I've heard a lot of people say that on a second (or third or fourth) reading new and deeper understanding was the result. There's no hurry. You don't have a deadline to 'report back', nor is it required if you don't want to.
I know they are long, but consider this: Ray wrote after much study, anticipating questions, problems, and objections that thousands of readers from many different backgrounds would have. And he had help with general proof-reading for typos, etc.
Do you realize what it is that you're inviting? Your inviting more-or-less strangers to fill in the blanks. People who themselves have various levels of understanding (including me). People who may not even agree with Ray on every point. And TYPOS, man...TYPOS!!!
The forum isn't the place to develop your understanding. I'm sorry...it just isn't. The MATERIALS are, with an open bible and mind. The articles, the audio/video, the transcripts, the emails. That's where it is at.
You are correct when you say that it takes a long time--even a lifetime--to fully absorb the great depth that is in Scripture. Let it be YOUR lifetime and your life. Live, think, grow, reconsider, be tested, pray for wisdom, live, think, grow, be tested. Nothing I can write in a forum post is likely to really help. There is zero evidence it ever has. But maybe this will encourage you...after 6 and 1/2 years, I can no longer FIT everything in a forum post.