Pop star Justin Bieber, 24, who began making public declarations for Jesus last year, has visibly turned his social media platform of over 98.8 million followers into a pulpit, and used music events to lead fans to worship God.
The latest, the singer and songwriter last weekend made an appearance at the popular Coachella music festival headlined by Beyoncé , the Weeknd, Eminem – leading the attendees in worship.
Bieber shared his faith, performing an intimate acoustic set, including Cory Asbury’s “Reckless Love,” Mosaic MSC’s hit song “Tremble,” and other popular favorites.
The festival, which features the same lineup over two weekends, happened April 13 and April 20 at Empire Polo Club in Indio, Calif, attracting over 125,000 people per weekend after receiving the city’s approval to expand its capacity.
The Christian Post reported that the crowd was noticeably engaged as the mega-star led the crowd in worship. Many sang along while others raised their hands, the outlet said.
A source close to Bieber recently told local press his next album, which is expected to be released late this year or in early 2019, is going to focus on his faith.
“He has always been religious but the last two years have seen him grow closer to the Hillsong Church and it has changed his entire life. He has a totally different outlook now,” the source also said.
“But his time with the church has revitalized him and although he is working with a lot of the same people who helped to make his last album, Purpose, he is reshaping his sound so it is more in line with the church’s values and beliefs,” the source was quoted as saying, “There are key themes of love and redemption in the tracks he has created so far. It will certainly surprise some fans.”
Although many have questioned his intentions and doubted that his faith would survive the pressures of fame, the singer seems to have strengthened roots. His Instagram bio includes a link to Hillsong’s worship video, “I Surrender,” from the Cornerstone album.
Still on his social media platform, Bieber last week he sang the worship song “Reckless Love” on his Instagram story which reaches his 98.5 million followers. At Easter 2018, he shared a gospel presentation to let his fans know that the holiday was not about bunnies but instead about his savior.
“Easter is not about a bunny, it’s a reminder that my Jesus died on the cross for my sins and then rose from the dead defeating death! I believe this happened and it changes everything! I am set free from bondage and shame. I am a child of the most high God and he loves me,” he wrote in an Instagram post.
The Christian Post says the transformation of Bieber has been widely associated with the mentoring he’s received from Pastor Judah Smith and Hillsong NYC Pastor Carl Lentz, who previously said that he’s invested time in him for years now to see him grow in his walk with God.
