Restoration 101

Is anyone else sick and tired of the health and wealth stuff that has seemed to gain popularity? It seems that if I just have enough faith and send a "love gift" for at least $9.99, I'll then receive a "point of contact." In other words, the ministry will put a prayer hankerchief, a vial of water, or some smelly soap in the mail for me. It seems that when I receive said above, there's something that happens if I'll just pray with whatever it is.

As always, I've got a few questions about this. First of all, can anyone tell me about this point of contact? Why is my "healing" based on a point of contact. I realize Christ Jesus touched those who needed a miracle. But did Christ have to touch to heal? Didn't He have authority to command and know something would be done? Didn't God speak the world into existence (without physical touch)?

When it comes to healing, often times we think something happens in the physical. But is that what Jesus was really about? Throughout His public ministry, Jesus did heal physical ailments. But what was the reason? Could it be that it was a story within a larger story? In other words, from the physical healing might we learn about the sovereignty of God, the restoration/healing He might provide for the infirm on a spiritual level, etc.? Something else to consider is although we have accounts of healings, did Jesus heal everyone He came into contact?

I realize one post is not enough to get this done. Consider this a discussion starter. And please let me know what you think before I put my $9.99 in the mail.