dear EndofMysteries...
I believe that when the bible speaks of the earth being destroyed by fire that phraise can be explained by the "word" of Jesus.(matthew 3:11-12, 12:49, 2 thess 1:6-10) scripture indicates that in the end of time that His words would judge "the world".(john 12:48)
Have you heard the expression "fire and brimstone preacher"?...that is someone who preaches the whole council of God, including the parts about sin and judgement.
It is entirely possible that the malachi reference to elijah at the end of time is referring to him speaking the words of God (by the Spirit and power of God)in a "fire and brimstone" kind of way...which would be in keeping with certain elements of his character in the OT . (mal 3:2-3, 4:1)
how satan mimics the fire from heaven can be two fold...in speaking the word but misleading the masses by not declaring the whole council of God so that the word is without effect and therefore corrupted for the intended use (the Holy Spirit convicts of sin and judgement). Since satan is also active in the physical world he can and will use "physical" means as well as corrupting the "spiritual"...mankind should expect a manifestation in the physical realm in the form of "calling fire down from heaven"...however that fire is not the word of God but "firepower"...
The middle east conflict has prepared the physical battleground...and jerusalem is the hot spot. imo. (rev 11:7-10)...there are times in the bible that the spiritual is a pattern for the physical, not all things are seen with the "naked" eye...rev 3:17-18
love michelle