After nearly three decades of addiction, U.S. Army veteran Matthew Linehan experienced a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ in January 2015. Now, in his debut Christian nonfiction book, Free Indeed: The Seven Keys to Unlock Your Freedom, Linehan shares the biblical principles that led him out of bondage and into lasting freedom. The book, released by Lucid Books, is designed for readers struggling with addiction, shame, fear, and destructive patterns, as well as for families, ministry leaders, and caregivers walking alongside them.
Linehan's journey began with profound grief after his father's suicide, which contributed to decades of addiction, brokenness, and spiritual darkness. His transformation came when he surrendered fully to Jesus Christ, and he has since dedicated his life to helping others discover the healing and hope he found. "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 Linehan used to overcome the strongholds that controlled his life. These principles are not theoretical; they are truths he has lived out. "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. They are biblical truths that transformed my life and became the foundation of the message God has called me to share."
Linehan first developed the material while teaching the Free Indeed curriculum with his wife, Emily, at a large church in Houston, Texas. The positive impact of biblical teaching and authentic discipleship on people's lives inspired him to combine the curriculum with his personal testimony. Although friends and family had encouraged him for years to write his story, Linehan seriously pursued the project around 2020. The writing process required persistence and determination, especially as he navigated the challenges of ADHD.
His purpose remains simple: "If readers take away only one thing from this book, I want it to be hope," Linehan 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 become leaders. 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. Today, he continues to serve through men's ministry, mentorship, pastoral care, and public speaking. He lives in Taipei, Taiwan, with his wife and daughter, while ministering internationally and traveling regularly to Houston.
Lucid Books, the publisher, is an independent hybrid publisher in the Houston area. As a partnership publisher, Lucid Books offers the connections and expertise of a traditional publisher with the author involvement of a self-publisher. For more information, visit lucidbookspublishing.com.
