Justin Bieber is on a spiritual retreat away from worldly temptations

 Justin Bieber/Twitter

Justin Bieber is on a two-week break in the luxurious Rancho Mirage resort outside Palm Springs, California – but it's not the luxury that he's there for.

The star is spending time with Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz, who has become a mentor to him as he has struggled to overcome his issues with drink, drugs and other challenging behaviour.

According to gossip website TMZ, he has "exiled himself" from friends, alcohol and marijuana during the retreat. He was pictured reading the book Occupy All Streets, the study guide to a programme taught by Lentz aimed at teaching students "to see themselves how God sees them, as agents for change in His kingdom".

Lentz has previously said of Bieber to CBN: "I love Justin, he's a good kid. He's trying to figure this out ... People who are like, 'Is he even a Christian?' With Justin, I tell people grace and acceptance does not mean approval. I can accept you as a human being and not approve of your actions. That's how we've been loved. We love because we were first loved... With Justin, it's not my job to be his police officer. It's my job to be a friend to him, and that's all I am."

related articles
Justin Bieber turns to Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz to get over split from Selena Gomez
Justin Bieber turns to Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz to get over split from Selena Gomez

Justin Bieber turns to Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz to get over split from Selena Gomez

Justin Bieber says he is turning his life around, vows to stop smoking marijuana
Justin Bieber says he is turning his life around, vows to stop smoking marijuana

Justin Bieber says he is turning his life around, vows to stop smoking marijuana

News
You are the light of the world and the salt of the earth: the power of Christian distinctiveness
You are the light of the world and the salt of the earth: the power of Christian distinctiveness

As a Christian, there may be times when you feel small, powerless, or even question your place in the world. You may ask yourself, “What difference do I make?”

Critics call CofE's school guidance unbiblical
Critics call CofE's school guidance unbiblical

The Church of England has been accused of failing to uphold Biblical views on sexuality and gender following a string of concerning cases at Church of England schools and an update to its anti-bullying guidance.

GPs and psychiatrists express concern about proposed assisted suicide laws
GPs and psychiatrists express concern about proposed assisted suicide laws

GPs have described proposals to legalise assisted suicide as "highly dangerous" and "cruel".