Justin Bieber sells cross painting to help California wildfire victims

Pop sensation Justin Bieber is selling a religious artwork that he painted himself to raise money for the rebuilding of houses that were destroyed by the recent wildfires in California.

The singer recently announced on Instagram that he is selling the painting called "Calvary," which features a cross floating against a background of storm clouds. "Selling this painting I did called 'Calvary.' ALL PROCEEDS GO TO WILDFIRES IN CA," Bieber wrote.

The Thomas wildfire, which started in December, has been seen as the third most destructive blaze in California's modern recorded history, burning more than 700 homes in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

According to Sky News, state forestry officials have declared 2017 to be the most expensive year for fighting fires, with the bill reaching a total of $2.4 billion.

Bieber's announcement to sell his religious artwork follows reports that he has been concentrating on rekindling his faith after being involved in several high-profile behavioral incidents during his career.

When Bieber abruptly canceled the remainder of his world tour in July, some have speculated that the pop star was planning to start his own church.

The singer, however, denied the claim, saying he just needed to rest after spending two years on the road.

After announcing that he is taking a break from his career, Bieber said that he was "ashamed" of his past mistakes and indicated that he wanted to rescue his soul.

Bieber was baptized in the bathtub of NBA star Tyson Chandler in January 2014 after he turned to Hillsong Church at the peak of his public downfall.

At the time, the singer reportedly turned to Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz and said, "I want to know Jesus."

Bieber asked to be baptized immediately, but that night, Lentz could not find a place that was open or not swarming with paparazzi, so the pastor called on Chandler so that he could get access to the tub at his New York apartment building.

The pop star was said to be sobbing and "ravaged by feelings of loss" as he prayed with Lentz before the baptism.

Last month, Bieber shared a photo of a handwritten message that appeared to be an invitation for his followers to get to know Jesus.

"Do you feel you have exhausted all options? Do you feel helpless? Do you feel like you are never good enough? What if I told you that there's a God that's willing to meet you WHEREVER you're at! What if I told you he could take away your pain, shame, guilt, and fears. #JESUS," the message read. "Jesus is changing me from the inside out every day! AND I MISSPELLED GUILT and exhausted," he added.