I am not used to use other people sermon, I wouldn't know what to do with that. I need to be able to write my own sermon, with Scripture links/and /or/commentary links. Like this post, lol. Please somebody tell me how I can do that.
I write my sermon notes using MS Word. I do the research with Logos. I also have a dual screen desktop which makes that very easy to do.
There is no way to do this in Logos, except by using notes, and this is not recommended as notes are very limited, and are too easy to delete.
I believe deleted notes can now be recovered—or did I misunderstand?
There is no way to do this in Logos, except by using notes, and this is not recommended as notes are very limited, and are too easy to delete. I believe deleted notes can now be recovered—or did I misunderstand?
Yes. But it's still not as secure (IMHO) as a document on my hard drive that I can back up. It also requires a few skills not every computer user has. But my comment was intended to underscore that notes, are not a good place to write a sermon because of their limitations.
Something I've done when presenting Bible studies is create a Verse List in the order I want to cover the verses and just work from that. I use a projector and teach right out of L3 using my notes. Because L3 notes can be as big as my screen, I am basically able to use L3 in the same way that other people use PowerPoint. I literally wouldn't trade L3 for a million dollars plus the entire Logos catalog. L5 is just an also-ran...that plays nice with L3.
L3 has one advantage over L5: It has a facility for calculating Weights and Measures. Other than that, I no longer use L3. I wish they would get on the ball and remedy that situation.
If you are waiting for that, you may have a long weight ahead of you! [:P]
If you are waiting for that, you may have a long weight ahead of you!
But how heavy is that weight? A bamboo pole wouldn't weigh much. Or, did you perhaps mean "wait"?
Doc, the only way to write your own sermons is perspiration.
I use Microsoft Word, and use the copy Bible verse function in Logos to copy verses across in the format I want.
I also footnote any commentaries I have drawn new insights from or are quoting direct.
I also have a sermon style in word I use that is formatted how I want my message to look (font size 15) and quotes and bible verses in Bold with a border top and bottom.
have a look at my website for my sermon layout (some of these are formatted for handouts to volunteers in our children's ministry)
http://www.kingdomofhope.com.au/messages.html
Are you wanting these sermons in Logos (for future study and reference)? I think you want to learn about personal books, which use the MSFT Word .docx format.
What an interesting thread. The op wants to (easily) write a sermon with (embedded) links to the appropriate text and commentaries.
I'd think 'Bible' software would have that capability? But apparently not, judging from all the not-Logos! solutions.
My Bible software supports sermon writing, savable to disk with automatic backup. Links too! Plus slides and even spreadsheets for the after services business meeting! Even the links are automatically parsed (I don't have a wiki guide to help me remember).
And I'm amateur-hour. And don't write sermons either (mainly 'just' Bible study).
Denise, this is nothing new. Logos has said, many, many times that it does not want to write anything close to a word processor, preferring to focus on Bible study. You know this.
If you disagree with that decision go to uservoice and join the others who have requested this feature, or start a new request and ask others to join you. (No, I didn't bother to look to see if this request has already been made there.)
I am personally not in favor of Logos doing this within the program. Here's why: 1)Logos has done at least three major complete rewrites of it's system during the time I've owned it. How would the sermons I write today work in tomorrow's version? 2)Logos currently stores all our documents in it's 'cloud.' I want more control over my sermons and Bible studies than that. 3) (This is probably the biggest reason.) Unless Logos integrates a full-featured word processor (page formatting, booklet printing, outlining, bullet/number lists, text boxes, and probably more), I wouldn't use it anyway. Logos would be wasting time (IMHO) it could spend doing what it does best on stuff already done very well by others (MS Word, WordPerfect, Libre Office, etc.). Why reinvent the wheel?
I am personally not in favor of Logos doing this within the program.
[y] [y]
Agreed, for similar reasons.
Richard ... first "I find it interesting" (just quoting myself ... I'm soooo quotable). And the fact that Logos said 'many, many times' doesn't mean too much. That's usually what is needed for Logos to do something obvious. Remember 'printing'? Or 'copying'? I'm still waiting for a reliable use of the arrow keys! Probably a L6 feature that Logos marketing will trumpet to the high heavens.
