New to Logos 4: Need help please

Hi,

I'm relatively new to Logos 4. I am seeking help with two things:

1. I still have trouble finding what I want in a concise, executive summary fashion.

2. I'd like to discuss on the forums what I find.

For example, I have friends who believe "trials" come from God. I believe trials come from sin and Satan then God uses them to refine us. So, I search for "trials" in the Command field and browse those findings. I find nothing that indicated God sends the trials. I could stop there but want to be armed with more than that so I'd like to post such questions and get feedback on them before discussing with my friend. This is just one example of how I don't feel like Logos 4 has completely satisfied my search and how I'd like to discuss it on a forum with others. How should I proceed? BTW, I have limited time so I need short answers in my research and forum discussions ... not long-winded things that will only frustrate me as I don't have the time to read extensively. I'm just a busy layman, not a pastor digging for deep answers. Thanks!

Michael

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Mark Barnes

Hi Michael,

You're very welcome to post threads on the forums that ask "How would I research xxx in Logos?". You might find it helpful to let us know what Logos package you're using, as some tools are only available on more expensive passages.

Can I also recommend you take the free upgrade to the Logos 5 engine (www.logos.com/download). You'll get some improvements, and it won't cost you a cent (although you can pay more and get some extra tools).

So back to your question about trials. I would suggest two things:

First, do a basic search for trial. At the top of the search, in the Topic section, you'll see some dictionary articles on trials. They'll be worth reading. In Logos 5, that will also give you a link to a Topic Guide on trials, which you should look at too.
Next, look of trial in the Bible Word Study, and look for the Greek Words section. Click on the part of the circle that's labelled πειρασμός (testing; test), and look up the Bible verses that discuss trials.

Verses that you consider important (such as James 1:12-14) you should then explore with the Passage Guide, so you can read commentaries on those passages.
You should also look up the meaning of the Greek word πειρασμός, which you can do by clicking on it from the Bible Word Study. That generates a second Study, and the top section of that study will give you definitions of the Greek word. In this case, that is key to your study.

The third thing I would do is a basic search for trials NEAR "from God" which - depending on your library will give you some helpful results. Below are a few quotes I found at the top of my results:

"Temptations do not come from God, and yielding to temptation ultimately produces its own kind of maturity: death. Trials, however, are from God, and in his love he uses them to bring us to a right maturity, the maturity of knowing we can practically rely on him in all of life’s circumstances. Trials strengthen our faith because they cause us to practice putting our trust in God for what we cannot immediately see."

"Job 6:4 the arrows of the Almighty … terrors of God. Here are figures of speech picturing the trials as coming from God, indicating that Job believed these were God’s judgments."

"Hebrews 12:5,6 Here the writer recalls and expounds Prov. 3:11,12. Trials and sufferings in the Christian’s life come from God who uses them to educate and discipline believers by such experiences. Such dealings are evidence of God’s love for His own children (cf. 2 Cor. 12:7–10)."

"The trials which come from God are sent to prove and strengthen our graces, and so at once to illustrate the power of divine grace, to test the genuineness of our virtues, and to add to their energy. Our Lord in his infinite wisdom and superabundant love, sets so high a value upon his people’s faith that he will not screen them from those trials by which faith is strengthened. You would never have possessed the precious faith which now supports you if the trial of your faith had not been like unto fire."

"Trials are no evidence of being without God, since trials come from God! Job says, “When he hath tried me.” He sees God in his afflictions. It was God who tried Job, and it is God who tries us. No trouble comes to us without divine permission. All the dogs of affliction are muzzled until God sets them free."

"A saint’s greatest trials always come from God."

McDaniel

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/491933#Comment_491933

1. I don't understand your 3rd search of trials NEAR "from God". Did you type [trials NEAR "from God"] into the search field cuz when I to that, no results.

2. The quotes that you referenced appear to be what an author believes but NOT actual scriptures. I still have yet to be shown a scripture that clearly says God sends the trial vs. God uses the trial to shape, mold, discipline, educate, etc. the believer.

3. I downloaded and installed the Logos 5 upgrade. Thanks! I thought it would cost me. I have the basic version. Not sure how to define it further. The only additional resource I have is Vines dictionary.

