New to Logos so What package should I get?

I attend a southern Baptist Church. I am new and want to be certain to get what I will use. I teach a Sunday School class and Discipleship Class. Thus far I have used and am familiar with the following servants of the Lord. Contemporary ones like John MacArthur and David Jeremiah. Historical ones like Mathew Henry, John Bunyon, Charles Spurgeon, David Martin Loyd Jones.

I don't know so many of the authors in the Packages I need help. If you have similar background and would share what you have done I would be grateful.

Jim Hyman

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Unix

There's a thread I started that You might glance: My Protestant base-package upgrade choice (from OLL)

A somewhat small part of the value of books I have, comes from base-packages. Whichever denomination (Logos provides several denominations with base-packages) I tend not to guy go beyond Bronze/Verbum Foundations+ -level. Try to look for series or collection You will like, plus decide what level of original language tools You will need. Remember that many kind of things have to be purchased outside base-packages, such as Bible dictionaries and usually also Church dictionaries and original languages lexicons.
Don't focus on which databases You want, You can add the Minimal Crossgrade after a base-package purchase if You really need to.
Don't look at how much You want to spend. Look at how much You want to spend the next 1½ years, decide that first. When You've decided consider how large part of that You may (but are not forced to) spend on base-packages.

If You want to be very specific about what You want, other deals than base-packages are a priority.

EDITed out a funny typo.
EDIT2: It reminds me of an old typo by someone else: https://community.logos.com/forums/t/51881.aspx "form languages to scholor". L4 Scholar's Library was the previous designation for the generic Bronze.

Jim Hyman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/641878#Comment_641878

Thank you, information is always of value to me.

Everett Headley

Jim,

As a fellow SBC my thoughts tend towards either the Baptist Bundles or the Base Packages. I personally have the Baptist Large Bundle and Reformed Platinum Package. I would then supplement with individual commentaries and author's works that you like. I would look at your pastors personal library and see what he recommends and look for thone books in Logos. Alo when you buy a base package you get 50% off any and all bundles. A good time to buy some. I like the marriage, counseling and theology bundles. I also would recommend Pipers collections and sermon library. All of this adds up but they can put you on a payment plan.

abondservant

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/641883#Comment_641883

Jim - as a baptist - I would steer you away from Unix suggestions. He has stated numerous times that he's as far from a baptist as you can get . Interesting guy but none-the-less comes from a radically different perspective.

I would suggest you check out a good L5 base package. I've got platinum my self. The baptist packages are not bad either.

Mark has a good conservative review out there, I will see if I can find it for you.

Everett's advice is good too.

Rumors abound that there may well be a new set of base packages and a new version of the software in the next week or two. Are they true? Not sure. If they follow their traditional pattern it will be next year about this time.

All that said, personally I've found the best prices come through the sales department. You might think about emailing Rusty Davidson (or calling, but I always email him) he's good about giving the best prices, responds quick, is a heck of a nice guy, and a graduate of one of the six baptist seminaries. You can reach him at Rusty.davidson@faithlife.com or call him at: 360-319-2554

Base Package Reviews

I personally have L5 Platinum, Reformed Platinum, Baptist Silver, Anglican Bronze, Pentecostal and Charismatic Silver, and all the journals I've been able to afford. Some people see their logos library like they might a set of commentaries sitting on the shelf, pull it out, read this weeks section, put it back on the shelf. With Logos, you can do this on a much grander scale. Instead of reading just one commentary, I can read 20 - some from my perspective, and some from others. Even if I don't agree with them, sometimes those I disagree with ask good questions. I feel like I have a better understanding of the text and surrounding issues this way. In a very real sense the more books you feed Logos, the more powerful it becomes.

If you do contact Rusty, let him know I sent you .

Ken

Erwin Stull, Sr.

A thought for consideration. Try to ensure that whatever packages you get, that you get all of the datasets. As far as a standard base package goes, that would begin with Gold. Gold also has the UBS Handbooks which are good for Sunday School teachers. I am in no way an expert (Yet) on Logos or the packages, but can reply based on my thoughts.

Everett and Abondservant suggested some great packages and resources.

You probably won't use your entire library consistently day to day, however, the value to me is having the resources less used available for the time that they are really needed.

BTW: I am Non-Denominational with a Baptist upbringing.

David Jeremiah and John MacArthur have a couple very good packages, as well as John Piper.

The main reason for my limited reply was to point out the datasets.

Be blessed.

Ralph Hale

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/641918#Comment_641918

He has stated numerous times that he's as far from a baptist as you can get . Interesting guy but none-the-less comes from a radically different perspective.