But providing note texting is pretty obvious, I'd think. It was one of my earliest modules in my own software, after searching. Luckily I hadn't said to my self many, many times that I'm not going to support larger note taking. Otherwise I'd have to listen to my own complaining for several years before I broke down and provided the functionality. Of course then, I could market to myself about the new unbelievable functionality.
Actually the other functionality I use a LOT is imaging support. I'm constantly copying Logos images and maps over to my own software to look at them. That came after large texting support. My customer was complaining, complaining, complaining. Goodness!
Why reinvent the wheel?
I don't think it's so much "reinventing the wheel" as it is taking the wheel off the display rack and putting it on a vehicle. But I agree the discussion is a waste of breath--the decision is made. At this point, if every note you wrote in L5 deposited a quarter in your PayPal account, I still wouldn't use L5 for notes. I'm just so grateful that L3 still works. If L5 notes put MS Word to shame, I still wouldn't use it because as long as the note pop-up window is a tiny keyhole, it is pretty pointless anyway.
Richard ... first "I find it interesting" (just quoting myself ... I'm soooo quotable). And the fact that Logos said 'many, many times' doesn't mean too much. That's usually what is needed for Logos to do something obvious. Remember 'printing'? Or 'copying'? I'm still waiting for a reliable use of the arrow keys! Probably a L6 feature that Logos marketing will trumpet to the high heavens. But providing note texting is pretty obvious, I'd think. It was one of my earliest modules in my own software, after searching. Luckily I hadn't said to my self many, many times that I'm not going to support larger note taking. Otherwise I'd have to listen to my own complaining for several years before I broke down and provided the functionality. Of course then, I could market to myself about the new unbelievable functionality. Actually the other functionality I use a LOT is imaging support. I'm constantly copying Logos images and maps over to my own software to look at them. That came after large texting support. My customer was complaining, complaining, complaining. Goodness!
I think Logos should incorporate instant messaging so we can keep in touch with one another. It should also have GPS tracking so we can know where everyone is at any time. [;)] [;)] [;)] [;)] [;)] [;)] [;)] [;)] [;)] [;)] [;)] [;)] [;)] [;)] [;)] [;)] [;)] [;)]
Gee, George. I think Logos already supports Location Services (Proclaim). And instant messaging too! Might it be .... Christians communicate to each other? Soon enough, pastors will write sermons too!
Need we bring up the Locations Services support that the good Apostle Paul provided on his trip to Rome? Or the cloud (non-digital kind) useful for wandering around the Sinai? These things come in handy, you know.
You're in good form today!
Peace, My Good Brothers and Sisters!
How do we "fix" this thread, eh???
Dr. Ursula has made ONE (1!) post! She is new .... she is slightly hesitant, methinks ...\ THEN!
............ THEN ... we overwhelm her -- and her point! -- with 16 posts ..
How is that helpful? How can we be helpful? Any ideas? *smile*
I think Logos should incorporate instant messaging so we can keep in touch with one another. It should also have GPS tracking so we can know where everyone is at any time.
Everybody knows where I am, I'm insane.
On the other hand, I do agree that
notes != WP
Peace, My Good Brothers and Sisters! How do we "fix" this thread, eh??? Dr. Ursula has made ONE (1!) post! She is new .... she is slightly hesitant, methinks ...\ THEN! ............ THEN ... we overwhelm her -- and her point! -- with 16 posts .. How is that helpful? How can we be helpful? Any ideas? *smile*
True, welcome to the fora, that's how things work here. I think Rich's suggestion of using Word is probably the best. I take extensive and involved notes on passages which I can hopefully later incorporate into my book, but I wouldn't recommend attempting to actually write a book in notes. The possibility of turning one's Word document into a PB (Personal Book, Ursula) is advantageous.
Thank you for your response. I have a software too that is free and it does it. Logos is supposed to be superior. Its just a big library, I need tools to work with since I do this for a living. It is far too difficult to use and I had to pay extra for the Amplified bible after paying sosooooooo much money. I just can't believe it.
Blessings, Dr Williams!
Yes, because it is a fantastic bit of software -- and will do so many things when properly "harnessed" -- it has "quite" a "learning curve."