4. Is this an appropriate place to add my post to the forum?

JT (alabama24)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/491945#Comment_491945

Welcome to the forums! [:)]

I don't understand your 3rd search of trials NEAR "from God". Did you type [trials NEAR "from God"] into the search field cuz when I to that, no results.

Here is a screen shot. Notice that "basic" is selected. Also note that the size and composition of your library will make a great difference in the results. If you only have one book, and it is on Japanese Anime, you will get no results. [;)]

I downloaded and installed the Logos 5 upgrade. Thanks! I thought it would cost me. I have the basic version. Not sure how to define it further. The only additional resource I have is Vines dictionary.

Do you own a base package, or just the vine's dictionary? If the later, refer to my answer in the first question.

Is this an appropriate place to add my post to the forum?

I am not sure what you are asking... I did want to let you know that you are free to ask questions about resources, and the software. Feel free to ask "how would I research such and such." You should be aware, however, that the forums are not for theological discussions or debates.

Mark Barnes

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/491945#Comment_491945

I don't understand your 3rd search of trials NEAR "from God". Did you type [trials NEAR "from God"] into the search field cuz when I to that, no results.

It will depend on how big your library is, but I'd be surprised if there were no results even on a small library. But check Alabama's screenshot to make sure you're doing it right. In particular, NEAR has to be entered in capital letters.

The quotes that you referenced appear to be what an author believes but NOT actual scriptures. I still have yet to be shown a scripture that clearly says God sends the trial vs. God uses the trial to shape, mold, discipline, educate, etc. the believer.

It rather depends on what you mean by 'trial', which is why the Bible Word Study was important. If I trial is something I think difficult, then God certainly sends trials. There are dozens of examples of that happening in Scripture. If a trial is something sinful happening to me, or a temptation that is intended to cause me to sin, then it's a different issue. Just as importantly you have the question of whether it's always possible for to separate God allowing something and God causing something (sometimes it is, but perhaps not always). You may want to look at Genesis 50:20 for example.

Sometimes when studying the Bible there are quick answers to question. Sometimes it's worth doing a little digging — and I think this is one of those topics. That's why I suggested looking up things in dictionaries, then examining the Scriptures they quote, as well as searching your library.

Is this an appropriate place to add my post to the forum?

Yes, it was the best place - although now you're using Logos 5, then future new posts (not replies to this one) should go in the Logos 5 forum.

David Thomas

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/491977#Comment_491977

It rather depends on what you mean by 'trial', which is why the Bible Word Study was important. If I trial is something I think difficult, then God certainly sends trials. There are dozens of examples of that happening in Scripture. If a trial is something sinful happening to me, or a temptation that is intended to cause me to sin, then it's a different issue. Just as importantly you have the question of whether it's always possible for to separate God allowing something and God causing something (sometimes it is, but perhaps not always). You may want to look at Genesis 50:20 for example.

Sometimes when studying the Bible there are quick answers to question. Sometimes it's worth doing a little digging — and I think this is one of those topics. That's why I suggested looking up things in dictionaries, then examining the Scriptures they quote, as well as searching your library.

Mark has given good advice! In English there us some overlap of meaning between testing, trials & temptation. In discussions with others we need to make sure all participants share the same definitions (especially if the nuance I am looking fir may or may not be found in the original language}.

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/491945#Comment_491945

I have the basic version. Not sure how to define it further.

Logos => About Logos Bible Software 5 has largest base package in library:

Personally Thankful for Logos 5 Portfolio.

Keep Smiling [:)]

JT (alabama24)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/492100#Comment_492100

Logos => About Logos Bible Software 5 has largest base package in library:

Kind of. I have L4 Platinum & L5 Gold (the later shows in mine). I guess you would have to quality by saying "the largest of the most recent base packages shows."

Keep Smiling 4 Jesus :)

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/492116#Comment_492116

Logos => About Logos Bible Software 5 has largest base package in library:

Kind of. I have L4 Platinum & L5 Gold (the later shows in mine). I guess you would have to quality by saying "the largest of the most recent base packages shows."

[:$] Living and learning that Logos about shows largest package within a grouping of base package identifiers. A friend upgraded from Logos 4 Platinum to Logos 5 Silver so About shows (Silver v.5 (IH))

Keep Smiling [:)]