Why are some practices from Jesus' earthly ministry not appropriate for Christians today?
Some practices from Jesus' earthly ministry belonged to the Jewish economy and Law program, which has slipped off the scene; a new program has come in. Therefore, snake-handling and similar commands were appropriate then but are not valid or enforceable for Christians today, and such verses should not be forced.
Les teaches that certain practices were part and parcel of Christ and His earthly ministry and were appropriate in the Jewish economy, because that is exactly what He had been doing. But they are not appropriate today, because the Jewish program has slipped off the scene and something new has come in. So these verses should not be forced. Les still insists the Gospels should not be torn out of the Bible, since many applications in them remain true for us, just as many Old Testament moral truths remain true. Yet specific things written directly to the Jew under the Law are not for us, such as snake handling or certain Old Testament clothing rules.