If you decide to "tackle" this learning curve and to "control" and harness and adapt Logos Bible Software for your needs and purposes, your Sisters and Brothers on these Logos Forums would be very happy to inform and assist and encourage you! *smile*
Please feel very free to consult .....
I need tools to work with since I do this for a living.
I am a pastor that uses Logos for a living too and am more than satisfied with it. What sort of tools do you need?
It is far too difficult to use
There are free videos to help walk you through some of the basics and some of the more advanced techniques for getting what you want. If there is a specific thing, or set of things you'd like to do, we may be able to offer you some quick advice or direct you to the appropriate video.
Most of what I do in Logos is very easy to do - though it does mean learning how Logos does it. If you are familiar with another Bible research program, you can expect to learn how to do things a different way in Logos. Be assured, that their is a way to do what just about any other Bible research software can do.
I had to pay extra for the Amplified bible after paying sosooooooo much money.
I hope you were aware of that before you made your purchase. I trust you are also aware that the Amplified is not considered a standard translation by most Bible students or teachers. One would not expect it to be included in every package Logos sells. But I agree that it's useful.
If you have a question on how to use Logos or about some basic things that you need to do, we'd be glad to help.
Greetings again. May I call you Ursula? We're all friends here, even when we don't sound very friendly (after all, friends are those with whom you can speak frankly). There are a few things in Logos which are a bit obscure, e.g., I still haven't mastered syntax searching (perhaps I'm too dense to understand it). If you can make sense out of the Amplified Bible, I'm sure you can understand anything Logos may throw at you. I think I got the Amplified years ago when I bought a Thomas Nelson package with the NASB (but I've never used the Amplified). All I can say about the necessity of paying extra to get that version is not really my speaking, but that of St Paul
λέγει γὰρ ἡ γραφή· βοῦν ἀλοῶντα οὐ φιμώσεις, καί· ἄξιος ὁ ἐργάτης τοῦ μισθοῦ αὐτοῦ.
For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing," and "The laborer is worthy of his wages."
1 Tim 5:18
I encourage you to stick with Logos and you will soon get the hang of it since it really isn't as difficult as it at first appears.
If the software writes your sermons then you don't really write your own sermons, do you? I'm sure that isn't what you intended, but I'm just a simple Hoosier boy who doesn't always understand what is meant. You know that those of us from Indiana aren't always the brightest bulb in the pack. You can write your sermons in whatever medium you choose. Word has been suggested, but WordPad (free with Windows) or even NotePad will do nicely. Do your research in Logos and copy whatever you want into your sermon.
FYI... you do not need to purchase a base package to use the Amplified bible or any other book. The software is free. If you are not happy with your base package and you do not want/need it, you can call customer service and get your money back.
I purchased L3's OL when I was in seminary, and I have not upgraded since because the books they offered for the upgrade I would not use. I have continued to get and use their free engine as they continue to improve it.
I wouldn't categorize Logos as being "difficult" to use. But I would say that it can be a bit "stealthy" to learn. By that, I mean that while many of the basics are intuitive and easy to figure out, much of the abilities of the software are hidden behind jargon, non-intuitive menu choices, and a lack of in-depth free training. Then there's the golf club phenomenon.
Jargon- Learning to use Logos at any level of sophistication requires learning a new language...most of the concepts the software uses are called by names that aren't universal in English, and may be even more obfuscatory for non-native English speakers. A wiki page of glossary terms might be very helpful.
Non-intuitive menu choices- Relates closely to the last item, but is really more a function of the next.
Lack of in-depth free training- Mo does a great job with his seminars....I've been to Camp I. Loved it, and really learned how to use the software for the first time there (which was a year or so after I bought it). But Mo's training isn't cheap, and can sometimes be hard to get to (or impossible, if you are outside the US). When L4 came out a lot of bright folks, most of whom were named 'Mark', made some really good training videos. These were almost all free, and easy to access on the web. I haven't seen many new ones, especially since L5 came out. The videos on Logos' web site are great for beginners, but a thirty-second to two-minute video on Exegetical Guides can't be called 'training'. It's an introduction, but it ain't training.