Very diplomatic [;)] Every new forum user should be made aware of his " Radical Views" [:P]

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/641970#Comment_641970

I'm also far from Baptist but there is some basic principles that apply to everyone:

Your best prices on commentaries usually come in packages ... explore various commentaries - devotional, technical, socio-rhetorical -- a pick some that you would actually use and give points toward purchasing packages that include those commentaries
Think dataset=functionality that will be useful to me if I learn to use it ... give points towards purchasing packages that include the datasets
Consider your personality and interests - if you want to explore and decide for yourself give extra points to the more generic packages; if you want to be able to simply accept what you read give points to the narrower denominational packages.
Look at the ratio of resources you are sure you won't need ... for myself think church administration ... and subtract a few points from packages with a high ratio of unused books
Then look at your budget, start at the highest point you can and assume that you will continue adding resources as the needs arise and you become more familiar with Logos functions.
Ignore all advice that clearly doesn't fit.

DAL

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/641882#Comment_641882

Thank you, information is always of value to me.

I'm sure most will agree, but when it comes to listening to Unix for advice on base packages, it would be wise for you to ignore his comments. He pretty much avoids them because he doesn't like them and would not recommend them and for some reason he thinks every body else should think the same way. So, from my perspective, it's always good to have a little bit of everything.

I'm a non-denominational part time minister and I own:

Platinum (Standard Base Package)

SDA Silver

Reformed Silver

Anglican Silver

Pentecostal & Charismatic Silver

Lutheran Starter

Along with other resources like the College Press NIV Commentaries (OT & NT), ABE, EBC, Tyndale Commentaries, AYBD, BECNT, BNTC, etc., etc.

Will I ever use everything I own? perhaps no, but I can assure you I paid less than what Unix has paid for all he owns and he still won't use it all in spite of his claims of only buying what he needs and thinks he will use. Check his return record (comments) and you'll see he's not good for giving advice.

Anyway, have a great night!

DAL

mike

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/641978#Comment_641978

Jim,

I see you've mentioned John MacArthur.

I'm not sure if you're aware, but all John MacArthur's sermons are on his website. And all his sermons are basically the same as his commentaries (at least the ones from the 1970's). So if you're thinking about buying John MacArthur's Commentary, check out his old sermons, they're exactly the same.

Andy Tucker

My best advice is to consult Unix/NA's advice, Then do the exact opposite.

Randy W. Sims

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/641978#Comment_641978

I'm sure most will agree, but when it comes to listening to Unix for advice on base packages, it would be wise for you to ignore his comments.

Is a post from one person posting a sincere opinion that is disagreeable to you worse than a thread full of people bashing one person for posting his sincere opinion?

And your post in the other thread was uncalled for.

Post something helpful or move on.

Rob

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/641978#Comment_641978

Check his return record (comments)

Where do you see that?

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/642007#Comment_642007

My advice? Ignore both Unix and DAL in this thread. As you read the forums, develop your own opinion on how to interpret their posts. Each can be knowledgeable and helpful. Each can be idiosyncratically opinioned. Sounds just like most of us, right?

N.B. if the subject is canons or lectionaries you can count on me to be idiosyncratically opinioned -- and proud of it.[:P]

abondservant

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/641970#Comment_641970

He has stated numerous times that he's as far from a baptist as you can get . Interesting guy but none-the-less comes from a radically different perspective.
Very diplomatic Every new forum user should be made aware of his " Radical Views"

Well diplomacy wasn't exactly the aim; and I haven't said anything of him that he hasn't said of himself at one point or another.

EDIT: I do think the thread has gone too far; a lesson I am still learning is that we will draw more flies with honey than vinegar. I am prone to being acerbic from time to time my self. Its something I'm working on - something we can all learn I should think. I doubt anyone had the market cornered on kindness other than Jesus, and Milford was possibly a close second.

Lets honor his memory.

Peace to you,                  Peace to all!          *smile*

                   I appreciate your post!                  I rejoice when we care about each other and respect one another's needs and feelings and strengths and weaknesses ..........              et cetera, eh?!

                           I'd love to preach a sermon -- hold forth a homily? -- share with others? re. our speech being seasoned with salt; however, since it is late, late, late, late in my home, let the following quote suffice!                                Again, Blessings and Peace to my Logos Community Forums Brothers and Sisters with a simple word             -- There is NEVER a need to be rude!

Silent Sam

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/642001#Comment_642001

My best advice is to consult Unix/NA's advice, Then do the exact opposite.

[^o)] HHHMMMmmm~~~ [^o)]

Unix

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/641978#Comment_641978

I honestly don't think I've returned a lot, especially not compared to how much I've bought.

Some advice that others have give is good, such as that the UBS Handbooks is good - I have the New Testament set bought used in Accordance and the Upgrade (I think it was 6 volumes from the Old Testament incl. Apocrypha) in Logos, plus the Psalms volume in Logos. It's more tiresome and takes a lot more time to choose the individual volumes, individual collections and pre-pubs (especially pre-pubs) You want, but for me personally it has been great fun. As You buy a lot, eventually You can get 25% off almost any items both regular price and monthly or three-day sale items, and twice I have got an even higher discount - one of those times I got a huge discount and have since then sold that item at regular price i.e. for a great profit but am going to re-purchase it from Logos/Noet at some point later on when I have better finances.

What You choose to do may ultimately depend on how much time You have and whether You want a lot right now. But even the best base-packages are far from complete, You always have to assume having to complement them. It's true that many customers only buy a base-package though:

Check his return record (comments) and you'll see he's not good for giving advice.

