Matthew Linehan, a U.S. Army veteran and co-founder of Men in Christ Global Ministries, has announced the release of his debut Christian nonfiction book, "Free Indeed: The Seven Keys to Unlock Your Freedom." The book, published by Lucid Books, details Linehan's personal journey from nearly 30 years of addiction to drugs and alcohol to lasting freedom through a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ in January 2015.
Linehan's struggles began after his father died by suicide when Linehan was young. The ensuing grief and pain contributed to decades of addiction, brokenness, and spiritual darkness. However, after surrendering fully to Jesus, Linehan experienced a transformation that he now shares in his book. "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."
"Free Indeed" introduces seven biblical principles that helped Linehan overcome the strongholds that had controlled his life. The book is written for readers struggling with addiction, shame, fear, destructive patterns, and other forms of spiritual or emotional bondage, as well as for the families, ministry leaders, and caregivers walking beside them. Linehan first developed the material while teaching the Free Indeed curriculum at a large church in Houston, Texas, with his wife, Emily. The book combines that curriculum with his personal testimony of addiction, redemption, and freedom in Christ.
Linehan believes the book stands out because of his lived experience. "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."
Although 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, organization, and determination, particularly as he worked through the challenges of staying focused while living with ADHD. His purpose, however, 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 is also a 2018 graduate of the Lakewood Church Pastoral Care Internship and previously served as a men's ministry director at a large church in the Katy, Texas, area. Today, he lives in Taipei, Taiwan, with his wife, Emily, and their daughter, Lilah Kathleen, while continuing to minister internationally and travel regularly to Houston. For more information about the book, visit Lucid Books.
