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Acts 10 offers some insight into the heart of God and how he works to break down barriers.

In this passage a Roman centurion named Cornelius, who is a "god-fearer" (Gentile who practices Judaism but hasn't been through ritual circumcision) is told by an angel to send for Simon Peter, who is staying nearby on the coast. He immediately dispatches three men to bring Peter to his house. You've gotta admire such obedience and faith.

Meanwhile, Peter is sunning (actually praying, but he may have multitasked) on the roof of his friend's house by the sea, and he has a vision. In this vision he sees all kinds of food that is verboten to a Jew - like pork, shellfish, and the like. A voice tells him to "pig out." (loosely translated)

Peter answers, "No way!"

Again, the voice says, "Eat."

Peter resists.

Finally, he hears, "Don't call anything unclean that the Lord calls clean."

As he scratches his head, wondering what all this means, the men arrive to invite Peter to Cornelius' house. Meanwhile, Peter is told, again in a vision, to expect company.

The men take Peter to Cornelius' house, where Peter shares the story of Jesus with the entire household. And, to his wonderment, the Holy Spirit shows up in power, and the entire gathering responds to the message by placing their faith in Christ.

Peter is blown away, and exclaims, "Wow! The gospel is for everyone. God has no favorites. Anyone can come to him in faith." (or words to that effect)

The same is true today. God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.