After nearly three decades of addiction, U.S. Army veteran Matthew Linehan has released his debut Christian nonfiction book, "Free Indeed: The Seven Keys to Unlock Your Freedom." The book, published by Lucid Books, outlines the biblical principles that Linehan credits with transforming his life after a profound encounter with Jesus Christ in January 2015.
Linehan's journey into addiction began after his father's suicide when he was young, leading to years of grief, pain, and spiritual darkness. His life changed dramatically when he surrendered to Christ, and since then, he has dedicated himself to helping others find the same healing and restoration. "After nearly 30 years of addiction, I encountered Jesus Christ and was completely set free," Linehan said. "I wrote this book because I want people to know that no matter how long they have struggled, freedom is still possible. There is hope, and there is a way forward."
The book introduces seven biblical principles that helped Linehan overcome the strongholds that controlled his life. It is written for readers struggling with addiction, shame, fear, destructive patterns, and other forms of spiritual or emotional bondage, as well as for families, ministry leaders, and caregivers supporting them. Linehan first developed the material while teaching the Free Indeed curriculum with his wife, Emily, at a large church in Houston, Texas. Seeing the impact of biblical teaching and authentic discipleship on people's lives inspired him to combine the curriculum with his personal testimony.
"I believe this book is different because I lived it, walked it out, and came through the other side to talk about it," Linehan said. "These principles are not theories to me. They are biblical truths that transformed my life and became the foundation of the message God has called me to share."
Though friends and family had encouraged him for years to write his story, Linehan began seriously pursuing the project around 2020. The writing process required persistence and organization, especially while managing ADHD. His purpose remained simple: to offer hope. "If readers take away only one thing from this book, I want it to be hope," he said. "Jesus offers abundant new life to everyone who is willing to surrender. Freedom is not reserved for a select few, and no one is too broken, too ashamed, or too far gone to experience the transforming power of God's grace."
Linehan is the co-founder of Men in Christ Global Ministries, an organization dedicated to helping men grow spiritually and develop authentic Christian fellowship. He is also a 2018 graduate of the Lakewood Church Pastoral Care Internship and previously served as a men's ministry director in the Katy, Texas, area. He continues to serve through men's ministry, mentorship, pastoral care, discipleship, and public speaking, living in Taipei, Taiwan, with his wife and daughter while ministering internationally.
For more information about the book and its publisher, visit lucidbookspublishing.com.
