After nearly three decades of addiction, U.S. Army veteran Matthew Linehan says a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ set him free. Now, his debut Christian nonfiction book, Free Indeed: The Seven Keys to Unlock Your Freedom, aims to guide others toward the same liberation. The book, released by Lucid Books, presents seven biblical principles that Linehan credits with transforming his life after years of substance abuse and spiritual darkness.
Linehan's journey into addiction began after his father's suicide during his childhood. The ensuing grief and pain fueled a downward spiral that lasted into his adult years. In January 2015, he says he surrendered fully to Christ, an experience that marked the beginning of his recovery. Since then, he has dedicated himself to helping others find the healing and hope he discovered.
"I wrote this book because I want people to know that no matter how long they have struggled, freedom is still possible," Linehan said. "There is hope, and there is a way forward." The book combines personal testimony with Scripture-based teaching, making it relevant for individuals dealing with addiction, shame, fear, and other forms of bondage, as well as for families and ministry leaders who support them.
The concept for the book originated when Linehan and his wife, Emily, taught a curriculum at a large church in Houston, Texas. Witnessing the impact of biblical teaching and authentic discipleship on others inspired him to merge that curriculum with his own story of redemption. "I believe this book is different because I lived it, walked it out, and came through the other side to talk about it," he said. "These principles are not theories to me."
Though friends and family had encouraged him for years to write his story, Linehan began seriously working on the project around 2020. The writing process presented challenges, including staying focused while living with ADHD, but his purpose remained clear: to offer hope. "Jesus offers abundant new life to everyone who is willing to surrender," he said. "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 focused on helping men grow spiritually and become leaders. He is also a graduate of the Lakewood Church Pastoral Care Internship and has served as a men's ministry director in the Katy, Texas, area. He continues his ministry internationally from Taipei, Taiwan, where he lives with his wife and daughter.
Lucid Books, an independent hybrid publisher based in Houston, released the book. For more information about the publisher, visit lucidbookspublishing.com.
