Amps?

[Pfdjr1]

Total Newb Question. You hook up an amplifier that puts out 250W-500W to an AVR with 130-140WPC, and speakers that can handle 15 watts to 300 watts. Does that mean, even though the amp goes as high as 500wpc, I can never go any higher than the max power output of the receiver which(hypothetically) would be 140wpc. Or is that where the amp comes into play(I've never owned an amp). Probably a little vague. I guess I'm just try to learn how an amp and a receiver work together, as it pertains to the recommended output of each device.