It seems, as usual, that there will always be negative responses to something positive within this forum.
Personally I am a firm believer in God being able to speak and communicate to me through his written word- one word can spark of a train of thought. For example just yesterday I was reading a passage and the word ' ask ' just prompted me to think about what that word actually conveys and means, what does it mean to ' ask ' God, what does it require ect ect. That word now keeps popping into my mind, and when it does I find myself praying about a person, situation ect.
That is just taking one word from a verse, and yet it led to meditation and a response.
Anyone can read a bible, but it's when you allow yourself to be open to concentrate on one part and allow the Holy Spirit to work and speak into the words on the page that you discover deeper things.
Of course seeing the book as a whole is important, it gives you context - so it's not irrelevant, but their are different kinds of approaches to study - all are valid.
I am also a firm believer that the Holy Spirit talks to us as individuals - so what you discover may not always be grasped by someone else you share it with. I am in a personal relationship with God, and therefore he knows what I am facing, dealing with and where I am on my journey spiritually.
Rita