After nearly 30 years of addiction to drugs and alcohol, U.S. Army veteran Matthew Linehan says he encountered Jesus Christ and was completely set free. His new book, Free Indeed: The Seven Keys to Unlock Your Freedom, published by Lucid Books, outlines the biblical principles that transformed his life and offers hope to those still struggling.
Linehan's path to addiction began after his father died by suicide when he was young. The grief and pain contributed to decades of brokenness and spiritual darkness. In January 2015, his life changed when he surrendered fully to Jesus Christ. Since then, he has remained committed to helping others discover the healing and restoration he found through faith.
"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 had controlled his life. Written for readers struggling with addiction, shame, fear, and destructive patterns, it also serves families, ministry leaders, and caregivers walking alongside those in bondage.
Linehan first developed the material while teaching the Free Indeed curriculum with his wife, Emily, at a large church in Houston, Texas. Witnessing the impact of biblical teaching and authentic discipleship, he combined the curriculum with his personal testimony of addiction and redemption.
"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 determination, especially while managing ADHD. His purpose remained 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 co-founded Men in Christ Global Ministries, an organization dedicated to helping men grow spiritually and become leaders. He is a 2018 graduate of the Lakewood Church Pastoral Care Internship and previously served as a men's ministry director in Katy, Texas. He now lives in Taipei, Taiwan, with his wife and daughter, continuing his ministry internationally.
Lucid Books, an independent hybrid publisher in the Houston area, published the book. For more information, visit lucidbookspublishing.com.
