[papertyger]

God's Word states that apart from Him you can do nothing.

Well that all revolves around how you define "apart from Him" doesn't it?

I dare say the interpretation under consideration here puts itself at odds with the parable of the talents.

I believe both are true, but that the notion of proclaiming something is or is not done "in Christ" is as misunderstood as the notion the Scriptures teach a geocentric universe, or that the parable of the leaven teaches a universal evangelization.

As for good fruit, what kind do you want?

[jer33 3]

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25