Veli Voipio

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/642076#Comment_642076

Maybe a bit off topic, but it came into my mind that there is no Jewish base package, although it looks like it could be built using the currently available Logos books. Just wonder would it find market?

Paul C

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/642011#Comment_642011

My advice? Ignore both Unix and DAL in this thread. As you read the forums, develop your own opinion on how to interpret their posts. Each can be knowledgeable and helpful. Each can be idiosyncratically opinioned. Sounds just like most of us, right?

N.B. if the subject is canons or lectionaries you can count on me to be idiosyncratically opinioned -- and proud of it.

Gotcha ! We should disregard all the idiosyncracies and opinions except yours. [Y]

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/642079#Comment_642079

Gotcha ! We should disregard all the idiosyncracies and opinions except yours.

Thank you for making an exception for me that I didn't make for myself[:D]

Mark Barnes

Jim, I've written a Logos 5 Buyers' Guide. It's aimed at evangelical seminary students, but you should still find it helpful. It covers every relevant base package, and a few axons. http://www.logosbiblesoftwaretraining.com/documents/logos-5-buyers-guide/

Unix

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/642076#Comment_642076

It may happen that You find books that are just right for You in for example the generic Gold base-package, but the price of it needs consideration. I don't know what to say about the Baptist base-packages, they came so recently that I didn't have time to look at them in any thorough manner, and won't have time.

Previously base-packages have been much better, up until about 2010. Now that there are so many different ones, it automatically becomes more difficult for Logos to market all of them, the success of base-packages used to build on the marketing of them. Therefore I have a hard time understanding why there are so many of them. Keeping track of them isn't the issue. But the exposure of them in the store and on the front page, is.

(EDITed an error in this post, a post by someone was not showing up at first in the way it used to, there seems to be slight technical forum problems.)

abondservant

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/642102#Comment_642102

Jim, I've written a Logos 5 Buyers' Guide. It's aimed at evangelical seminary students, but you should still find it helpful. It covers every relevant base package, and a few axons. http://www.logosbiblesoftwaretraining.com/documents/logos-5-buyers-guide/

That is a useful guide mark. Thanks for re-posting it

abondservant

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/642107#Comment_642107

It may happen that You find books that are just right for You in for example the generic Gold base-package, but the price of it needs consideration. I don't know what to say about the Baptist base-packages, they came so recently that I didn't have time to look at them in any thorough manner, and won't have time.

Previously base-packages have been much better, up until about 2010. Now that there are so many different ones, it automatically becomes more difficult for Logos to market all of them, the success of base-packages used to build on the marketing of them. Therefore I have a hard time understanding why there are so many of them. Keeping track of them isn't the issue. But the exposure of them in the store and on the front page, is.

(EDITed an error in this post, a post by someone was not showing up at first in the way it used to, there seems to be slight technical forum problems.)

I'm going to agree with you and qualify it a little bit.

My method for choosing a base package is to narrow it down by price range. Then sort through it and compare prices on the titles I need. For instance I wanted "for everyone" series. With dynamic pricing, the upgrade to anglican bronze cost me 250$, the for everyone series for both the old and new testaments would have cost me the same or more at the time. By purchasing the bronze upgrade I got the For Everyone series, and a number of other things i was interested in because they come from a reformed perspective (if not a baptist one).

That has been my approach to purchasing base packages in general - if the contents I need or want can be had for less than the base package, i just buy the individual titles. If however, they are the same (likely) or more expensive than the base package, I buy the base packages. As you can tell from the bottom line of my signature the base packages are consistently cheaper than the sum of the parts I care about.

The L4 BP's were good I thought - strong in commentaries. But even so each BP set has its own strengths and weaknesses now that others make up for. Seems like about 60% of BP items are repeated between generations of BP's (guesstimate - but informed by my work on the spreadsheet comparing all the base packages).

I feel like I have the best of the group (that I can afford at the moment). If it weren't profitable Logos wouldn't have done it. I suspect that when L6 comes were going to see a refresh of all the denominational packages. But I'm not sure. I know they've gotten a lot of extra money out of me here lately.

My signature has my base packages with the exception of two I acquired recently - the (very old) nelson ultimate reference library, and the NAS library 3 that has recently been pulled from the store.

The baptist BP's have some anabaptist material that you may find interesting - though that material is cheaper apart from the BP as I recall. The SDA are also loosely related to the Anabaptist and have some of the Anabaptist works in their BP as well. I had sort of dismissed that package without looking at it. But my dynamic price is only 200$, so perhaps I will find it warrants more investigation - even if there are some things in the package that I will not appreciate as much as others might.

You may or may not know that the anabaptists played a role in the development of the Baptists as well. Some say it was a direct descendency from John the Baptist, others (and this is the position I feel bears the weight of history) saw it as more of a discipleship or mentorship role. In any case, we left one country as Reformed incl paedobaptism, and when they moved again they were a blend of arminians, calvinists and all held to believers baptism.