The forums may be the best option for learning to use the software, if you are willing to ask a question then wait for a cogent response, along with wading through all the strange other posts that should be somewhere else. The MVPs have taught me more about using Logos than any of the other training combined, but it has come via an asynchronous learning format. Best advice right now: keep asking specific questions on the forums, and wade through the parts to the wiki as much as you can; and if you can get to Camp Logos, do so.
Oh. You may be asking, "What is the golf club phenomenon?" That takes its name from American golf marketing. Golf is a difficult sport. Many Americans, who have an 'I want it now' mentality (I speak for myself as well as others), will pay hundreds of dollars for a new golf club, believing the marketing hype that the club will suddenly make you a better golfer. But in reality, if your swing sucked with your old club, it will suck with your new club...you'll just look wealthier as you suck at golf.
Logos can have a similar effect...people who struggle with reading their Bibles daily, or don't do much in-depth Bible study somehow think if the spend hundreds (or thousands) of dollars on Logos (or competitor for that matter) software, they will suddenly be super-Christians who know their Bible better than anyone else, can deliver a flawless sermon or SS lesson, or write an immaculate research paper. But just like golf, it doesn't work that way. If you don't take time to read your paper Bible, you won't read it in Logos either. But your wallet will be thinner.
I wonder if there's a support site out there for folks who though Logos, or similar software, would revolutionize their Christian walk, only to be disappointed? (Sorry to wane so philosophically.)
Hope this helps.
Logos can have a similar effect...people who struggle with reading their Bibles daily, or don't do much in-depth Bible study somehow think if the spend hundreds (or thousands) of dollars on Logos (or competitor for that matter) software, they will suddenly be super-Christians who know their Bible better than anyone else, can deliver a flawless sermon or SS lesson, or write an immaculate research paper. But just like golf, it doesn't work that way. If you don't take time to read your paper Bible, you won't read it in Logos either. But your wallet will be thinner. I wonder if there's a support site out there for folks who though Logos, or similar software, would revolutionize their Christian walk, only to be disappointed? (Sorry to wane so philosophically.)
Are you suggesting a 12 Step program for Logos addicts? [;)]
Wow. This was EXACTLY what happened to me! I was having trouble reading my paper Bible.
And thought .... if only I could become a super-Christian.
My pastor guaranteed Logos would do it.
Then $15k later he said Jesus was Logos. Really?!
[Y][Y]
There is no way to do this in Logos, except by using notes, and this is not recommended as notes are very limited, and are too easy to delete. I believe deleted notes can now be recovered—or did I misunderstand? Yes. But it's still not as secure (IMHO) as a document on my hard drive that I can back up. It also requires a few skills not every computer user has. But my comment was intended to underscore that notes, are not a good place to write a sermon because of their limitations.
Notes are NOT a good place to write a sermon? [Y] Too true, Rich.
I am personally not in favor of Logos doing this within the program. Agreed, for similar reasons.
Same here.
Ursala, I write sermons each week in Word, but I use MUCH research from Logos. And I can cause Logos to insert footnotes in my Word text so that research tools are appropriately footnoted when I cite a resource.In addition, I find Logos' Passage Guide & Exegetical Guide tools to enable my sermons to be MUCH richer than I'd otherwise have time to make them. Richer? When set to the passage I'm preaching from, Logos serves up every commentary that addresses my passage. That makes it VERY easy to check EVERY commentary in my library (now 5800+ resources) rather than the many fewer I'd have time to consult otherwise. And the Exegetical Guide makes it easy to QUICKLY look up any/every word in my NT or OT passage. In looking at the commentaries, I can check for myself whether I feel each application and/or interpretation is warranted by the text & context.
While I don't claim that Logos has saved me any time (I still use all available time each week on each sermon), I do claim that each sermon is far, far richer than it otherwise every could've been----just because Logos has enabled me to gather so much research material & enabled me to so quickly find all that's pertinent.Blessings on your studies & to your flock as you continue to bring God's word to them each week!
