out there like me?

I'm not like you at all- I'm 47. The rest is pretty close.

Yes, Logos is too much for you. It's too much for me, and I'm pretty sure it's too much for just about everybody.

That's one reason we like it. You'll never get bored.

Start low, add specific resources you want, and build from there.

I don't regret the purchase one bit, and I don't use about 80% of what Logos can do (yet).

[Y] +1

George Somsel

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/340441#Comment_340441

Logos is too much with us; late and soon,
Buying and reading we lay waste our powers
Little we see we do not want;
We have pledged our wealth!
The endless writings of various tomes
Are snatched up in our never sated libs.

Brother Mark

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/340450#Comment_340450

For George: http://www.badhaiku.com/

David Carter

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/340465#Comment_340465

For George: http://www.badhaiku.com/

Well that's one link I could definitely have done without clicking on [:$]

Ron

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/340140#Comment_340140

I have been able to do all kinds of things in teaching my SS class since adding Logos that would have been impossible otherwise.

Hey Edwin,

Would you be willing to give some examples?

I print out the text for each week's study with parallel Bible versions. I can easily line up the parallels, line by line. I can highlight key differences.

I frequently print out maps, charts, outlines and background articles for the class.

I spent 3 years teaching through the Gospel of Mark. Although my intention was to only deal with Mark's account, I found that there were times that I wanted to bring in the information from parallel accounts. I would print out my own Harmony of the Gospels. The accounts would be lined up phrase by phrase. I would highlight each accounts additional information and highlight the differences. When we got to the last week of the life of Christ, I broadened the study to follow through the harmony to fully cover all the events of that final week through the resurrection.

I will soon begin teaching through the pastoral epistles. I am planning on teaching them using the Pastoral Parallel Passages feature in Logos done Rick Brannan.

I am usually weak in practical application. I can quickly locate and printout illustrations for a point from Lucado, Wiersbe, etc. Their works are not indexed in print. Logos makes the non-indexed materials searchable.

I would not have attempted any of those things without Logos software.

BTW--a quick check of my library shows about 40 commentaries on the PE.

Thanks Edwin! Gives me some more good ideas for my own Sunday School teaching. I too tend to be weak in practical application. I've found Courson's Application Commentary extremely helpful in this area.