I need tools to work with since I do this for a living. I am a pastor that uses Logos for a living too and am more than satisfied with it. What sort of tools do you need? It is far too difficult to use There are free videos to help walk you through some of the basics and some of the more advanced techniques for getting what you want. If there is a specific thing, or set of things you'd like to do, we may be able to offer you some quick advice or direct you to the appropriate video. Most of what I do in Logos is very easy to do - though it does mean learning how Logos does it. If you are familiar with another Bible research program, you can expect to learn how to do things a different way in Logos. Be assured, that their is a way to do what just about any other Bible research software can do. I had to pay extra for the Amplified bible after paying sosooooooo much money. I hope you were aware of that before you made your purchase. I trust you are also aware that the Amplified is not considered a standard translation by most Bible students or teachers. One would not expect it to be included in every package Logos sells. But I agree that it's useful. If you have a question on how to use Logos or about some basic things that you need to do, we'd be glad to help.
Notes are NOT a good place to write a sermon? Too true, Rich.
Everybody has their own workflow. I transcript in Evernote, and preach from it as well. After the message is complete (read: has been preached at least once and isn't changing dramatically), I create a note for it in Logos attached to the source text. That way, if I am ever studying near it, I will have quick access to my work. I know this probably wouldn't work for everybody, but it suits me.
Deleted note files can be recovered; deleted notes can't, except by an immediate Ctrl/Cmd-Z.
After the message is complete (read: has been preached at least once and isn't changing dramatically), I create a note for it in Logos attached to the source text. That way, if I am ever studying near it, I will have quick access to my work. I know this probably wouldn't work for everybody, but it suits me.
Hi Ray, what a cool idea--thanks for sharing...
I accomplish something similar but not quite as good in the naming convention for every sermon & the file system that I use---all window / Word oriented. I name each sermon in this format: "Reference - Sermon Title - Year Preached." Each Sunday after worship, I file them in one of 66 file folders, each named for a book in the Bible. When I preach from two passages, I'll include both passages in the name & then file one copy in one folder, but I'll put a shortcut (hotlink) to the sermon in the other folder, too. With over 10 years of sermons (preaching full time), I can still quickly find whatever is related to this week's passage.
I like your idea & wish I'd had the tech to do that when I 1st set up my filing system, in 2002.
Blessings!
I'm sorry Doctor Williams, but I just have to ask (I'm sure others are itching to ask too but they won't do it out of fear of being misinterpreted - but I'll take the risk). Here's my question: What does you not using other people's sermons have to do with you looking for a software or a way to write your own sermons?
Wouldn't it have been easier to just ask "Where can I write my sermons using Logos?" or as another thread has it: "What software do you use for sermon prep and tracking?" or just leave it as "Where can I write my own sermons?" (Since that's basically the answer you are looking for). I just don't see the connection between where you can write your own sermons with you not using someone else's sermons.
By the way, I like your name, it's very common in Latin America, though it's used in other countries too.
DAL
Ps. Now, here's my two cents (it works for me). I use two monitors, one for Logos and one for MS Word. When I'm done writing my sermon I convert it to a Personal Book and it's automatically integrated to my Logos library. I use my laptop when I get the chance to preach, since Personal Books are only available to read on your laptop or desktop and not your mobile devices. Sometimes I just write the sermon and then just a quick outline on my iPad to keep my train of thought while I'm preaching. Of course there are other sermons that are already available in your library, but like you said, you wouldn't know what to do with them...[;)]...and I agree with you to some extent since there are some sermon outlines that don't really tell you much, especially those that have a note that says something along these lines: "Note: Use illustration about what happened last week at Walmart" LOL or "Note: Use my favorite poem." However, I believe there are others's sermons that are well written and outlined and can actually be preached "as is" or can actually get your wheels turning so you can make it better and write your own better version.
DAL ... I think she's referring to the Logos hype that accompanied the automatic sermon writer in Logos5. Ironically with the new Logos voices, the automated pastor is not too far in the future (which will be implemented using Word).
Just what we need—HAL writing sermons. [:P]
Just what we need—HAL writing sermons.
That's why I wrote, "...when I get the chance to preach..." [;)] [6]
I wish we had the little bats icons to complement the devil icon we have...LOL :-[ or :[ are the codes for MSN Messenger but not sure it'll work in the forums.
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